Rossen Reports: Lost money ready to be claimed? Here’s how
You've moved jobs – but did you remember to move over your old 401(k)?
That's why our viewer Lori reached out to Rossen Reports. She asked, "I had a 401(k) at a place of employment a few years back, but upon leaving there, I never received my 401(k) or information about it. Is there a way to see if you have an existing 401(k) out there somewhere that has not been claimed?"
There are a couple of different ways to do this, but the easiest way will be to go directly to the source. Contact that old employer and speak with Human Resources. They should have information about retirement accounts, whether or not you participated in the 401(k) plan, and where that 401(k) account is for you to access.
Related video above: Do these three things before retirement to protect your money
There are also some databases you can search. One is the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits. Go to unclaimedretirementbenefits.com, click Find my Funds, then type in your Social Security Number. Don't worry – this site is legitimate and will show you if you have unclaimed retirement benefits.
You can also search unclaimed property databases, because your employer may have turned that money over to the state’s unclaimed property fund. Go to unclaimed.org, then scroll down to the map and click the state you worked in. That will bring you to the state's unclaimed property site, where you can search for your first and last name.
Once you've found your money – you should be able to roll it over into your current 401(k), or an IRA if you have that instead.
Have a question for Jeff Rossen? He’s answering your consumer questions every Friday in the new segment "Rossen Responds." Email your questions to him at RossenResponds@hearst.com.
