How to Locate an Old 401k?

3 Steps to Find Your Missing 401k.

1. Check Old Paperwork

• Old Statements: Check your files or online banking records. Even a partial statement can provide valuable information.
• Tax Records: Look for past W-2 forms listing employer contributions to a 401(k).

2. Contact Your Former Employer

• Call your old company’s HR or benefits department.
• If the company merged or went out of business, find out if the 401(k) plan was transferred to another administrator.

3. Search Online Resources

• National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits: Search with your Social Security Number for free (https://www.unclaimedretirementbenefits.com).
• Department of Labor’s Abandoned Plan Database: (https://www.askebsa.dol.gov/abandonedplansearch)
• MissingMoney.com or your state’s Unclaimed Property Office (https://www.missingmoney.com) can help locate accounts that have been turned over to the state.

It’s surprisingly common to lose track of a 401k account after switching jobs. Life gets busy, and those old retirement accounts can slip out of mind. But those misplaced funds are important for your future financial security. Luckily, there are ways to find them!