Old Pensions Help - Novice

Potbellypig

Unfortunately for me, I've never really cared enough to look at my pensions throughout the years. I've got 3 previous employments which I've Googled and possibly found the pension details for them, but what next? How do I contact them and what do I say? Or is there a company which does the work for you in locating your old pensions and putting them into one place? 

Marcon

Potbellypig said:

Unfortunately for me, I've never really cared enough to look at my pensions throughout the years. I've got 3 previous employments which I've Googled and possibly found the pension details for them, but what next? How do I contact them and what do I say? Or is there a company which does the work for you in locating your old pensions and putting them into one place? 

You write and ask them for details of any pension benefits you have with them, giving your full name, NI number, date of birth, current address and any previous address they might have held for you. Also include the dates you worked for the company (approximate dates will do).

You don't necessarily want them in one place. See https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article-3550085/STEVE-WEBB-merge-small-pension-pots.html

Potbellypig

Marcon said:

Potbellypig said:

Unfortunately for me, I've never really cared enough to look at my pensions throughout the years. I've got 3 previous employments which I've Googled and possibly found the pension details for them, but what next? How do I contact them and what do I say? Or is there a company which does the work for you in locating your old pensions and putting them into one place? 

You write and ask them for details of any pension benefits you have with them, giving your full name, NI number, date of birth, current address and any previous address they might have held for you. Also include the dates you worked for the company (approximate dates will do).

You don't necessarily want them in one place. See https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article-3550085/STEVE-WEBB-merge-small-pension-pots.html

Thanks - is writing to them to only way? Also, there are various possible results for pensions on one of my previous employers as it was Lloyds TSB. Is it just trial and error finding the right one, or is there an easier way? 

Marcon

Start with the most likely contact info taken from here: https://www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details

Given the prevalence of scams, impersonation and all the other delights of the modern world, many schemes may ask you to contact them in writing, but always worth trying telephone or email if you have appropriate details.

Also see Gretel.co.uk (real in spite of the odd name!).

Don't be deterred. It probably all feels a bit off-putting, but isn't that bad (and you might like what you find...).