Introduction
If you wonder how do I find out what pensions I have, you’re not alone. Thousands in the UK lose track of workplace pensions from past jobs. This guide answers how do I find out what pensions I have step by step, using free tracing services and expert advice. You’ll learn what information to gather, how to trace lost pensions, and what to do once you find them. The keyword appears throughout for clarity and effective SEO.
How Do I Find Out What Pensions I Have by Listing Past Employers?
You start by drafting a timeline of all your UK employers and pension contributions.
- List each job with start/end dates.
- Include self‑employed or personal pension schemes.
- Record any pensions refunded automatically when you left early (e.g. before 1975 or less than two years service).
Using this list, you know which workplace pensions to investigate and reduce duplication.
How do I find out what pensions I have if I don’t know providers?
You can find provider names using:
- Old paperwork, annual statements or plan letters.
- Contact former employers or HR departments.
- If the employer no longer exists, check Pension Protection Fund records or ABI directories.
How Do I Find Out What Pensions I Have Using the Pension Tracing Service UK?
The UK government’s Pension Tracing Service helps trace schemes.
- Visit the GOV.UK ‘Find pension contact details’ service.
- Provide the employer or provider name.
- Submit online, call 0800 731 0175 or write by post.
The service returns contact details—not pension values.
How do I find out what pensions I have using free private tools like Gretel?
New services like Gretel offer an alternative.
- Register and verify via email.
- Add personal details and NI number.
- Gretel searches credit‑history and company databases to locate pensions (and other dormant assets).
- Receive dashboard updates every two weeks as more providers join.
How do I find out what pensions I have by contacting providers directly?
Once you have provider details:
- Write or email the pension administrator.
- Provide: National Insurance number, dates of work, previous addresses and names.
- Ask for confirmation of pension existence, value, fees, and benefits.
How do I find out what pensions I have if I have public‑sector pensions?
If you worked for a public sector employer (e.g. NHS, Civil Service, Local Authority):
- Check specific pension scheme portals.
- For Civil Service pensions, eligibility depends on employment dates and length of service. HMRC subject access request may help.
“You may recover substantial pension wealth if you search thoroughly.” — Pension specialist at MoneyHelper.
How Do I Decide What to Do once I Find your Pension Pots?
Once identified, evaluate:
- Type of pension (defined contribution vs defined benefit).
- Fee levels (watch out older schemes charging 1 % or more).
- Benefits guarantees (e.g. guaranteed annuity rates).
- Whether to consolidate into one Self‑Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) or provider, if it lowers fees and simplifies management.
| Pension Pot | Type (DC or DB) | Annual Fee | Transfer Benefit? |
| Example Pot A | DC | 0.5 % | Yes |
| Example Pot B | DB | N/A | Seek advice |
What are upcoming changes affecting how do I find out what pensions I have?
- The Pensions Dashboard, run by the Money and Pensions Service, aims to centralise pension information. Full public access is expected between late 2026 and early 2027.
- From April 2027, unused pensions must be included in inheritance tax calculations; executors must locate all pension pots or face penalties up to £3,200.
These upcoming changes make it more important to locate pensions now.
Can I find my pensions using my NI number?
Yes, your National Insurance number is key to pension tracing. Most services (including the government tracing service and private apps like Gretel) request it to match you with any existing schemes.
- It helps confirm your identity and link different pension pots.
- Some providers also use it to validate contribution history and entitlement.
- If you’re contacting a provider directly, always include your NI number for faster verification.
Is there an App Where I Can See all My Pensions?
Currently, apps like Gretel, PensionBee, and Moneyhub allow partial pension viewing. The upcoming Pensions Dashboard will offer full visibility across all schemes when launched.
How do I find out how much I have in my People’s Pension?
Log in at thepeople’spension.co.uk with your account details. You can:
- View your balance,
- Update personal details,
- Check contributions and investments.
If unsure, contact their customer service with your NI number and date of birth.
How do I find out what pensions I have online?
Use:
- gov.uk pension tracing service,
- Gretel,
- Your pension provider’s login portals,
- Employer portals if still active.
Many offer secure online access and downloadable statements.
How do I find out if I have a pension from an old job?
Contact the HR department of that employer or use the government tracing service. Provide:
- Employer name,
- Dates you worked,
- NI number.
This reveals if they enrolled you in a workplace pension.
“Combining pensions often saves fees and simplifies planning.” — Financial adviser commentary on pension consolidation.
Conclusion
You now understand how do I find out what pensions I have: list your employers, uncover providers, use the Pension Tracing Service or tools like Gretel, contact administrators, and compare pots. The main keyword appears throughout to reinforce the message. Finding lost pensions can significantly improve retirement planning and prevent unclaimed funds from being overlooked. Act now to uncover everything you’re owed.
FAQs
How long does tracing a pension take?
Tracing can take 4–12 weeks, depending on the provider’s responsiveness.
Does the Pension Tracing Service show pension values?
No, it only provides contact details. You must contact the provider for amounts.
Is Gretel a paid service?
No, Gretel is free. Providers fund it. It searches every two weeks as more firms join.
Should I combine all pensions?
You should weigh benefits and fees. Don’t transfer a defined benefit pot over £30,000 without professional advice.
