How to trace a pension yourself…

1. Gather personal information:
Collect all relevant details about yourself or the individual whose pension you are tracing. This includes full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, previous employers, and any other identifying information you may have.

2. Contact the Pension Tracing Service (PTS):
Get in touch with the PTS, a free service provided by the UK government. You can reach them by phone, online, or by post. Provide the PTS with the personal information you have gathered to initiate a search.

3. Use the online pension tracing tool:
Visit the official website of the Pension Tracing Service (www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details) and utilise their online tool. Enter the relevant information about yourself or the individual, including past employers, to access potential contact details for pension providers. This step can be completed relatively quickly, usually within minutes.

4. Contact previous employers:
If you have identified the individual’s previous employers, get in touch with them directly. Enquire about the pension scheme(s) they had in place and ask for contact information for the relevant pension provider(s). The time taken for this step may vary, as it depends on the responsiveness of the employers. It could take a few days to receive a response or longer if the employer is no longer in operation.

5. Contact the pension provider(s):
Once you have obtained contact information for the pension provider(s), get in touch with them. Provide your personal information or the relevant individual’s details and enquire about their pension status and any potential benefits they may be entitled to. The time taken for this step can also vary. Some pension providers may respond promptly, while others may take a few weeks to provide the requested information.

6. Submit required documentation:
If requested, submit any necessary documents, such as proof of identity, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or death certificates. The time taken for this step depends on how quickly you can gather and submit the required documents. It can range from a few days to a couple of weeks.

7. Follow up regularly:
Maintain regular communication with the pension provider(s) to stay updated on the progress of the search. Keep a record of all interactions, including dates, names of individuals spoken to, and any reference or case numbers provided. Depending on the responsiveness of the pension provider(s), this step may require periodic follow-ups over several weeks or even months.

8. Seek assistance from the Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS):
If you encounter difficulties or require further guidance, consider reaching out to the TPAS. The time taken for this step can vary based on TPAS availability and the complexity of the issue. It may involve scheduling appointments or waiting for responses, which could take several days or weeks.

9. Consult legal or financial professionals:
If the process becomes complex or you encounter legal obstacles, consider seeking advice from legal or financial professionals specialising in pension matters. The time taken for this step depends on the availability of professionals and the complexity of your situation. Appointments may need to be scheduled, and it could take several days or weeks to receive their guidance.

10. Be patient and persistent:
Tracing a pension can be a time-consuming process, often spanning several weeks or even months. Delays, multiple inquiries, and the need for follow-ups are common. Patience and persistence are crucial in obtaining the desired information.

Alternatively, we offer a convenient Pension Tracing service that simplifies the process for you. For a nominal fee of £299, our dedicated case handlers will handle all the steps outlined above on your behalf. Here’s what you can expect from our service:

1. Personal case handler:
   You will be assigned a personal case handler who will be your dedicated point of contact throughout the process. They will gather the necessary personal information, contact the Pension Tracing Service, reach out to employers, and communicate with pension providers on your behalf.

2. Comprehensive progress updates:
   Our case handlers will provide you with regular updates on the progress of your pension tracing. You’ll stay informed about the steps taken, responses received, and any additional information required. We understand the importance of transparency and will ensure you’re kept up to date throughout the process.

3. Detailed report and recommended next steps:
   Once the pension tracing is complete, we will compile a comprehensive report summarising our findings. This report will include details about the identified pension schemes, their current status, and any potential benefits you may be entitled to. Additionally, our experts will provide recommended next steps based on the information obtained.

4. Free pension health check:
   As part of our service, we offer a complimentary pension health check. Our experts will review your overall pension situation, assess the adequacy of your retirement savings, and provide guidance on maximising your pension benefits. This added value helps you make informed decisions about your financial future.

Please note that our service aims to expedite the pension tracing process, provide convenience, and offer professional expertise. However, the timeframes for completing the process may vary depending on the complexity of your case, the responsiveness of employers and pension providers, and any additional documentation required.

To take advantage of our Pension Tracing service and benefit from the expertise of our case handlers, simply contact us and our team will guide you through the payment and onboarding process. We are committed to assisting you in securing the pension information you need and helping you make informed decisions for your financial well-being.