DOL Starts Information Collection for "Lost" Retirement Savings Database

Published November 19, 2024

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued a notice requesting information from retirement plan administrators (e.g., via their recordkeepers) that will allow it to begin populating the Retirement Savings Lost and Found online searchable database described in ERISA section 523. This database will help connect missing participants and other individuals who have lost track of their retirement benefits with retirement plans that may be holding such benefits.

This information collection request is voluntary. This notice also provides guidance and announces an enforcement policy, both to incentivize and encourage the voluntary submission of data.

First submissions should be made as soon as possible before December 29, 2024, and updated at least annually thereafter. However, EBSA strongly encourages submitters to update the information more frequently, such as quarterly, to ensure the Lost and Found database stays up to date.