JHU is committed to supporting faculty and staff through every step of their life's journey, including preparing for retirement and managing their money. That's why the 403(b) retirement plan is designed to help build long-term financial security with ease and confidence.
The information below includes the IRS contribution limit updates for 2026, using autosave to meet your 403(b) savings goals, changes to age-based catch-up contributions, and how to access free, professional financial consultation and resources.
IRS limits for 2026
Every November, the IRS announces the next year's contribution limits for 403(b) plans. For 2026:
- Pretax elective deferral: $24,500 (was $23,500 in 2025)
- Age 50 and over catch-up: $8,000 (was $7,500 in 2025)
- Ages 60 to 63 super catch-up: $11,250 (no change from 2025)
- Overall contribution by employer/employee: $72,000 (was $70,000 in 2025)
- Annual compensation limit: $360,000 (was $350,000 in 2025)
Set your autosave rate to grow your savings steadily
All employees participating in the 403(b) plan can take advantage of the TIAA Auto Save program, which allows you to boost your savings rate automatically on a schedule of your choice. You select the amount (1%, 2%, or more) and the timing (annually, quarterly, or monthly) for your increases on the TIAA website at any time throughout the year.
Age 50 or older? Change to age-based catch-up contribution rules
The Secure Act 2.0 is legislation aimed at enhancing Americans' retirement savings. Under this legislation, individuals age 50 and older will be required to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions, meaning they will be made with after-tax rather than pretax dollars.
Beginning in 2026, if your after-tax earnings were more than $150,000 in the prior calendar year, age-based catch-up contributions in your retirement plan must be designated as Roth. If your earnings were $150,000 or less in the prior year, you are not required to designate your age-based catch-up contributions as Roth.
Those impacted will receive an email from HR and a letter from the Johns Hopkins University 403(b) plan provider, TIAA, about this change.
Free expert financial consultation and support
To help you make confident decisions about retirement planning and your finances, JHU partners with Marsh McLennan Agency, or MMA, an independent investment adviser. You can access retirement plan advice and education anytime through MMA's Prosper Wise website, which offers articles, videos, tools, assessments, and other resources to help make your financial goals a reality.
You also can schedule a virtual meeting with an MMA financial coach. The coaches are licensed professionals with expertise in retirement plans, investing, and financial education.
If you prefer to speak with the 403(b) plan administrator, you can schedule a one-on-one financial consultation with TIAA.
Check on or change your 403(b) anytime
You can view, make changes, or enroll in the 403(b) retirement plan at any time during the year through the TIAA Retirement Plans enrollment portal. More information and resources can be accessed on the HR website.
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