Supported by the Money and Pensions Service, the research builds on the Lost Pensions 2024 findings, revealing that over 3.3 million pension pots, worth £31.1 billion, are currently lost, highlighting a growing consumer detriment and systemic challenge for providers and policymakers alike. The government’s Pension Schemes Bill, currently being debated in Parliament, includes measures to introduce multiple default consolidators of dormant Defined Contribution (DC) pension pots worth up to £1,000. The survey opens today closing on Monday 26 June 2026. Respondents can download the survey via the PPI’s website.
In addition to its new extension to DB schemes, the 2026 survey will not only track how the ‘lost pots’ landscape has evolved – examining the total number of pension pots lost, their value, and overall age-distribution – but also explore the underlying drivers and their implications for policy and savers’ outcomes.
The Lost Pensions Survey is the UK’s definitive evidence base on the scale and value of lost pension pots. Since its inception, the survey has shaped public debate, informed policy development, and supported small pot consolidation through increased public awareness via the research’s media impact. The PPI’s Lost Pensions 2026 report will be published in October 2026.
Danielle Elliott, Head of External Relations and Project Lead, commented: “We are delighted to launch the 2026 Lost Pensions Survey, which for the first time will extend to cover Defined Benefit schemes. Lost pensions remain a significant and growing issue, with millions of pots worth billions of pounds going unclaimed. The PPI’s research plays a vital role in highlighting the scale of the problem, supporting policy development, and encouraging people to reconnect with their savings.
“By broadening the research in 2026, we aim to build a more complete picture of the pensions landscape and strengthen the evidence base across the industry. We encourage schemes to get behind this work by taking part in the surveys and helping to ensure the findings are as robust and representative as possible.”
Anna Sharkey, Head of Money and Pensions Policy at the Money and Pensions Service said: "We are pleased to support this important new research, which by including Defined Benefit pensions for the first time, will help us to better understand the ‘lost pensions’ landscape.
“The existing scale of lost pensions across the UK demonstrates the importance of the upcoming Pensions Dashboard as a tool that will help reconnect people with lost pensions and strengthen people's engagement with their pensions.
“We look forward to the findings, which will better inform our guidance on claiming lost pensions, and help more people understand and take control of their financial futures.”
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