Every year, National Pension Tracing Day encourages people across the UK to take a closer look at their retirement savings and track down any pensions they may have lost or forgotten along the way.
In 2026, National Pension Tracing Day falls on Sunday 25 October, the same day the clocks go back. The campaign uses the idea of the “extra hour” gained that day to remind people to spend some time checking their pension records and ensuring they are not missing out on money they have earned throughout their working lives.
Why Does Pension Tracing Matter?
The way we work has changed significantly over recent decades. Many people now have multiple jobs throughout their careers, often moving employers every few years. Each workplace may have provided access to a different pension scheme, making it easy for pension pots to be forgotten over time.
Research suggests there are now millions of lost or unclaimed pension pots across the UK, worth billions of pounds collectively. For many individuals, a forgotten pension could be worth several thousand pounds, potentially making a real difference to their retirement income.
A change of address, a company closure, a merger, or simply losing old paperwork can all result in pension savings becoming difficult to trace. The good news is that these pensions are rarely lost forever. With a little detective work, many can be found and reunited with their rightful owners.
Who Should Check?
You may want to trace old pensions if you have:
- Worked for multiple employers during your career.
- Changed your name or address and not updated pension providers.
- Lost contact with a previous employer.
- Worked part-time or temporarily and are unsure whether you were enrolled in a pension scheme.
- Never consolidated your pension arrangements.
- Retired but are uncertain whether all your pension benefits have been taken into account.
For many CSPA members, a long and varied career may mean several pension arrangements accumulated over decades of employment.
How to Trace a Lost Pension
1. Make a List of Previous Employers
Start by writing down:
- Names of former employers
- Approximate dates of employment
- Job titles and locations
Even incomplete information can be useful when tracking down a pension scheme.
2. Search Through Old Records
Check any paperwork you have retained, including:
- Payslips
- P45s and P60s
- Pension statements
- Employment contracts
- Staff handbooks
These documents may contain the name of the pension provider or scheme.
3. Contact Former Employers
If a company still exists, their HR or payroll department may be able to tell you which pension provider was used and how to contact them.
4. Use the Government’s Pension Tracing Service
The Government’s free Pension Tracing Service can help you locate contact details for workplace and personal pension schemes.
The service does not tell you whether you have a pension or how much it is worth, but it can provide the information you need to contact the right pension provider and begin your search.
You can access the service online through Find pension contact details – GOV.UK or by telephone.
Keep Your Pension Records Up to Date
Once you have located your pensions, it is important to:
- Notify providers if you move house.
- Update contact information when circumstances change.
- Keep pension statements in a safe place.
- Maintain a record of all pension schemes you belong to.
Taking these simple steps can make future pension management much easier.
A Small Effort That Could Pay Off
Retirement planning often starts with understanding what savings you already have. National Pension Tracing Day provides the perfect reminder to spend an hour reviewing your records and ensuring none of your hard-earned pension savings have been left behind.
Whether you are approaching retirement, already retired, or simply helping a friend or family member organise their finances, tracing a lost pension could uncover money that might otherwise have remained forgotten.
This National Pension Tracing Day, take advantage of the extra hour and see whether a valuable part of your retirement savings is waiting to be rediscovered.
