Key takeaways:
- Designed to show multiple pensions in one place: The Pension Dashboard should allow you to view pensions from current and previous employers together
- Pension providers must connect by October 2026: All pension schemes and providers must be connected to the dashboard ecosystem by 31st October 2026, with the public launch expected several months later
- Security measures in place: The dashboard will use encryption, authentication protocols, and National Cyber Security Centre standards to protect your data
For many people, it’s difficult to track down old workplace pensions or understand their total retirement savings. The government's Pensions Dashboard is designed to address this, with pension providers required to integrate by 31st October (customer access follows after this date).
It will be a free digital service showing all of the found pensions against your details listed in one place. This initiative, overseen by the Money and Pensions Service, has been years in development and is designed with security and data protection as a priority.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the government’s Pensions Dashboard, including how it works, when it is available, what you’ll be able to see, and how it could help you manage your retirement savings more effectively.
Note: the Pensions Dashboard isn’t a replacement for managing your pensions. You’ll still need to take action to manage things such as combining pension pots (consolidation), monitoring your investment progress, checking your statements, etc., directly with the pension provider.
- What is the Pensions Dashboard?
- When will Pensions Dashboard go live?
- How will the new Pensions Dashboard work?
- Can I see all my pensions in one place?
- Benefits of using the Pensions Dashboard
- Is the Pensions Dashboard secure?
- What to do after finding your pensions
- Pensions Dashboard regulations
What is the Pensions Dashboard?
The Pensions Dashboard is a free, digital service from the government that will allow users to view all their pensions in one place (including the State Pension). Its primary purpose is to help people make informed retirement decisions by providing a clearer picture of their pension savings.
The initiative was first announced in the 2016 Budget, but the deadline for pension providers to connect to the dashboard was delayed until 31 October 2026, with the rollout to the public to follow after this.
While it’s a significant step forward in retirement planning, it’s important to understand that the dashboard is for viewing your pensions only and it does not provide financial advice. (Making decisions about retirement planning often requires a lot of consideration. Seeking financial advice from an impartial professional who has a background in pensions could really help!)
When will Pensions Dashboard go live?
The government’s Pensions Dashboard will be rolled out for providers to connect to the database in phases:
- Larger providers are expected to connect first (2025);
- Then medium-sized providers are expected to roll out between January 31st and September 30th 2026.
- There will also be both a government-backed dashboard and commercial versions available.
Importantly, there won’t be a single launch date. Consumers will be able to access the dashboard gradually, with a final deadline for provider connection set for 31st October 2026.
How will the new Pensions Dashboard work?
To access the Pensions Dashboard, users will need to go through digital identity verification, likely using GOV.UK One Login or a similar service.
Once verified, the dashboard will connect securely to your existing pension providers' systems via APIs (third-party tools), allowing real-time or near real-time updates.
The service will be free for consumers and accessible via a website or potentially through apps. The dashboard will display key information such as:
- Pension pot values,
- Pension provider contact details,
- And the type of pension it is.
However, it will not provide financial advice or recommendations.
Can I see all my pensions in one place?
The Pensions Dashboard aims to provide a consolidated view of your pensions. This includes:
- Workplace pension schemes (auto-enrolment and defined benefit)
- Personal pensions and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)
- The State Pension
However, there are some exclusions.
For example, certain public sector schemes and pensions already being paid out may not be included initially. Additionally, international pensions won’t be shown. And very small pots may need to have a minimum value threshold before appearing.
While the dashboard is a significant step forward, it may not be comprehensive on day one. It’s worth managing expectations and considering supplementary methods, such as pension finding services, to ensure all your pensions are accounted for.
Benefits of using the Pensions Dashboard
The Pensions Dashboard offers several benefits, including:
- Finding your lost pensions:
With that £31.1 billion in unclaimed pensions we mentioned earlier, the dashboard could help reunite people with their forgotten retirement funds. - Making your retirement planning easier:
Having most of your pensions shown in one place may make it simpler to understand your financial situation. - Helping you weigh up pension consolidation:
This dashboard could help encourage you to shop around for the best service and proactively keep an eye on the current providers’ fees. Consolidation or transferring providers may be a better choice after some research and consideration. - Identifying gaps in how much you put aside for retirement:
It could help you recognise which accounts to invest more in now, in order to unlock the retirement you’re hoping to have later.
Is the Pensions Dashboard secure?
Security has reportedly been a top priority for the Pensions Dashboard. It has been built to government security standards and includes:
- Two-factor authentication for access
- Data encryption both in transit (encrypting data while it travels through private or public networks) and at rest (encrypting data while it's stored on whatever file storage you use)
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) compliance to protect your personal data
Importantly, users will have full control over who can access their information: pension providers will not be able to see which other pensions you hold, and no marketing data will be shared without your consent.
If you suspect fraud or encounter any issues, there will be clear processes in place to report and resolve them. Learn more about this on their dedicated webpage: https://www.pensionsdashboardsprogramme.org.uk/connection/consumer-protection
What to do after finding your pensions
Once you’ve logged into the government’s Pensions Dashboard, here’s what to do next:
- Firstly, remember this might not be all of your pensions, consider using another pension finding service if you think some of your other pots are missing.
- Use the list provided to go and review the performance and fees associated with your pensions.
- Think about whether consolidating the pensions with high fees or underperforming funds may be a better option for you.
- While you’re at it, it’s worth making sure your beneficiary details are up to date, as pensions usually fall outside your will - meaning your stated wishes ensure the money goes to the right people when you die.
- Speak to an impartial financial adviser if you need personalised advice on managing your retirement funds — some have specialist experience with pensions.
For more information, check out our pension consolidation guide.
Pensions Dashboard regulations
It is governed by the PDP (Pensions Dashboards Programme), with oversight from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Pension providers are required to meet strict connection deadlines and comply with the programme’s regulations to ensure a smooth rollout.
Key takeaways
The Pensions Dashboard is a fresh tool for retirement planning, offering a combined view of most of your pensions in one place. While it won’t solve all pension tracing issues immediately, it’s a major step forward in helping people understand their retirement savings and make informed decisions — particularly with it having the State Pension on show too.
If you’re looking to get ahead, consider reviewing your pensions now and exploring other pension finding services to fill in any gaps. The dashboard is coming — and it’s here to make retirement planning easier.
Your tax treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, and it may be subject to change in the future.
With investing, your capital is at risk, so the value of your investments can go down as well as up, which means you could get back less than you initially invested.
Wealthify does not provide advice. If you’re not sure whether investing is right for you, please speak to a financial adviser.
