How to find a lost pension or 401(k) after a death

Make a list of past employers

Go through old tax forms, pay stubs and letters. Ask family about jobs they held long ago. Include employers that merged or closed, because a successor company or plan may hold the benefit.

Write to each employer

Ask the human resources office whether the person had a pension or retirement plan, and what's due to survivors. Ask for the plan administrator if the company has closed.

Check PBGC

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has a free search for pensions from private plans that ended. Search by last name and the last four digits of the Social Security number. A match is only a first step. You then call PBGC with more details. Its page doesn't describe the process for heirs, so ask when you call.

The Department of Labor database

The Retirement Savings Lost and Found covers private employer and union plans. We couldn't confirm that an heir can use it for someone who died, so ask the Department of Labor or the plan.

Railroad workers

If they received Railroad Retirement, report the death right away to the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.

Investment accounts

Look for statements and tax forms. Once you know the firm, notify it and give it a death certificate and a court letter naming the executor. Firms differ, so FINRA suggests asking what each one needs.

Want this tracked for you? The free checklist covers every step for your state. The Search Kit adds letters filled in with your details and a place to record what you find.

Where this comes from

Checked November 6, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See how we check facts or report a mistake.