/Stony Brook University
Human Resources

People Science Pioneers

Benefits & Total Rewards / State employees

Save for the life
you have in mind.

Voluntary retirement savings

Explore the SUNY 403(b) and NYS 457(b) plans. Compare your options, understand the 2026 limits, and take your next step.

01 / Your savings options

Two plans. One personal goal.

Voluntary savings can supplement your retirement income. Start with the plan features, then explore the investments and services available.

Option 01

403(b)

SUNY Voluntary Savings Plan

Choose from SUNY’s authorized investment providers.

Administered by

State University of New York

Eligibility

SUNY employees who receive compensation reported on Form W-2.

Contribution options

Pre-tax, Roth, or a combination through payroll deductions.

Vesting

Your voluntary contributions are fully vested immediately.

Explore the SUNY 403(b) plan ↗
Option 02

457(b)

NYS Deferred Compensation Plan

Explore investment options selected by the NYS Deferred Compensation Board.

Administered by

NYS Deferred Compensation Board

Eligibility

Active SUNY State employees are eligible to participate.

Contribution options

Pre-tax and Roth savings through payroll deductions.

Vesting

Your voluntary contributions are fully vested immediately.

Explore the NYS 457(b) plan ↗

You can participate in both.

The plans have separate annual limits. In 2026, the combined standard limit is $49,000, before eligible catch-up contributions.

View the 2026 comparison (PDF) ↗
02 / 2026 contribution limits

Know your annual limit.

These maximums apply separately to each plan. Pre-tax and Roth contributions count toward the same limit within a plan.

Under age 50
$24,500
 

Standard annual contribution limit.

No age-based catch-up

Age 50–59 or 64+
$32,500
 

$24,500 standard + $8,000 catch-up.

Age as of December 31, 2026

Age 60–63
$35,750
 

$24,500 standard + $11,250 catch-up.

Age as of December 31, 2026

The age 60–63 catch up replaces the regular age 50+ catch-up so the two amounts are not added together. If you contribute through other employers, review the applicable combined limits with your plan administrator.

Review official contribution limits ↗
03 / SECURE 2.0

Catch-up contributions.
A new Roth rule.

Starting in 2026, age-based catch-up contributions must be Roth if your 2025 FICA wages from the plan sponsor exceeded $150,000.

Where to check

Review Box 3 on your 2025 Form W-2.

Read the IRS catch-up guidance ↗
04 / Make your next move

A clear place to begin.

Choose your enrollment path. Each plan has its own enrollment system.

Enroll in the SUNY 403(b)

Use Retirement@Work to make your contribution election. Then complete account setup with each investment provider you select.

Open Retirement@Work ↗

Enroll in NYS Deferred Compensation

Use the NYSDCP enrollment portal for the 457(b) plan. For enrollment assistance, call 800-422-8463.

Open NYSDCP enrollment ↗
Already saving in the 403(b)?

Review or adjust your contribution.

You can update your election through Retirement@Work as often as once per pay period, subject to campus payroll deadlines.

Making changes guide (PDF) ↗
05 / Connect with your provider

People to help you move forward.

The SUNY 403(b) offers four authorized investment providers. Contact them for enrollment, investment options, and account assistance.

For the 457(b) plan

NYS Deferred Compensation

800-422-8463
Visit NYSDCP ↗
SUNY provider directory & enrollment links ↗
06 / Resources for your next step

More clarity. More confidence.

Find the notices, guides, and retirement resources in one place.

Your next step

Make room for your future.

Compare your options and choose an enrollment path.

Go to enrollment ↑