Beyond the states
Old 401(k)s, Pensions & Federal Unclaimed Money
Updated July 25, 2026
Most unclaimed property is held by state programs — that's what you search here. But some kinds of lost money sit with federal agencies instead, each with its own separate search. If you're tracking down an old retirement account or a relative's savings bonds, these are the places to look.
None of these are searchable here (we aggregate state records), but this is the map of where to go.
Lost 401(k)s and retirement accounts
Left a job and lost track of a 401(k)? Start with the plan administrator or former employer. The U.S. Department of Labor now runs the Retirement Savings Lost and Found, a national database to help reunite workers with old employer retirement plans, and the privately run National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits is another place former employers list unclaimed accounts. Cashed-out or rolled-over balances can also end up in a state's unclaimed-property program — so search your name here too.
Pensions (PBGC)
If a private defined-benefit pension plan was terminated, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) may be holding a benefit for you. PBGC keeps an unclaimed-pensions search on its site, pbgc.gov, listing people owed pensions from plans it has taken over.
Savings bonds (U.S. Treasury)
Matured U.S. savings bonds that were never cashed are held by the U.S. Treasury — not the states. Search the Treasury's TreasuryHunt.gov for bonds registered to you or a relative. This is a common find when settling an older relative's estate; see also finding money for a deceased relative.
Tax refunds, FHA refunds, and more
Other federal sources each have their own search:
- IRS — undelivered or unclaimed federal tax refunds (you generally must file to claim a refund within three years). See unclaimed tax refunds.
- HUD / FHA — refunds of FHA mortgage-insurance premiums for some former FHA borrowers, searchable on hud.gov.
- Department of Labor — back wages an employer was ordered to pay but couldn't deliver (the Wage and Hour Division's "Workers Owed Wages" search).
- FDIC and NCUA — unclaimed insured deposits from failed banks and credit unions.
- VA — unclaimed insurance funds for some veterans and their beneficiaries.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a lost 401(k)?
Start with your former employer or the plan administrator. Also check the U.S. Department of Labor's Retirement Savings Lost and Found, the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits, and your state's unclaimed-property records, since cashed-out balances can be escheated.
Where do I search for unclaimed savings bonds?
Matured, unredeemed U.S. savings bonds are held by the U.S. Treasury and searched at TreasuryHunt.gov — separately from state unclaimed property.
Does this site search federal unclaimed money?
No. We aggregate state unclaimed-property records. Federal sources — Treasury, PBGC, IRS, HUD, and others — each have their own separate search, listed above.
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