Retirement Plans - Post Doctoral Associates

    Yale University Tax-Deferred 403 (b) Savings Plan

    Postdoctoral Associates are eligible to participate in the Yale University Tax Deferred 403(b) Savings Plan, a Defined Contribution Plan that allows you to invest contributions from your pay in a wide range of investment options.

    Your final retirement benefit will depend on your contribution rate, your investment choices and the investment return on those choices over the course of your participation in the plan.

    You can contribute up to 75% of your pay to the Plan or you can elect to contribute the IRS annual maximum amount.   Contributions can be made as  pre-tax contributions, Roth 403(b)*contributions, or a combination of both.

    If you are age 50 or older, you can make an additional IRS Catch-up Contribution at any time during or after the calendar year in which you reach the age of 50. You may contribute a fixed-dollar amount, a percentage of your salary, or the IRS annual maximum amount.

    Contributions by the employee may not exceed the limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and applicable Treasury Regulations.

    To view Annual Compensation Limits and Contribution Limits, please visit the IRS website.

    Employee contributions may be invested in a wide range of Vanguard and TIAA investment fund options through TIAA (Teachers’ Insurance Annuity Association).

    *Roth 403(b) contribution option

    Watch a TIAA video explaining the Roth 403(b) contribution option.

    How to enroll in a retirement plan and make changes to your investments

    TIAA provides a customized website designed specifically for Yale participants where you can view and manage your Yale University retirement program contributions and investment options in one place. The site offers detailed fund information with Vanguard and TIAA investment fund options and retirement planning calculators.

    To enroll in a retirement plan, update your beneficiary information, and view or change your investment options, go to the TIAA website. Log in instructions are provided on the website. First-time users will need to register for secure online access.

    For assistance navigating the TIAA website, please contact TIAA at 855-250-5424, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., or Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    If you have any questions regarding your retirement benefits, contact Employee Services at 203-432-5552.