Find Hidden Money — RetireADHD

Before you start

Gather these three things first.

Five minutes of prep means you won't get stuck halfway through. Check these off and you're ready.

✓

Your Social Security number

Most searches require it. You don't enter it anywhere risky — just have it handy.

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A list of former employers

Doesn't need to be complete. Even two or three is a good start. Old tax returns or LinkedIn can jog your memory.

✓

States you've lived in

Each state runs its own unclaimed property database. If you've lived in more than one, search each one.

Can't remember every employer? That's okay — search what you have. Old W-2s, tax returns, or LinkedIn work history are good memory aids. Don't let imperfect information stop you from starting.

Three searches below — work through them in order

The treasure hunt

Three searches. In order. One at a time.

Each searches a different database. Together they cover nearly every lost retirement account in the country.

1

National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits

The most complete database — start here

~5 min

This free registry lets employers post unclaimed 401(k) accounts so former employees can find them. It's the closest thing the US has to a single national database for lost retirement money. Search by Social Security number — results are instant.

What you'll see

A simple search box. Enter your SSN. If there's a match you'll see the employer name and plan administrator contact info. You'll contact them directly to claim the funds — they walk you through it.

Search the National Registry →

Did you find anything?

2

DOL Abandoned Plan Search

For accounts from companies that closed or merged

~5 min

The Department of Labor tracks retirement plans from companies that closed, merged, or went bankrupt. If you worked somewhere that no longer exists, this is where to look. Search by former employer name.

What you'll see

Search by company name. A match will show the plan details and contact for the qualified termination administrator — the professional who distributes funds from abandoned plans. The process takes a few weeks but the money is yours.

Search DOL Abandoned Plans →

What did you find?

3

Your State's Unclaimed Property Database

Catches IRAs, savings, and more — every state has one

~5 min

Every state runs an unclaimed property program. When a financial account goes dormant, institutions are required by law to turn the money over to the state for safekeeping. It's yours to claim for free, anytime. MissingMoney.com searches most states at once.

What you'll see

Search by name. You may find multiple matches — old savings, uncashed checks, dormant IRAs. Each requires a separate claim but the process is free. Search every state you've lived in.

Search MissingMoney.com → Or search by state →

Any luck?

Your money might be waiting for you.

Three free searches. About 15 minutes. Could change your picture.

Gather these three things first.

Three searches. In order. One at a time.