Pensions dashboard: when can I use it?
What happens on 31 October 2026
- Pension providers and schemes covered by the law must be connected to the dashboards system by 31 October 2026. That includes FCA-regulated personal pension providers and workplace schemes with 100 or more members. [source: DWP guidance]
- The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) says 96% of pension records in scope will be connected by the deadline, and schemes with approved deferrals will connect afterwards to take it to 100%. [source: MaPS, 15 Oct 2026]
- Smaller schemes with under 100 members don't have to connect, but can choose to after 31 October 2026. [source: PDP]
When you'll be able to use it
- MaPS expects the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard to be publicly available in the 2027/28 financial year. Consumer testing is under way.
- The launch date will be set by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and industry will get 6 months' notice. MaPS has said it will give an update on launch plans around the 31 October deadline.
- Private-sector dashboards (from other firms) will come after the MoneyHelper one launches.
What to do now (free)
- Write down every employer you've worked for, with rough dates.
- Search each one on GOV.UK Find pension contact details ↗.
- Contact each scheme with your National Insurance number and dates of employment.
- Check your State Pension forecast ↗ and any gaps in your National Insurance record.
The Pensions Policy Institute estimates around 3 million pots, about £18.7 billion [source: Pensions Policy Institute, Lost Pensions 2026]. More help: Find lost pensions. Every key money date: Key dates calendar.
FAQs
Can I use the pensions dashboard on 31 October 2026?
No. 31 October 2026 is the legal deadline for pension schemes and providers to connect to the dashboards system behind the scenes. The public MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard is not open yet.
When will the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard launch?
The Money and Pensions Service expects it to be publicly available in the 2027/28 financial year (April 2027 to March 2028). There is no fixed date yet. The Work and Pensions Secretary will decide, and industry gets 6 months' notice.
Will the pensions dashboard cost anything?
The MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard is a free, government-backed service. It is not open yet, so be wary of anyone offering early access or asking you to pay.
How do I find a lost pension now?
Use the free GOV.UK Find pension contact details service (the Pension Tracing Service) with your old employer's name, then contact the scheme with your National Insurance number and dates of employment.
Will every pension be on the dashboard?
Most will. Schemes with 100 or more members and FCA-regulated personal pension providers must connect, and MaPS says 96% of the records in scope will be connected by 31 October 2026. Some smaller schemes do not have to connect but can choose to after that date. The State Pension is connected too.
Checked 16 October 2026 against the Pensions Dashboards Programme and GOV.UK. Dates can change; always check the source links above.