Roadmap to Retirement: Participating in a Retirement Plan

When can you join your employer’s retirement plan?

The legal requirements for participation in a retirement plan are described in the publications below. However, your employer’s plan may have rules that permit you to join sooner than the law requires. Your plan’s booklet or Summary Plan Description (SPD) should have the rules that apply to you.

Special rules for retirement savings plans that automatically enroll employees

Many employers include automatic enrollment features in their retirement savings plans to encourage employees to save for their own retirement. You could be automatically enrolled in the plan on your first day of work. You must be given notice about the enrollment and the amount invested in your account. You will have the option to change the amount invested or to choose not to participate.

Sign up to receive updates from us:

Do you want to stay up to date on the latest retirement news and recent happenings at PRC?

Sign up to receive emails from us:

Click here >

Support the Pension Rights Center:

In today’s challenging pension environment, our work is more important than ever. Your contribution will help make it possible for the Center to continue its crucial role as a national consumer organization committed to protecting and promoting retirement security.

Donate >