Retirement Program
People and Culture Employee Resources Benefits Benefits Offered
People and Culture
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Retirement program—401a
Profit-sharing defined contribution plan
Bethel contributes an amount equal to 2% of a benefits-eligible employee's annual salary on an immediate vesting basis.
Bethel's retirement plan provider
Retirement plan document
Contact the Office of People and Culture at people-culture@bethel.edu or 651.638.6119 if you have questions.
Retirement program—voluntary tax-sheltered annuities—403b
Tax sheltering is a retirement planning method that allows a reduction from your salary before state and federal taxes are taken. You may purchase a TSA through the company authorized by Bethel and within limits prescribed by the IRS. The Office of People and Culture has further details on the TSA plan. To begin or change your reduction, fill out a Tax-Deferred Annuity (403b) form (pdf) and submit it to the Office of People and Culture before the day 15 of the month you would like your election to begin. Physical forms are also available in the Office of People and Culture.
IRS contribution limits for 2025
| Under age 50 | $23,500 |
| Age 50+ | $31,000 ($23,500 + $7,500 catch-up) |
For individuals who reach age 60, 61, 62, or 63 in 2025, the catch-up contribution amount is $11,250.
Retirement plan documents
To change your beneficiary(ies), visit tiaa.org/bethel and log in.
TIAA
What can you do through your online TIAA portal?
- Check your account balances and details, including year-to-date contributions
- Manage your investment options
- Add or edit beneficiaries
- Take out a loan
- Initiate a withdrawal or rollover
- View your pending transactions and required actions
- View statements
To sign up for an account, follow the TIAA Enrollment Instructions (pdf).