Finding my deceased daughter’s lost 401K
My daughter passed away in 2018 at age 53. She worked first for Prudential and then when the healthcare division was transferred to Aetna for 28 years. I know she had a 401k, but cannot find out where her account is now. Aetna referred us to Vanguard who, they state, the account was transferred to. They have no record. We, her children and I, attempted to find the account to no avail. Do you have any suggestions on how we can find if there are any funds remaining in her account? We only have her social security number as an identifier. I have looked through her papers and cannot find anything associated to her 401k. Thank you.
Terry Says
Whew — that’s a tough one. Can you get the info in writing from Aetna regarding the value of the account and the account number and the date it was transferred to Vanguard? If they know “it was transferred” they should have more information. that would help you pursue it with Vanguard.
Were you able to get her tax records to see if she emptied the account at some point after it was transferred? (it would have been taxable income if she took the money out).
What was her state of residence in the years before her death? check with that Secretary of State or Treasurer’s office to see if the account was escheated to the state for lack of response? — (The SS number is a way to check).
This is quite a mystery. Please let me know if you find something!