How to Find Out If You Have Money in a 401k

With frequent job changes becoming a regular occurrence, and the economy battering employees' retirement plans, discovering whether you have money in a 401(k) might seem like a daunting task -- especially if you have changed jobs. Fortunately, finding out if you have money in a 401(k) is an easy process -- depending on pension plan resources and doing a little research will help you find answers.

Instructions

1. Check your benefits package information or the paperwork you received when you became eligible to join your company's 401k retirement plan. If you know the name of the investment firm that manages your 401k plan, contact a customer service representative to determine how to find out if you have money in a 401k.

2. Talk to your employer's benefits administrator, human resources representative or pension plan administrator. The person who manages employee benefits should be able to tell you how to gain access to your 401k if you have one and determine your fund balance, either by phone or online.

3. Use resources developed by the U.S. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, a government organization devoted to protecting America's pensions. The PBGC has developed a web-based tool that allows consumers to search for pensions--including 401k plans--by employer name, bank name or plan name (see link in References below). Contact information for plan administrators as well as links to web sites for the plans are all available through this tool.

References

• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation: Find your pension plan