
New Jersey offers several defined contribution retirement plan options for employers to consider. These plans allow employees to contribute a portion of their salary to a retirement account, often with employer matching contributions.
One popular option is the 401(k) plan, which allows employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to a retirement account, reducing their taxable income. Contributions are invested in a variety of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
The NJSA 43:21-6.42 plan is another defined contribution plan available to New Jersey employers. This plan allows employers to establish a retirement plan that meets the requirements of the New Jersey Pension and Health Benefit Study Commission.
Employers can choose from various investment options, including target date funds, which automatically adjust their asset allocation based on the employee's retirement date.
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Defined Contribution Program
The Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) is a tax-sheltered retirement benefit for eligible members in New Jersey. The program provides a defined contribution retirement benefit, along with life insurance and disability coverage.
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The DCRP was established under the provisions of P.L. 2007, c. 92 and P.L. 2007, c. 103, and expanded under the provisions of P.L. 2008, c. 89 and P.L. 2010, c. 1.
To be eligible for membership in the DCRP, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a State or Local Official elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2007;
- Be an employee enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) or Teachers Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) on or after July 1, 2007, who earns salary in excess of established maximum compensation limits;
- Be an employee enrolled in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) or State Police Retirement System (SPRS) after May 21, 2010, who earns salary in excess of established maximum compensation limits;
- Meet the minimum annual salary requirements for PERS or TPAF Tier 3 enrollment but not earn the minimum annual salary, or meet the minimum hours per week requirements for PERS or TPAF Tier 4 or Tier 5 enrollment but not work the required hours.
The Defined Contribution Retirement Program Board oversees the DCRP, which is administered for the NJDPB by Empower (formerly Prudential). You can find more information about the DCRP on Empower's New Jersey Defined Contribution Program website, or by contacting Empower by phone at 1-866-657-3327.
Empower also provides a Toll Free Number for employers to contact them at 1-800-695-4952. The Defined Contribution Retirement Program Quarterly Newsletter is another resource available to members.
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Retirement Program Administration
The Defined Contribution Retirement Program Board oversees the DCRP, which is administered for the NJDPB by Empower. Empower is responsible for making DCRP information available to members and employers.
Members can contact Empower by phone through the Toll Free Number: 1-866-657-3327, while employers can contact Empower through the Toll Free Number: 1-800-695-4952. This makes it easy to get the information you need about your retirement benefits.
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Plan Management
Plan Management is a critical component of Retirement Program Administration. Effective plan management ensures that the retirement program runs smoothly, meets its objectives, and complies with regulations.
A well-structured plan document outlines the program's rules, eligibility criteria, and benefit structure. This document serves as the foundation for the entire program.
Regular plan audits help identify and address any issues or discrepancies, ensuring the program remains compliant and on track. This process involves reviewing plan documents, testing calculations, and verifying data.
Plan sponsors are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date participant data, which is essential for administering benefits and communicating with participants. This includes tracking employee contributions, investment elections, and loan balances.
In addition to plan management, plan sponsors must also handle participant inquiries and issues, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, having a clear plan management process in place helps streamline these tasks and reduce administrative burdens.
Fiduciary Responsibilities
As a plan sponsor, you have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of your participants. This means making decisions that are fair, transparent, and free from conflicts of interest.
A fiduciary's primary duty is to prudently manage plan assets, which includes selecting a qualified investment manager. Plan sponsors must also ensure that investment options are diversified and aligned with the plan's goals and objectives.
In addition to investment management, fiduciaries must also oversee plan administration, including recordkeeping and compliance. This includes ensuring that all plan documents, including the plan's summary plan description and summary annual report, are accurate and up-to-date.
Fiduciaries are also responsible for monitoring plan expenses and ensuring that fees are reasonable and competitive. This can be done by comparing fees with those of similar plans and reviewing the plan's fee disclosure statement.
Plan sponsors must also be prepared to defend their decisions in the event of a lawsuit or audit. This includes keeping detailed records of all plan-related activities and decisions.
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Eligibility and Enrollment
To be eligible for the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP), you must be a State or Local Official elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2007.
Employees enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) or Teachers Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) on or after July 1, 2007, who earn salary in excess of established maximum compensation limits, are also eligible.
Employees enrolled in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) or State Police Retirement System (SPRS) after May 21, 2010, who earn salary in excess of established maximum compensation limits, can join the DCRP.
To be eligible for the DCRP, you must earn a salary of at least $5,000 annually, if you don't meet the minimum annual salary requirements for PERS or TPAF Tier 3 enrollment.
If you don't work the minimum number of hours per week required for PERS or TPAF Tier 4 or Tier 5 enrollment, but earn a salary of at least $5,000 annually, you're also eligible for the DCRP.
Here's a summary of the eligibility requirements:
- State or Local Officials elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2007
- Employees enrolled in PERS or TPAF on or after July 1, 2007, earning salary in excess of maximum compensation limits
- Employees enrolled in PFRS or SPRS after May 21, 2010, earning salary in excess of maximum compensation limits
- Employees earning a salary of at least $5,000 annually, but not meeting PERS or TPAF Tier 3 enrollment requirements
- Employees earning a salary of at least $5,000 annually, but not meeting PERS or TPAF Tier 4 or Tier 5 enrollment requirements
Retirement Program
The Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) is a great option for eligible New Jersey employees. The program provides a tax-sheltered, defined contribution retirement benefit, along with life insurance and disability coverage.
Eligibility for the DCRP is quite specific. You must be a State or Local Official elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2007, or an employee enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) or Teachers Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) on or after July 1, 2007, who earns salary in excess of established maximum compensation limits.
Other eligible employees include those enrolled in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) or State Police Retirement System (SPRS) after May 21, 2010, who earn salary in excess of established maximum compensation limits.
Additionally, employees who do not meet the minimum annual salary requirements for PERS or TPAF Tier 3 enrollment but earn at least $5,000 annually, or those who do not meet the minimum number of hours per week required for PERS or TPAF Tier 4 or Tier 5 enrollment but earn at least $5,000 annually, are also eligible.
The DCRP is administered by Empower, a company that makes DCRP information, including distribution options, available on its New Jersey Defined Contribution Program website. You can also contact Empower by phone through the toll-free number 1-866-657-3327 for members or 1-800-695-4952 for employers.
Here are the key eligibility requirements for the DCRP:
- State or Local Officials elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2007
- Employees enrolled in PERS or TPAF on or after July 1, 2007, who earn salary in excess of established maximum compensation limits
- Employees enrolled in PFRS or SPRS after May 21, 2010, who earn salary in excess of established maximum compensation limits
- Employees who do not meet minimum annual salary requirements for PERS or TPAF Tier 3 enrollment but earn at least $5,000 annually
- Employees who do not meet minimum number of hours per week required for PERS or TPAF Tier 4 or Tier 5 enrollment but earn at least $5,000 annually
You can find more information on the DCRP and its eligibility requirements on the Empower website or by contacting them directly.
Voluntary Plans
In New Jersey, there are various voluntary plans available to complement your defined contribution retirement plan.
The Supplemental Annuity Collective Trust of New Jersey (SACT) offers a 403(b) plan for PERS and PFRS members.
You can also consider the ACTS: Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Plans, which provide an additional layer of retirement savings.
A 403(b) plan is similar to a 457(b) plan, but with some key differences, as outlined in the 403(b) and 457(b) Comparison Brochure.
To enroll in a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan, you'll need to fill out the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Enrollment Form.
If you need to make changes to your salary deferrals, you can use the NJ Deferred Compensation & Roth 457 Salary Deferral Change Form.
Here are some of the voluntary plans available in New Jersey:
- Supplemental Annuity Collective Trust of New Jersey (SACT) – 403b for PERS and PFRS
- ACTS: Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Plans
- 403(b) and 457(b) Comparison Brochure
- Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Plan & Salary Reduction Agreement
- Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b) Fact Sheet
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Enrollment Form
- NJ Deferred Compensation & Roth 457 Beneficiary Form
- NJ Deferred Compensation & Roth 457 Salary Deferral Change Form
Retirement Readiness
To ensure a smooth transition into retirement, it's essential to take pre-retirement steps for your retirement plan.
Start by reviewing the Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) Plan Checklist to understand your options and obligations. This will help you make informed decisions about your retirement benefits.
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The Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Retirement Checklist is another crucial document to review. It outlines the steps you need to take to receive your retirement benefits.
If you're a member of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PERS), you'll also need to complete the PRFS Retirement Checklist. This will help you navigate the specific requirements and deadlines for your retirement benefits.
Here are some key checklists to consider:
- Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) Plan Checklist
- Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Retirement Checklist
- Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PRFS) Retirement Checklist
By reviewing these checklists and taking the necessary steps, you'll be well-prepared for a successful retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of a defined contribution pension plan?
Defined contribution pensions come with investment risk, meaning your retirement income may not be guaranteed. Without buying an annuity, your income could run out, making it essential to plan carefully
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