The annual voluntary retirement contribution limit for 2026 is rising to $24,500 from the 2025 limit of $23,500. The IRS determines this limit.
What plans does this limit apply to?
This limit applies separately to contributions to:
- 457(b) plans: Any contributions to another employer’s 457(b) plan will be combined with contributions to the University’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to determine the contribution limit. You can only contribute the annual limit in total across all of your 457(b) plans.
- 403(b) and 401(k) plans: If you participate in separate 401(k) or 403(b) plans, any contributions to those plans are combined with contributions to the University's Optional Retirement Plan when determining your yearly contribution limits. You can only contribute the annual limit in total across all of your 401(k) and 403(b) plans.
This limit does not apply to any contributions to pension plans or the Faculty Retirement Plan.
Catch-up contributions (ages 50+)
If you are age 50 or over by the end of the calendar year, you can make additional “catch-up” contributions. The 2025 limit was $7,500 and will be $8,000 in 2026 (for a total limit of $35,750).
However, employees turning ages 60–63 have an enhanced catch-up contribution opportunity of $11,250 (instead of $8,000) on top of the 2026 limit.
| Age range (as of December 31, 2026) | 2026 contribution limit per plan type |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 |
| 50–59 | $32,500 |
| 60–63 | $35,750 |
| 64 and over | $32,500 |
The limits apply separately to 457 and 403(b)/401(k) plans. For example, if you turn 60 in March 2026, you can contribute a total of $71,500, or $35,750 total across 457 plans and $35,750 total across 403(b)/401(k) plans.
Where should I go if I have questions?
Please contact Fidelity at 800-343-0860 with any questions. You can also set up a free one-on-one meeting with a Fidelity financial consultant to discuss your situation in depth.