Voluntary 403(b) Universal Availability

The Voluntary 403(b) is available to all UA employees as a retirement vehicle to set aside additional pre- or post-tax funds for retirement. Each year, the University is required to provide a Universal Availability notice detailing the voluntary tax-deferred annuity (TDA) program and Roth program.

Please review the Universal Availability for details about the Voluntary 403(b) program. This article only provides the highlights.

What is the Voluntary 403(b)?
The Voluntary 403(b) allows for any UA employee - including student and temporary employees - to set aside retirement funds by way of

• • pre-tax dollars in a Tax-deferred Annuity (TDA) and/or
  • post-tax dollars in a Roth.

Who can participate in the Voluntary 403(b)?
Any employee.

What are the contribution limits?
The IRS sets the contribution limits each year. The limit is applied to the combined total for both TDA and Roth accounts. For calendar year 2025, the limits are as follows:

• • $23,500 for those under 50 years
  • $31,000 for those over 50 years
  • $34,750 for those between 60-63 (NEW! limit in 2025)

Who can I open a Voluntary 403(b) with?
UA currently partners with seven (7) fund sponsors.

How do I contribute or make changes?
Follow the instructions listed on the 403(b) webpage including how to set up your account with your fund sponsor if you have not set one up already. Contact ua-benefits@alaska.edu or (907) 450-8242 with questions.

Where is the form to start, stop, or change my 403(b)?
On the 403(b) webpage.

When can I start, stop, or change my 403(b)?
Anytime. To start contributions for the first pay period in 2025, please submit your form on or before December 13th with a start date of December 15th. This will be paid out with the January 10th paycheck. 

Does UA match the contributions I make into my Voluntary 403(b)?
No.

Who do I call with questions?
Please discuss any changes you would like to make to your voluntary 403(b) with a tax advisor. UA is not authorized to provide financial advice to employees. 

 

Emailed via benefits newsletter on 11/26/2024, 12/3/2024.
Contact Benefits: (907) 450-8242 | ua-benefits@alaska.edu | schedule one-on-one time