Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Unclaimed Pensions and How to Find Yours

A man happily talking on the phone while taking notes in a bright living room. — A smiling man discusses his financial future on the phone while taking notes in a bright, sunlit living room.

I Found a Pension! Now What?

Congratulations! After all your diligent detective work, you’ve confirmed that you are owed pension benefits. This is a wonderful achievement. Now, a new process begins: formally claiming your money and making some important decisions about how you’ll receive it. This part also requires patience and attention to detail.

Confirming Your Identity and Claiming Your Benefits

The plan administrator, whether it’s your former company or the PBGC, has a legal duty to make sure they are paying the right person. You will need to formally apply for your benefits and prove your identity. This process is in place to protect you and your money.

You will likely be asked to provide copies of important documents. Common requests include:

Proof of Identity: A copy of your driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.

Proof of Age: A copy of your birth certificate is the most common requirement. This is needed to calculate your benefits correctly, as pension payments are based on life expectancy.

Social Security Number: They will need to verify your Social Security number.

Marriage Certificate: If you are married and considering a survivor benefit for your spouse, you will need to provide your marriage certificate.

Gather these documents and follow the instructions on the application forms carefully. Don’t be afraid to call the plan administrator if you have a question about the paperwork. It’s better to ask for clarification than to submit an incorrect form that will only cause delays. Once submitted, the verification process can take several weeks or even a few months, so be patient.

Understanding Your Payment Options

Once you are approved, you will face a critical decision: how to receive your money. Most pension plans offer a few choices. The two most common are a lump-sum payment or a lifetime annuity.

A Lump-Sum Payment means you receive the entire value of your pension in one single payment. The main advantage is that you have full control over the money immediately. You can invest it, use it for a large purchase, or manage it as you see fit. However, this also means you are responsible for making it last throughout your retirement.

An Annuity means you receive a smaller, guaranteed payment every month for the rest of your life. This is like getting a predictable paycheck in retirement. The primary type is a “single-life annuity,” which pays benefits only for your lifetime. Another very common and important option is a “Joint and Survivor Annuity.” If you choose this, your monthly payment will be slightly lower, but if you pass away first, your surviving spouse will continue to receive a portion (often 50% or 100%) of that payment for the rest of their life. This can be a crucial way to provide for a loved one.

The decision between a lump sum and an annuity is a significant one with long-term consequences. It depends on your overall financial picture, your health, your comfort with managing money, and your desire to provide for a spouse. This is a key moment where talking with a trusted financial professional can be very helpful.

Thinking About Taxes

It’s very important to remember that pension money is generally considered taxable income. The government has not yet taken its share. How and when you pay those taxes will depend on the payment option you choose.

If you take a lump sum, the entire amount could be taxed as income in the year you receive it. This could potentially push you into a much higher tax bracket for that year, resulting in a large tax bill. One way to manage this is by doing a “direct rollover” of the lump sum into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This move defers the taxes, and you will only pay tax on the money as you withdraw it from the IRA over time.

If you choose an annuity, the monthly payments you receive are taxed as regular income, similar to Social Security or wages from a job. This can be easier to manage from a budgeting and tax-planning perspective.

Tax rules can be complex. Before making a final decision on your payment option, it is highly recommended that you speak with a qualified tax advisor. They can help you understand the specific tax implications for your situation and help you make a choice that aligns with your financial goals.