Enrollment and Eligibility
| Detail | 403(b) | 457(b) |
|---|---|---|
|
Eligible Employees |
Class A: Employees whose appointment period is continuous and designated as full-time. Class B: Part-time or temporary employees may contribute but do not receive an employer match. |
Employees with 9- or 12-month appointments, including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, may contribute. |
Contributions
| Detail | 403(b) | 457(b) |
|---|---|---|
|
Employee Deferrals |
Pre-tax or Roth (not both). Whole percentages only. One vendor per plan. |
Pre-tax or Roth (not both). Whole percentages only. One vendor per plan. |
|
Matching Contributions |
Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% of compensation (annual cap $1,650). |
No employer contribution. |
|
Vesting |
5-year cliff |
Not applicable |
|
Elective Deferral Limit |
Minimum 1%. Deferrals of 50% or more require HR approval. 2026 limit: $24,500. |
Minimum 1%. Deferrals of 50% or more require HR approval. 2026 limit: $24,500. |
|
Catch-Up Contributions* |
Age 50+: additional $8,000 |
Age 50+: additional $8,000 |
|
Special Catch-Up* |
Ages 60–63: additional $11,250 |
Ages 60–63: additional $11,250 |
*If FICA wages exceeded $150,000 in 2025, catch-up contributions must be Roth in 2026.
Distributions
| Detail | 403(b) | 457(b) |
|---|---|---|
|
Outstanding Loans |
One loan per plan |
One loan per plan |
|
Hardship |
Available for qualifying financial hardship |
Unforeseeable emergency only |
|
In-Service at 59½ |
Allowed |
Allowed |
|
Death |
Allowed |
Allowed |
|
Disability |
Allowed |
Not allowed |
|
Termination |
Allowed |
Allowed |
|
Early Withdrawal Penalty |
None after age 55; otherwise 10% |
None |
Providers
| Detail | 403(b) | 457(b) |
|---|---|---|
|
Companies |
Lincoln Financial, Fidelity, TIAA, Corebridge |
Fidelity, TIAA, Corebridge |
