Part 1: Savings bonds
Paper savings bonds bought decades ago may still be sitting in a drawer. Older bonds stop earning interest after reaching final maturity (30 years for most series), so recovering them sooner rather than later matters. TreasuryDirect, the Treasury's site, offers a "Treasury Hunt" search for matured bonds you may have lost track of, and has instructions for replacing bonds that were lost, stolen or destroyed.
- Gather any bonds, old paperwork and family records.
- Use the TreasuryDirect tools to search by name and identifier where required.
- For lost or damaged bonds, use the official claim process on TreasuryDirect.
- Cash matured bonds through the options described on TreasuryDirect. Interest on savings bonds is taxable at the federal level.
Part 2: Pensions and old retirement accounts
Every job change creates a chance to lose track of a retirement plan. There are several official tools:
| Tool | What it helps with |
|---|---|
| Department of Labor: Retirement Savings Lost and Found | Search for retirement plans from former employers that may still owe you benefits. Launched in late 2024 and requires a Login.gov account. Data quality depends on what plan administrators have reported. |
| PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) | Helps find pensions from plans it has taken over or that have missing participants |
| Former employer or plan administrator | Often the most direct route for a 401(k) or pension you earned |
| State unclaimed property | Some retirement accounts end up here after a period of inactivity |
Tips for the search
- Make a list of every employer you worked for, with approximate dates.
- Ask former employers' HR departments for the plan administrator contact.
- Old statements show the plan name and recordkeeper, which makes searches easier.
- If a company was bought or closed, the plan may have moved to a new administrator.
Claiming for a relative
Heirs and beneficiaries can sometimes claim savings bonds and retirement benefits. Expect to provide proof of relationship and legal documents. The relevant agency or plan administrator will explain what they need.
What to do with the money
Retirement money is usually best kept for retirement. Rolling it into an IRA or current plan can keep it tax-advantaged. Read Roth vs. traditional IRA, then see where you stand in how much to save by age.
Common questions
How do I find old savings bonds?
Search TreasuryDirect's Treasury Hunt tool and check family records. Official claim processes exist for lost or damaged bonds.
Do savings bonds keep earning interest forever?
No. Most stop earning interest after 30 years, so recover old bonds promptly.
How do I find a pension from an old employer?
Try the Department of Labor Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database, PBGC and the former employer's plan administrator.
Is there a fee to search?
No. The official tools are free.