RETIREMENT INCOME-403(b)

Human Resources

The 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan for faculty and exempt staff, through TIAA and Fidelity Investments (legacy accounts), affords a variety of income options at retirement.

There are various income options at retirement, including lifetime annuity income, fixed period annuities, deferred income, systematic withdrawals, lump sum withdrawals and interest-only payments.

Full-time faculty and exempt staff (not participating in the State Employees’ Pension Plan), are eligible for University matching contributions. Vesting is immediate.

Plan Administrator:

University of Delaware through TIAA.

Eligibility:

All University employees, with the exception of student workers. Full-time faculty and exempt staff (not participating in the State Employees’ Pension Plan) are eligible for University matching contributions.

University Contributions

If you contribute The University contributes
5% 11%
4% 8%
3% 6%
2% 4%
1% 2%

*On an annual basis, University of Delaware and TIAA will review match calculations and compare them to the actual matching contributions paid into participant accounts for the prior plan year. The University will provide a “true-up” contribution into participant accounts based on their annual savings rate, rather than their per pay period savings rate, to ensure that eligible participants receive the full university match. The true-up contribution will occur in the first quarter of the following year.

Vesting

Employees are immediately vested upon hire.

Enrollment

Employees must enroll and choose their salary contribution level through TIAA. This plan is not subject to an open enrollment period. Employees may enroll and change elections at any point in the year. Enrollment is not automatic.

403(b) Enrollment Instructions

Plan Features	Streamlined, best-in-class investment options with lower costs. The Retirement Program currently offers more than 150 investment options. The investment lineup was carefully selected to give you the opportunity to choose a mix of investments based on your financial goals and preferences. Several of the investment options may have reduced fees compared to other investments in their peer groups. The University offers a generous employer match to an eligible employee’s contribution each pay. Pre-tax Contribution Option: Roth 403(b) After Tax Contribution Option: You can choose to contribute after-tax money and it potentially grows tax free. In retirement, you don’t pay taxes if you withdraw your money after age 59½. Brokerage option: For participants who are experienced investors, we offer a brokerage option to provide the opportunity to build and adjust an investment portfolio based on your goals. With the brokerage account you can choose from over 4,000 mutual funds from a number of well-known firms. You can invest on your own, take advantage of help or have it managed for you. Loans: Please contact TIAA for available options. Withdrawals from your 403b/457b contracts are subject to the retirement plan provisions of the University of Delaware. Learn more. Divorce (QDRO): Please contact TIAA for additional information. The University of Delaware remains committed to offering you a leading retirement plan with resources and services to help you create the future you want.
Limitations	The contribution limit for the University’s 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan has increased to $24,500 for the 2026 calendar year. This limit increases to $32,500 if you are age 50 or over by the end of the 2026 calendar year. The annual maximum on employee plus employer contributions is $72,000.
Required Minimum Distributions:	Starting the year you reach the Required Beginning Date (RBD), the IRS requires you to take money out of your tax-deferred accounts every year. The amount you’re required to take is your required minimum distribution (RMD). To find out more, view the video and step-by-step guide at TIAA.org/rmd.
Full-time faculty ONLY	Please see the AAUP Collective Bargaining Agreement for provisions in regard to summer supplemental contracts for nine, ten and eleven month appointments.
Resources	TIAA can help you get started with online retirement planning tools, one-on-one virtual or on-campus meetings with a plan representative and customer service call centers. Schedule an appointment by calling 800-842-2252 or visit the TIAA website to schedule a meeting, or to access webinars and online resources.
Loans, Retirement, or Divorce (QDRO)	Please contact TIAA for additional information.
TIAA	Website Employee portal (UD CAS) Phone: 800-842-2776
Legacy Accounts Fidelity Investments	Website Phone: 800-343-0860 Fidelity QDRO (Divorce) Approval Guidelines and Procedure
Legacy Accounts Fidelity Investments

TIAA Contact Information:

Website
Employee portal (UD CAS)
Phone: 800-842-2776

Legacy Accounts:

Fidelity Investments Contact Information:

Website
Phone: 800-343-0860
Fidelity QDRO (Divorce) Approval Guidelines and Procedure

How do I enroll in the 403(b)?

403(b) Enrollment Instructions

How do I change contribution percentages or investment options?

All contribution and investment option changes are made on the TIAA website: www.tiaa.org/udel.

Can I withdraw funds from my 403(b) while I am actively working at UD?

Please refer to these guidelines to determine if you may be eligible for a withdrawal while active at UD. TIAA can also be of assistance, and can be reached at 800-842-2776.

I am applying for a mortgage, and the mortgage company is asking for withdrawal guidelines. Where can I find this information?

For withdrawal guidelines, please provide this information to your mortgage company. If more information is needed, please contact hrhelp@udel.edu, or call TIAA at 800-842-2776.

How do I update my beneficiaries for my 403(b) and/or 457(b)?

All beneficiary information is retained by TIAA for the 403(b) and 457(b). Please visit the TIAA website to update your beneficiary information: www.tiaa.org/udel.

How do I change my personal information for the 403(b) and/or 457(b)?

For address change, marital status change:

Login to TIAA site: www.tiaa.org/udel
Click on Actions, and Update Your Profile
Click on Personal Information, and Edit

For name change:

Login: www.tiaa.org/udel
Click on the search icon
Select Name Change
Instructions will be displayed for the participant to complete all of the details of their name change.

When do I need to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?

For information on Required Minimum Distributions, please refer to the IRS guidelines here.

No matter where you are in life—just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with a TIAA Financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

Am I invested in the right mix of investments to help meet my goals?
Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

RSVP today, as space is limited. Register for sessions at www.TIAA.org/schedulenow or by calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET). We look forward to working with you.

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The Roth contribution option: Another way to save for retirement

In the University of Delaware 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, your pretax contributions accumulate tax deferred, and withdrawals are taxable.¹ With the “designated Roth” option, your after-tax, Roth contributions also accumulate tax deferred, but may be taken tax free in a qualified distribution.

Expand

A qualified distribution is one that occurs at least five years after the year of your first Roth contribution and is made either on or after attainment of age 59½, on account of disability, or on or after death. These potentially significant tax benefits are similar to a Roth IRA. However, Roth contributions have higher contribution limits than a Roth IRA. Read more.