Old pensions become difficult to manage when provider names change, statements go to an old address or several employers used different schemes. The goal is not to make an immediate decision. It is to create a complete and accurate list.
1. Build an employment timeline
Write down every employer, the approximate dates worked there and any names the business used. Include periods of self-employment and personal pensions opened separately.
2. Search your existing records
- Old payslips and P60s
- Welcome letters and annual statements
- Emails containing “pension”, “scheme” or provider names
- Bank statements showing personal pension contributions
- Employment contracts and staff handbooks
3. Use the Pension Tracing Service for contact details
The government service helps find current contact details for a workplace or personal pension scheme. It does not confirm whether you have a pension or tell you its value, so you still need to contact the scheme or provider.
The employer or provider name, old addresses, approximate employment dates, your name while employed and any old membership or policy reference.
4. Ask each provider for the same core facts
- Pension type
- Current value or accrued annual benefit
- Normal or selected retirement age
- Total charges
- Investment funds, where relevant
- Guarantees or protected benefits
- Beneficiary nomination status
- Whether the pension is still receiving contributions
5. Put it in one pension record
Create one row per pension and record the date each figure was obtained. Do not compare numbers from very different dates without noting the difference.
| Provider | Type | Latest value/benefit | Date | Missing information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider A | Defined contribution | £— | — | Charges, guarantees |
| Scheme B | Defined benefit | £— a year | — | Retirement age |
Transferring or consolidating can involve charges, guarantees, investment risks and tax consequences. A personal recommendation may require regulated advice.