Retirement
State Classified
Colorado State University is required by law to provide this Statement Concerning Your Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security (SSA 1945). Employees of CSU do not participate in the Social Security program and a pension from this job could affect future Social Security benefits to which you may become entitled.
Because your earnings from this job are not covered under Social Security, you must participate in the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) plan as a condition of employment.
Social Security and CSU
Mandatory Retirement Plans
PERA
Voluntary Retirement Plans
Available Programs
CSU offers employees the opportunity to contribute to voluntary tax-deferred investment accounts. These accounts can supplement your basic retirement plan.
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public education institution eligible to offer a voluntary retirement savings program as described under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (also referred to as a “403(b) Plan”). Colorado PERA also provides two voluntary retirement savings programs: a 457 plan and a 401(k) plan.
Eligibility
- All non-student employees can participate in CSU’s 403(b) Plan through Fidelity Investments.
- All employees can participate in PERA’S 457 Plan and/or PERA’s 401(k) Plan. (For more information, visit the PERA website or call 800-759-7372.)
403(b)
You can enroll in the 403(b) or make changes to your contributions on Fidelity NetBenefits or by calling Fidelity at 800-343-0860. Changes to your contribution amount will be effective within one to two pay cycles following your change. The contribution will apply for any payroll in which salary is paid including summer session pay for nine-month employees. Deferral changes are no longer be made via the CSU salary reduction agreement form.
Under the 403(b) plan, eligible employees may contribute on a pre-tax basis, in which investment earnings grow tax-deferred until they are distributed. The employee is responsible for investigating and selecting an investment service program (vendor) and investments from among the vendors available under the plan.
CSU has established a relationship with Fidelity to provide 403(b) arrangements for both “Traditional” and “Roth” accounts. A Traditional account is funded with pre-tax contributions and a Roth is funded with after-tax contributions.
| Vendor | Phone Number | Login Site | Investment Options | Schedule an Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Investments | (800) 343-0860 | Account Access | Investment Information | Individual Counseling |
Regulatory Notices/Memos:
401(k)
401(k) Election/Payroll Form
401(k) Form for Non-PERA Members
PERA manages the 401(k) plan. To participate, complete a salary deferral election form and the necessary PERA application. New enrollments/changes are due by the 10th day of the month for the change to be effective for that monthly payroll cycle.
| Colorado PERA | (800) 759-7372 | PERAPlus Plan Information | Account Access |
|---|
457
This plan is managed and administered by Colorado PERA and is available to all CSU employees.
Your initial enrollment form must be submitted to PERA. You will then be sent a secure PIN by PERA which allows you to complete the enrollment process online and to make future changes to contribution amounts or fund selections. Payroll deductions are initiated the month following completion of the online enrollment process.
| Colorado PERA | (800) 759-7372 | PERAPlus Plan Information | Account Access |
|---|
Preparing to Retire
When you are getting ready to retire, there are many important factors to consider. Visit Separation and Retirement to learn more about post-employment benefits and how to initiate retirement from CSU.