FAQ - ANSWER

How do I locate an old 401(k) that I think I contributed to at a former employer?

Answer: There are generally three ways to locate information about an old 401k plan:

1. The first and best method of locating an old 401k is to contact your old employers. Ask them to check their plan records to see if you ever participated in their 401k plan. Be sure to have ready your full name, social security number and the dates you worked from them.
2. Due to mergers, bankruptcies, relocations, etc, it often is not possible to located a former employer. In these cases, locate an old 401k plan statement to see if it contains any contact information for the firm that administered the plan. If it does, call them and ask if they can check on your account. One other method is to contact several other former employees you worked with and see if they still have any recorded that will help you locate the administrative firm.
3. Most plans are required to file an annual "Form 5500" with the U.S. Government. You can search these 5500's for the name of your former employer at free websites like www.freeERISA.com. If you can find a Form 5500 on an old plan, it will have contact information.