Marvin OnumonuThe Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) has launched its Lost Pensions 2026 survey, now including defined benefit (DB) providers for the first time.
Supported by the Money and Pensions Service, the survey builds on previous findings, which found more than 3.3 million pension pots worth £31.1bn are currently lost in the UK.
The survey will close on 26th June 2026.
The 2026 survey will track changes in the lost pots landscape, looking at the number and value of lost pensions and their age distribution.
It will also explore what causes people to lose track of their pots and the impact on policy and savers.
The PPI will publish its next report in October 2026.
Danielle Elliott, head of external relations and project lead at PPI, said: “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.”
Elliott added: “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.”
