Human Resource Services records indicate you are participating in the NIU 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan, the State of Illinois 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan, and/or the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently announced the cost-of-living adjustments affecting the contribution limits to retirement plans for the 2026 tax year. In calendar year 2026, the annual contribution limits are as follows:
| Limit Type | Relevant Ages | Annual Contribution Amount | Total Contribution Amounts for 2026 |
| Standard Limit on Elective Deferrals | All | $24,500 | $24,500 |
| Catch-Up Limit | Turning age 50 or above in 2026 (see box below for specific age exceptions) | $8,000 | $32,500 |
| 60-63 Special Catch-Up Limit | Turning age 60, 61, 62, or 63 in 2026 | $11,250 | $35,750 |
Based on IRS guidelines, the Human Resource PeopleSoft System will automatically determine your yearly allowable maximum for 2026. However, it is the employee’s option to utilize the IRS annual maximum and the employee’s responsibility to determine their appropriate semi-monthly contribution. Any change in contribution amounts for 2026 will require completion of the appropriate updates to change your deduction effective January 1, 2026.
To change your semi-monthly 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan payroll deduction in time for the beginning of 2026, please complete the NIU Salary Contribution Agreement by December 12, 2025. In order for the change to be effective on the January 15, 2026 pay end date, salaried employees should elect the change with the first pay period of January, while hourly employees should elect the change with the second pay period of December.
To change your semi-monthly State 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan payroll deduction in time for the beginning of 2026, please visit the Empower website or call (833) 969-4532 to speak with a Empower representative. Please note, with this plan, elected changes are made with the next available pay period. If you want your change effective on January 1, 2026, please process your change between December 20, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
To change your semi-monthly SURS 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan payroll deduction in time for the beginning of 2026, please visit the SURS website or call (800) 613-9543 to speak to a SURS Defined Contribution Contact Center representative. Please note, with this plan, elected changes are made with the next available pay period. If you want your change effective on January 1, 2026, please process your change between December 20, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
If you have any questions regarding the supplemental retirement plans, please contact the following Human Resource Services contacts:
- NIU 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan
- Employees with last names beginning A – D – Stephanie Kruizenga (skruizenga@niu.edu)
- Employees with last names beginning E- K – Vickie Hueramo (vhueramo@niu.edu)
- Employees with last names beginning L – Z – Laurie Johnson (ljohnson13@niu.edu)
- State of Illinois 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Bridgett Davis (bcdavis@niu.edu)
- State Universities Retirement System 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Liz Guess (eguess@niu.edu)
