Retirement Savings Plan

COVID-19: Contacting the Benefits Department

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Human Resources has limited on-site support and is primarily working remotely. During this time, Craig Hall is not open to the public; walk-ins will not be accepted and forms cannot be dropped off in-person or faxed. During this time, we recommend submitting all requests and inquiries online in lieu of sending physical mail. For Benefits forms not completed online via Pitt Worx or DocuSign, please submit an inquiry online.

If you have a Benefits-related inquiry, including the submission of forms or documentation, the quickest way to receive assistance is to call the Benefits Department at 833-852-2210. You can also submit an inquiry at www.hr.pitt.edu/contact-ohr.

The University Retirement Savings Plan serves faculty and staff as they save for retirement and consists of plans established under the Internal Revenue Code, which refers to the tax law in the United States. Pitt's plans are outlined below with links to more information about each plan, including eligibility, summary of the plans, and enrollment guidelines.

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Retirement Savings for Current Employees

Newly hired employees are offered a Defined Contribution Plan through the University. Union employees should check their collective bargaining agreement for eligibility. If no election is made, eligible new hires, who are not eligible for the Noncontributory Defined Benefit Plan (see below), will be auto-enrolled into this plan with a 3% contribution rate.

Defined under IRS codes 403(b) and 401(a), the retirement benefit to be received under the Plan depends upon factors such as the amount of funds contributed, the rate of return on investments, and the distribution option selected at the time of retirement. Employee contributions made between 3% and 8% of their base salary are matched by the University of Pittsburgh. The University also offers an optional 457(b) plan for additional retirement savings.

More information is available on the Retirement Savings for Current Employees page.

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Noncontributory Defined Benefit Plan

The Noncontributory Defined Benefit Plan has been phased out and is no longer offered to new participants. Only currently participating members of this plan can continue to receive benefits. Union employees should check their collective bargaining agreement for eligibility.

The retirement benefit to be received under this Plan is funded by the University through a trust at Mellon Bank, and is determined by a set formula which takes into account salary and years of participation in the plan and age at retirement. Guidelines and a summary of the Plan are available on the Noncontributory Defined Benefit Plan page.

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Universal Availability

The University of Pittsburgh provides all employees with the opportunity to save for retirement through supplemental pre-tax and Roth 403(b) after-tax contributions without a University matching contribution. Whether you want to enroll in the plan, or you are already enrolled but wish to change the amount of your deferral, you can accomplish your goal by filling out a “403(b) Salary Reduction Agreement” through the online enrollment system. More information about this opportunity can be found by reviewing the availability notice.

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