A growing number of retirees are locating forgotten retirement accounts using a federal database created under the SECURE 2.0 Act. In its first year, nearly 70,000 Americans age 65 and older identified old 401(k)s or pensions tied to their Social Security number.
If you’ve changed jobs over the years, there’s a measurable chance part of your retirement savings may still be sitting with a former employer.
What Is the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database?
The Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database is a federal online tool created by the U.S. Department of Labor under the SECURE 2.0 Act. It helps individuals age 65 and older locate old 401(k) accounts, pensions, and private-sector workplace retirement plans associated with their Social Security number.
The system provides contact information for the plan administrator if a match is found. It does not confirm balances or guarantee payment.
How Many Retirees Are Finding Lost 401(k)s?
According to Department of Labor data:
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236,269 unique users logged into the database between launch (late 2024) and the end of 2025
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29.5% of users — 69,712 individuals — found at least one retirement account tied to their Social Security number
While the Department does not track outcomes after a match, retirement law professionals indicate that many positive searches likely represent legitimate recoverable funds.
Why Do So Many Retirement Accounts Get Lost?
Workforce mobility is the primary driver.
The average U.S. worker holds roughly 13 jobs between ages 18 and 58. Each job transition increases the risk of leaving behind a retirement account.
Current estimates show:
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31.9 million 401(k) accounts remain with former employers
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Those accounts total approximately $2.1 trillion
Retirement savings may become difficult to track due to:
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Employer mergers or closures
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Automatic IRA rollovers for balances under $7,000
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Cash-outs for balances under $1,000
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Outdated contact information
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Recordkeeper changes
Over decades, even disciplined savers can lose visibility into small or mid-sized accounts.
Who Is Eligible to Use the Database?
The Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database currently applies only to:
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Individuals age 65 or older
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Private-sector and union-sponsored retirement plans
It does not include:
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Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
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Government-sponsored retirement plans
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Certain religious organization plans
Users may search only using their own Social Security number. The system does not currently allow searches on behalf of deceased spouses.
How to Find a Lost 401(k) Using the Federal Database
If you qualify, the process is straightforward:
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Visit the U.S. Department of Labor Retirement Savings Lost and Found website
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Log in securely using identity verification
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Search using your Social Security number
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Review any listed retirement plans
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Contact the plan administrator for verification and next steps
A match provides contact details — not confirmation of balance or payout. Verification occurs directly with the plan sponsor.
Is a Positive Match Guaranteed to Pay Out?
No.
A positive result means the database identified a retirement plan associated with your Social Security number. It does not confirm:
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Current balance
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Eligibility status
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Vesting completion
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Distribution availability
However, retirement advocacy groups report that many users have successfully reconnected with funds ranging from modest monthly pension payments to five-figure 401(k) balances.
Why This Matters for Retirement Planning
Rediscovering a lost retirement account can materially affect:
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Required minimum distribution (RMD) planning
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Income forecasting
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Asset allocation
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Estate strategy
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Tax efficiency
Even smaller accounts may strengthen liquidity or diversify retirement income streams.
In a high-inflation environment, additional capital — however modest — may improve long-term stability.
What If You’re Under 65?
If you are not yet eligible for the Department of Labor database, other options include:
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
The PBGC’s Missing Participants Program helps locate benefits from terminated pension plans.
State Unclaimed Property Programs
Retirement distributions and checks may be transferred to state unclaimed property offices.
Contact Former Employers
Corporate mergers often preserve plan records under successor entities.
Review Old Tax Documents
W-2 forms and prior statements often list plan administrators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can younger workers use the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database?
No. The tool currently applies only to individuals age 65 and older.
Does the database include IRAs?
No. Individual Retirement Accounts are not included in the federal database.
Can I search for my deceased spouse?
Not at this time. Searches are limited to the individual’s own Social Security number.
Is the database free to use?
Yes. The Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database is free and maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Does a match guarantee money?
No. A match provides plan contact information but does not guarantee a payout or confirm account balance.
The Structural Shift Behind the Problem
The expansion of defined-contribution plans like 401(k)s has shifted responsibility from employers to individuals. Unlike traditional pensions, which centralized benefits, modern retirement savings follow workers across multiple employers.
The result is fragmentation — and sometimes lost visibility.
The early adoption data suggests the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database may reconnect thousands more retirees with dormant savings as awareness grows.
For eligible retirees, the search requires minimal effort and carries no financial risk. Given the scale of unclaimed workplace retirement accounts nationwide, the potential upside may justify taking a closer look.
Source: CNBC, “Retirement savings ‘lost and found’ helps retirees track down old 401(k)s, pensions — how it works” (Feb. 4, 2026) — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/04/retirement-savings-lost-and-found.html
AI-assisted research and drafting tools were used in the preparation of this article. All information has been independently rewritten and structured for educational and informational purposes.
