How to find old 401(k)s

A 401(k) plan can help you save for your retirement. However, because these plans are employer-specific, the money doesn’t transfer automatically when you change your job. If you leave a job, your 401(k) funds typically remain in your old account unless you take action. 

For small balances (generally under $7,000), your former employer may transfer your funds to an IRA if you do not respond to distribution notices. However, if the plan cannot locate you and the funds remain unclaimed, they may eventually be transferred to the state’s unclaimed property program, following state law.

Why is it important to find an old 401(k)?

Finding an old 401(k) as soon as possible can be critical if you want to maximize your future retirement income. This is largely because it’s more effective to know where all of your 401(k) money is, rather than having multiple 401(k) accounts, so that you can have complete control over your finances. Additionally, you can assess the fees and investment options of your old 401(k) and decide whether or not you want to keep the funds there, rollover the funds to your new 401(k) account, or rollover the funds to an individual retirement account (IRA). 

How to find an old 401(k): 11 ways

1. Contact your previous employer

Perhaps the easiest way to find a lost 401(k) is to contact your previous employer’s plan administrator, which is usually found via their HR department. They likely have the details of your 401(k) account, where it is currently administered, and/or where the lost funds were sent. 

If you still have a balance in the plan, they can generally assist with instructions on transferring your existing balance to a new 401(k) account or IRA. While contacting your old employer, be sure to provide them with necessary details such as your complete name, social security number, and the exact period for which you worked for them.

2. Find out whether the funds have been transferred to an IRA

If your retirement account had a vested balance of more than $7,000, the money should be in your old account with your previous employer, assuming the plan is still active. Technically, you can leave the money there until you reach the age of 73 years, when you are required to start taking minimum distributions. If the plan has been terminated or merged, your funds may have been transferred to another plan or to an IRA.

If your plan administrator has transferred your 401(k) balance to an IRA, they should be able to provide you with the name of the IRA custodian as well as how to reach them to access your funds.

3. Refer to your old account statement

Referring to your old records is another good way to find your 401(k) account. Old account statements will give you your previous employer or plan administrator’s contact information. You can then get in touch with them for further information or action.

4. Contact your former colleagues

Some of your former employees who worked with you may have their old records with them. If you cannot locate the information yourself, consider referring to their records to get contact information of your old employer or plan administrator.

5. Unclaimed 401(k) plan search

The National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits lists retirement accounts in the United States that have unclaimed balances. It is designed to help employees locate their abandoned accounts, and you can check the database online to see if your account is listed there.

7. Check Form 5500

Most of the retirement plans file Form 5500 with the federal government. These forms are available on the DOL’s website. Consider searching for the form filed by your former employer by name or EIN. If you can find the form, you can get your former employer’s contact details from it.

8. Search the abandoned plan database

The U.S. Department of Labor maintains an online database of abandoned plans. You can search this database to see if your plan has been or is in the process of being terminated. In either case, you can note the name of the Qualified Termination Administrator and contact them for further action on your account.

9. Check databases of unclaimed property

In addition to the National Registry, other online databases can help you track your missing retirement funds. These databases include the unclaimed property database, which is offered in every state, as well as the U.S. Pension Guaranty Corporation database. 

10. Check your tax returns

You can also check your old tax returns to see if you have made any contributions toward a retirement plan. A 401(k) contribution would appear in box 12 of your W-2 form.

11. Use Human Interest to find old 401(k)s 

Manually finding old 401(k)s and navigating the associated transfer paperwork can be an overwhelming process. Human Interest’s Rollover Concierge™ addresses this challenge by streamlining the process, allowing participants to easily find and consolidate their past retirement accounts to gain clarity and control over their financial future, all at no cost. 

How to avoid losing a 401(k) account

To avoid leaving a 401(k) behind, consider rolling over your 401(k) account. You can either roll over the funds to your new employer’s plan or to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). You might want to go with the option of trustee-to-trustee transfer so your money gets transferred directly to your new retirement account without the burden of tax withholdings and penalties.

How to get my retirement money from an old employer

Your employer may allow you to leave your existing balance in your old 401(k) account. But you cannot continue contributing to your old plan after you leave your job. Still, it can be particularly helpful in cases where mutual funds charge your company lower management fees than what they would charge you as an individual investor.

Transferring your money to an IRA or rolling it over to your current employer may also have advantages. It gives you more options in terms of investments and more flexibility in terms of account fees.

The bottom line

Finding an old 401(k) is crucial to avoid losing track of your retirement savings and to maximize your nest egg. Consolidating old accounts into your current 401(k) or an IRA can simplify management and ensure your investments align with your current financial goals. It also prevents unclaimed funds from becoming lost or dormant, giving you full control over your retirement planning and helping you optimize your financial future.

If you are searching for an old 401(k) from a previous employer, we recommend using Human Interest. Rollover Concierge™, in partnership with Capitalize, helps you find and move funds from existing accounts into a Human Interest 401(k) (if applicable). The tool automates the process, handling much of the behind-the-scenes work so you can focus on your next steps. Rolling into a Human Interest 401(k) offers benefits like low-cost investment options and zero transaction fees¹, meaning you won’t be charged for rollovers, distributions, or trades. Contact us today to learn more about how Rollover Concierge™ simplifies your rollover.