Quick answer: The Pension Tracing Service is a free UK government service (gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details) that finds contact details for lost workplace and personal pensions. It gives you the provider's details only — not the value — so you then contact each provider directly. Never pay a private "tracing" service; the official one is free.
How to use it (4 steps)
- Gather employer names, dates, old payslips/P60s, your NI number
- Use the free service at gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details (or call 0800 731 0193)
- Contact each provider with your details to get the current value
- Decide: leave it, consolidate, transfer, or take benefits
Only use the official gov.uk service. Sites charging fees for "pension tracing" are adding needless cost — or are scams.
What it does and doesn't do
- Does: give you the scheme/provider contact details
- Doesn't: tell you the pot value, consolidate, or transfer anything
If the provider has gone bust
UK pensions are protected — DC pots are held in trust separate from the provider; DB schemes go to the Pension Protection Fund. Your money isn't lost.
What to do with found pensions
Often consolidating small DC pots cuts fees — but check for guaranteed annuity rates first. Don't transfer DB pensions without regulated advice. The 2026 Pensions Dashboard will eventually show all your pensions in one place.
Read next: Pension consolidation service.
Frequently asked questions
The Pension Tracing Service is a free UK government service that helps you find contact details for lost workplace and personal pensions. It doesn't tell you how much is in the pension or transfer it — it only gives you the administrator's contact details so you can get in touch.
Yes, it's completely free. It's run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Any website or service charging you for pension tracing is either adding unnecessary middleman fees or, worse, trying to scam you.
The online service gives you contact details immediately. Getting your pension value from the administrator usually takes 2-4 weeks. If they can't find you easily, it can take longer — keep old payslips and P60s handy.
The name of the employer or pension provider helps most. If you only know your employer, the service will still find the matching scheme. Having your old NI number, dates of employment, and any pension reference numbers helps speed things up once you contact the provider.
Yes. As executor or next of kin, you can contact the Pension Tracing Service on their behalf. You'll need a death certificate and proof of your authority (grant of probate, letters of administration).
Often yes — fewer pots means lower total fees and easier management. But defined benefit pensions are usually best left alone. Regulated advice is required if you're considering transferring a DB pension worth over £30,000.
UK pensions are protected. Defined contribution pensions are held in trust separate from the provider's assets. Defined benefit schemes of failed employers are protected by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). Your money is safe, though the payout rules vary.