Do You Have a 401(k) Somewhere? Here's How to Locate It

You’re not alone if you’ve lost track of a retirement account from a previous job. With the average American holding more than a dozen jobs during their working years, it’s surprisingly easy for a 401(k) to slip through the cracks. The good news? Over $1.65 trillion sits unclaimed in forgotten or abandoned retirement accounts—and recovering yours might be easier than you think.

Why Forgotten 401(k)s Are More Common Than You Think

Life happens fast. You get laid off, relocate for a new opportunity, or simply move on to the next role without properly handling your retirement funds. In the shuffle of job hunting and relocation, that 401(k) gets pushed to the back of your mind. Workers born between 1957 and 1964 averaged 12.4 job changes before age 54, meaning account mix-ups are part of the modern career landscape.

The stakes are real. The average unclaimed balance in a forgotten 401(k) is $56,616—money that could make a significant difference in your financial picture. Yet many people have no idea where these funds are or how to track them down.

Method 1: Start With Your Former Employer

The simplest approach is often the most direct. Contact your previous employer’s human resources or benefits department and ask if they maintain any 401(k) accounts under your name. Most companies keep records going back years.

If the company no longer exists, you’ll need to identify the plan administrator—the financial institution managing the account. You can locate this information through the Department of Labor’s EFAST tool, which maintains plan records dating back to 2010. Start with the Form 5500 Series Search, which will show you administrator contact details and plan information.

Method 2: Search Free Federal Databases

If direct contact doesn’t work, the federal government offers multiple free resources specifically designed to help you find unclaimed retirement funds.

National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits

This registry serves as a comprehensive database for employees searching for retirement money. Simply enter your Social Security number, and the system will search for any 401(k)s or retirement plans in your name. If a match appears, you’ll immediately see which employer or financial institution holds your funds. No charge applies to use this service.

Once you find your account, you can authorize the registry to contact your former plan sponsor on your behalf, or you can reach out directly. You’ll receive a Benefit Election form allowing you to choose between a lump sum distribution or rolling the money into another retirement account.

Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database

Operated by the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), this database targets lost retirement accounts across the private sector. To access it, you’ll need to verify your identity through Login.gov—a secure federal portal. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by providing your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, mobile number, and a photo of your driver’s license.

One important caveat: this database searches only for defined-contribution plans like 401(k)s and doesn’t include individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or government/religious entity plans. It focuses exclusively on private-sector employer and union-sponsored benefits. Additionally, the search results may only confirm your participation in a plan—the funds might have already been rolled over or distributed.

Missing Money

Missing Money operates as a national clearinghouse for unclaimed property, including retirement accounts. Search by entering your name on the homepage, then choose whether to search specific states or all 50 states simultaneously. Once you identify missing property in your name, you’ll find a link to the relevant state authority through which you can file your claim.

The platform updates daily, ensuring you have access to the most current information about unclaimed retirement funds.

What To Do Once You Find Your Account

Once you’ve located your missing 401(k), the recovery process depends on its current status. If funds remain with the original plan, you can request a distribution or execute a rollover to an IRA or new employer plan. Each option carries different tax implications, so consider consulting a financial advisor before deciding.

The key is acting promptly. Many plans charge fees or may distribute funds automatically under certain conditions if left unclaimed too long. By taking these steps to locate and claim your account, you’re taking control of money that rightfully belongs to your retirement future.

Whether you suspect a single missing 401(k) or suspect multiple accounts are floating out there, these free resources make the search straightforward. Start today by contacting your former employer or conducting an online search—your retirement fund may already be waiting for you.