In a recent survey by MissionSquare Research Institute, as many as 60% of public employees across the United States felt like they lacked adequate support for retirement planning and needed more guidance on how much they should be saving for retirement.
As a benefit-eligible employee of the UNC System, you’re already taking a meaningful step toward retirement security. Employees are required to contribute 6% of their salary on a pre-tax basis to one of the mandatory retirement plans, either the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS).
In addition to your contributions, the University also makes contributions on your behalf. You are always 100% vested in your employee contributions. Both plans have a 5-year vesting period for the employer contributions.
While the mandatory retirement plans are a great foundation, they should be viewed as a part of your overall savings and retirement portfolio. To assist with meeting your goals, UNC also offers the UNC Supplemental 403(b) and 457(b) plans which allow for additional retirement savings.
Establishing your retirement plans is a great first step—but it’s just the beginning. Now it’s important to have a strategy in place to help your savings grow and ensure you stay on track to meet your goals.
The good news? You have a variety of tools and resources at your fingertips to support you throughout your retirement journey. Both TIAA and CAPTRUST offer personalized guidance, online planning tools, and educational resources including live and recorded webinars. Taking advantage of these can make a meaningful difference in your long- term financial success.
To begin contributing or to make changes to your UNC Supplemental 403(b) and 457(b) accounts, complete the forms below and return to your Institution’s Benefits Office.
- 2025 403(b) Salary Reduction Agreement Form
- 2025 457(b) Voluntary Salary Deferral Agreement Form
To access tools and resources from TIAA, click here and from CAPTRUST, click here.