National Pension Tracing Day
National Pension Tracing Day helps people track down forgotten retirement savings. It encourages you to dig into past jobs and old pension plans.
Many people move, switch jobs, or miss letters, and lose sight of their pension pots.
Some estimates suggest millions of pension accounts—worth tens of billions—sit unclaimed. This day gives a clear reminder to check in. It shows how a few minutes of effort can uncover thousands hidden away.
This observance builds a friendly bridge to better financial well-being. It reminds us to gather old documents, use free tracing tools, and reach out to pension providers if needed.
People who dig often find surprising boosts, like extra income in retirement or valuable defined-benefit plans. It speaks to everyday life: small actions today can unlock real rewards later.
The story flows naturally from curiosity to discovery, inviting everyone to take part in this simple, empowering journey.
How to Celebrate National Pension Tracing Day
Here’s an expanded version of each suggestion, keeping it lively, clear, and easy to follow:
Gather work records
Start by listing past jobs and digging out old payslips or statements. This gives you a clear starting point for pension tracing.
Check if you had a company pension at each role. Even short-term jobs might include valuable savings.
Use free tracing tools
Head over to the government’s Pension Tracing Service or try services like MoneyHelper, Gretel, or AJ Bell.
They help match you with missing pots. These tools don’t cost anything and only take a few minutes to use. Keep a note of who you’ve contacted and when.
Contact providers directly
Once you find a provider, reach out with your National Insurance number and employment dates. That helps them locate your account quickly.
If unsure where to start, their customer service teams can point you in the right direction. Stay patient—some responses might take a few days.
Compare and consider consolidating
Check each pot’s fees, benefits, and performance. Pulling them together may save money and time, but some plans have valuable perks you might lose.
Take your time before making changes. Read the small print and ask questions if something feels unclear.
Talk with a pension specialist
If you hit a snag, ask a regulated adviser or use MoneyHelper’s free helpline. They can guide you through choosing wisely.
Expert advice can prevent costly mistakes. Even one short call can give you a better sense of direction.
Keep details current
After tracing pots, update your address and contact info with each provider. That ensures you receive statements and important updates.
It also helps you stay in control of your savings. Providers can’t reach you if your details are outdated.
History of National Pension Tracing Day
National Pension Tracing Day began in 2021. The campaign was created by Punter Southall, a financial services group based in the UK.
They joined forces with large pension providers like Legal & General, Scottish Widows, Standard Life, and Aegon.
The aim was simple: help people find pensions they had forgotten about. Many workers switch jobs and lose track of the savings they left behind. This day reminds people to check and reclaim what’s theirs.
In 2024, Secondsight, an employee benefits adviser, took over running the campaign. It continued with the same mission.
More companies came on board, including Aviva, Smart Pension, Royal London, and The People’s Pension.
They promoted the message and offered free resources. The campaign falls around the end of October, when clocks go back. This extra hour encourages people to use the time for something valuable, tracing lost pensions.
Employers also take part by raising awareness at work. The campaign highlights how small steps can lead to big rewards. Millions of pension pots remain unclaimed, worth billions in total.
This effort helps people find and recover those savings. It gives them a better view of their future. Each year, more people take part and discover something they didn’t know they had.
Also on ...
View all holidays
National Pumpkin Day
Round and orange, they bring fall to life with their vibrant hue and make for the perfect canvas for all your creative carving ideas.
National Chicken Fried Steak Day
Savor the ultimate comfort food that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy.
We think you may also like...
National Insurance Awareness Day
You never think about it until you need it, so be proactive and learn what kind of insurance you should have. Talk to an agent to find the right policies for you.
National One Cent Day
Explore the history of the smallest value US coin, from its origin in 1793 to the image of Abraham Lincoln we recognize today on National One Cent Day.
