Get Started
The tax-advantaged State of Connecticut Defined Contribution Plans may be your best opportunity to fund the future you want—but it's up to you to take advantage of this great benefit. Here are five moves to consider now.
1. Enroll
From automatic payroll deduction to automated investing services, a comfortable financial future is in your hands—but the sooner you start, the more time you have to save to reach your destination. What are you waiting for? Find the plan(s) for which you're eligible and get started building your nest egg today!
2. Register
If you're already in a plan (or two), set up your account online , set your contribution rate, review or update your investments and beneficiaries—and start taking advantage of a wealth of tools and resources from Empower.
3. Allocate
After how much you save, how you invest is one of the most critical factors in meeting your retirement income goal. Luckily, your plan offers different ways to build a well-diversified portfolio: DIYers can choose among investment options that cover all the major asset classes. Or, for a truly personalized approach, the GoalMaker® optional asset allocation program makes it easy to create and maintain a portfolio based on your "investor style" and expected years to retirement—at no extra cost to you. Keep in mind that application of asset allocation and diversification concepts does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. It is possible to lose money by investing in securities.
4. Meet "RIC"
RIC—aka the Retirement Income Calculator —may just be your new BFF: This powerful online tool helps you define your income goal, shows you if you're on track to meet it, and gives you specific steps to take if not. Best of all, RIC updates every time you log in
to your account, so you'll always know where you stand—and where you may need to go—on the road to retirement readiness.
5. Simplify
If you have retirement accounts outside the State of Connecticut Defined Contribution Plans, you may be able to roll them in to your State plan account—and simplify your financial life. Consolidation can offer a number of benefits, but it may not be right for everyone. Empower retirement counselors can help you weigh your options—and walk you through the paperwork, step by step.
The Defined Contribution Plans are a great way to prepare for your future—and State of Connecticut employees can enroll at any time! Please review the eligibility details for each plan below, then click the appropriate link to enroll online for the Deferred Compensation 457 Plan or the 403(b) Plan, or by downloading, completing and returning the PDF form. Please have your pay stub, which includes your employee ID, ready when enrolling. Review the Empower Payroll Cut-off Date Schedule.
Municipality, School District or Probate Court employees: Please see special instructions for completing enrollment.
Want assistance? Contact your on-site retirement counselor.
Deferred Compensation 457 Plan (Plan# 010081)
Who is eligible? Any State employee or any individual performing paid services for the State either by appointment or election, except rehired retirees and nonresident aliens.
Enroll Online Enroll by PaperShould you have questions or need assistance enrolling online in the State of Connecticut 457 Plan, please contact your Dedicated Retirement Counselor for assistance.
403(b) Plan (Plan# 010083)
Who is eligible? Common-law employees of a State educational institution or hospital who receive compensation (other than a pension, severance, retainer or fee under contract). Employees of these agencies may participate:
- University of Connecticut, including the University of Connecticut Health Center
- State universities, including the Board of Regents
- Community-technical colleges including the Board of Regents
- Department of Higher Education
- Department of Education, including the vocational-technical high schools
- Unified School District No. 1 of the Department of Corrections
- Unified School District No. 2 of the Department of Children and Families
- Unified School District No. 3 of the Department of Developmental Services
- Riverview Hospital of the Department of Children and Families
- Board of Academic Awards
- Connecticut Valley Hospital
- Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center
- Connecticut Mental Health Center
- Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System
- Capitol Region Mental Health Center of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (nonresident aliens are ineligible)
Should you have questions or need assistance enrolling online in the State of Connecticut 403(b) Plan, please contact your Dedicated Retirement Counselor for assistance.
Alternate Retirement Program (ARP)
Who is eligible? Unclassified employees of a constituent unit of the State system of higher education, as well as the Department of Higher Education's central office staff, may participate in the ARP.
Enroll by PaperTier IV Defined Contribution Plan
Who is eligible? Tier IV employees who were hired on or after July 31, 2017, and are enrolled in Tier IV of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) or the Tier IV Hybrid Plan.
Enroll by Paper