The Pensions Dashboard explained
Learn how the Pensions Dashboard works, when MoneyHelper is expected to launch, what you can see and how to find old pensions now.
Frankie Dewar
24 October 2026
12 min read
Got pensions with different providers? The Pensions Dashboard can help you see them all in one place, including your State Pension.
It can also help you track down old pensions and get a clearer picture of how much you've saved for retirement.
And you won't need to move your money. Your pensions stay with their existing providers.
The first service, the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard, is free and government-backed. It's being tested now and is expected to open to the public between April 2027 and March 2028. There's no confirmed launch date yet.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: programme timeline
You may be able to try it sooner by signing up to help test it. And if you're looking for an old pension, there are ways to start your search today.
When can I use the Pensions Dashboard?
The MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard is being tested now. It's expected to open to the public during the 2027/28 financial year, which runs from April 2027 to March 2028.
The exact launch date hasn't been confirmed.
Here's where things stand as of 24th October 2026:
The government will confirm when the dashboard can launch publicly. Pension providers will get at least six months' notice, and an update is expected around the October 31st connection deadline.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: programme timeline
How many pensions will be connected?
On 15th October 2026, the Money and Pensions Service said it expected 96% of pension records covered by the rules to be connected by the deadline.
Penfold is already connected to the Pensions Dashboard. We connected ahead of the deadline, and we support what dashboards are for: making it easier to see all your pensions in one place. That means a dashboard can search for your Penfold pension. As with any provider, whether it finds a match depends on the details you give.
It expects that figure to reach 100% once providers who've been given extra time have connected.
That's good progress, but it doesn't guarantee every pension will appear when you search. Your details will still need to match the records held by your pension provider.
How does the Pensions Dashboard work?
The Pensions Dashboard helps you find and view information about pensions you've built up over the years.
Here's how it works:
- Prove who you are. You'll need to confirm your identity and give permission for the dashboard to search for your pensions.
- Find your pensions. Connected pension providers check their records to see if they hold a pension that matches your details.
- See your pension information. When a match is confirmed, the dashboard can show information about that pension in one place.
The more accurate your personal details are, the easier it should be to find a match.
So it's worth checking that your pension providers have your current name, address and other personal information.
The first dashboard is being delivered through MoneyHelper, a free guidance service from the Money and Pensions Service.
Behind the scenes, the Pensions Dashboards Programme is building the system that connects dashboards with pension providers.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: programme timeline
What will the Pensions Dashboard show?
The Pensions Dashboard can help you see where your pensions are held, how to contact your providers and what your pensions could be worth.
What you see will depend on the type of pension you have.
The Pensions Dashboard can also show information about other types of pensions. The details available will depend on your pension and personal circumstances.
The Pensions Regulator: information to give members
What do the pension figures mean?
It's important to understand what you're looking at before comparing pensions.
For example, the value of a pension pot is different from the yearly income you might receive in retirement.
Some figures will also be estimates rather than guaranteed amounts.
Your pension's future value can change depending on things like investment performance, contributions and the assumptions used to calculate it.
Figures are shown before tax, and some information might not be available straight away.
Financial Conduct Authority: Handbook, PDCOB 5
Will it find all my pensions?
The Pensions Dashboard should make it easier to track down pensions you've lost touch with.
But you shouldn't assume it will find every pension you have.
Especially while the service is still being tested.
Some pensions might not appear because:
- Your pension provider hasn't connected to the system yet
- Your personal details don't match the provider's records
- The type of pension you have isn't currently supported
MoneyHelper: sign up to test the Pensions Dashboard
There are also some important limits to the current service:
- Pensions you've already accessed won't appear. This includes pensions where you've taken money through drawdown, payments or a lump sum
- Some overseas pensions aren't included. Pensions administered outside the UK aren't currently supported
- You can only search for your own pensions. Someone with power of attorney can't currently use the dashboard on your behalf
These rules apply to the current testing service and could change as it develops.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: Help test pensions dashboards
It's still worth keeping any old pension statements and your own list of pension providers.
And remember, just because a pension doesn't appear on the dashboard, that doesn't mean it's gone.
How can I try the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard?
You don't have to wait for the public launch to get involved.
MoneyHelper is currently inviting people to test its Pensions Dashboard and share feedback.
You can sign up if you:
- Are 18 or over
- Haven't started taking money from all your pensions
The current testing phase began on 1st September 2026, following earlier rounds of testing.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: Help test pensions dashboards
How to sign up
Start by visiting the official MoneyHelper website.
You'll need to complete a consent form before MoneyHelper sends you a personal link to access the dashboard.
You'll usually need:
- Your current address
- Photo ID
- Your National Insurance number, if you have one
Having a mobile phone with a working camera can make the identity checks easier.
You can also find information about the different ways to prove your identity using GOV.UK One Login.
MoneyHelper: sign up to test the Pensions Dashboard
Once you've signed up, your personal access link will usually arrive within an hour.
Keep this link private, as it's only for you.
You can then try the dashboard in your own time and share feedback afterwards.
The service is still being developed, so some features and information may change during testing.
What if a pension is missing or needs action?
If you use the dashboard, you'll currently see pensions grouped into two categories:
- Confirmed pensions: Pensions that have been matched to your details
- Pensions that need action: Pensions where you need to contact the provider to confirm or resolve something
Some confirmed pensions might not show an estimated retirement income straight away. This can happen while the provider prepares the information.
These were previously shown in a separate category called "pending pensions".
If a pension needs action, the dashboard will tell you how to contact the provider.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: Dashboards and research findings
What if a pension doesn't appear?
If you think you have a pension that's missing from your results, there are a few things you can try.
- Check your old paperwork. Look for pension statements, policy numbers or letters that confirm who your provider is.
- Check your personal details. If you've moved or changed your name, make sure your pension provider has your latest information.
- Contact your pension provider. Ask them to check whether they hold a pension for you and why it might not be appearing.
- Try a pension tracing service. If you're unsure who your provider is, a tracing service can help you find their contact details.
If you've changed your surname, the current dashboard also lets you add one alternative surname to help find matching pension records.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: Dashboards and research findings
Does a dashboard combine my pensions?
No. The Pensions Dashboard brings information about your pensions together, but your money stays where it is.
Combining pensions, also known as pension consolidation, is different.
It means transferring two or more pensions into one pension scheme.
Once you've found your pensions, you might want to consider combining them to make your retirement savings easier to manage.
But combining pensions isn't always the right choice. Some pensions come with valuable benefits you could lose by moving them.
Before making a decision, it's worth checking a few things.
- Charges: Compare the fees you're paying now with what you'd pay after transferring, including any exit charges
- Benefits and protections: Check whether you'd lose valuable guarantees, a protected pension age, tax-free cash protections or other benefits
- Investment and retirement options: Make sure your new pension offers options that work for you
- Employer contributions: If your employer is still paying into a pension, check how moving it could affect those payments
Defined benefit pensions need particular care.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator say that most people are better off keeping these pensions rather than transferring them.
If you're unsure whether transferring is right for you, consider speaking to a regulated financial adviser.
MoneyHelper: transferring or combining pensions
Thinking about bringing your pensions to Penfold?
We can help you transfer eligible pensions into Penfold, making your retirement savings easier to manage in one place.
Before transferring, compare fees, check for any exit charges or valuable benefits you could lose, and make sure Penfold's investment options are right for you.
We may not accept defined benefit pension transfers. If you decide to close your Penfold account and the value of your pot has gone down, the amount returned to the provider may be less than what you originally transferred.
Investing always involves some risk. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you could get back less than you invest.
How can I find old pensions now?
You don't need to wait for Pensions Dashboards to launch to start looking for old pensions.
If you've had a few jobs over the years, there's a chance you've built up pensions with different employers.
And it's easy to lose track of them, especially if you've moved house or changed jobs.
Here are a few ways to start looking.
1. Make a list of your previous employers
Think back through the places you've worked and roughly when you worked there.
Check old emails, payslips and pension statements for the names of pension providers.
If you're still in touch with a previous employer, you can also ask who managed their pension scheme when you worked there.
2. Use the government's Pension Tracing Service
If you can't remember who your pension provider was, the government's free Pension Tracing Service can help you find their contact details.
It won't tell you whether you have a pension or how much it's worth.
You'll need to contact the provider directly to find that out.
Find pension contact details on GOV.UK
3. Try Penfold's Find My Pension tool
You can also use our Find My Pension tool to look for an old pension provider using the name of a previous employer.
It's a simple way to start your search if you're not sure who managed your pension.
Finding the provider doesn't confirm that you have a pension with them or how much it's worth. But it gives you somewhere to start.
And if you decide you'd like to transfer an eligible pension to Penfold, our team can help you arrange it.
Find your old pension provider with Penfold
Common questions
Is Penfold connected to the Pensions Dashboard?
Yes. Penfold connected ahead of the 31st October 2026 deadline, so the Pensions Dashboard can search for your Penfold pension. Whether it finds a match depends on the details you give, as it does with any provider.
Is the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard free?
Yes. The MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard is completely free to use.
It's a government-backed service designed to help you find and understand your pensions.
You won't need to transfer any pensions to use it.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: programme timeline
Will there be more than one pensions dashboard?
Yes. MoneyHelper will be the first Pensions Dashboard available to the public.
Other organisations regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will be able to offer dashboards in the future.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: Dashboards and research findings
How up to date are the pension values?
The figures you see might not always be completely up to date.
Each pension should show when its figures were calculated, so it's worth checking that date.
Your pension provider may be able to give you more recent information or explain how any estimates were worked out.
Financial Conduct Authority: Handbook, PDCOB 5
Can I transfer a pension through the dashboard?
No. The Pensions Dashboard helps you find and view your pension information. It won't transfer your money.
If you decide you'd like to move a pension, you'll need to arrange that separately with the pension providers involved.
Remember to check whether transferring is right for you before making a decision.
And there's no need to move a pension just because you've found it.
Does the Pensions Dashboard give financial advice?
No. The Pensions Dashboard shows information about your pensions, but it won't give you a personal recommendation about what to do with them.
If you need help understanding your options, MoneyHelper offers free, impartial pensions guidance.
For advice based on your personal circumstances, you can speak to a regulated financial adviser.
Pensions Dashboards Programme: Dashboards and research findings
How can I keep my pension information safe?
Your pension information is personal, so it's important to keep it secure.
Always start from MoneyHelper's official website and keep your dashboard access link private.
Be careful if someone contacts you unexpectedly about your pension, especially if they're encouraging you to transfer your money.
You should never feel pressured into making a pension transfer.
Sources: Pensions Dashboards Programme: Help test pensions dashboards and MoneyHelper: transferring or combining pensions
