Retirement Benefits

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The University provides a variety of options for employees to plan and save for retirement. These options include a choice of mandatory retirement plans as well as a variety of supplemental retirement savings plans.

Retirement Program and Resources

Mandatory Retirement Programs

Retirement Programs

Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS)
UNC Optional Retirement Program (ORP)

Supplemental Retirement Programs

Supplemental Retirement Programs

UNC 403(b) Program
UNC 457 Plan
State 401(k) and 457 Plan

Please note: An aggregation of 403(b) and 401(k) plan contributions must be made if you participate in more than one supplemental plan during a calendar year. For example, if you contribute to the 401(k) plan in addition to the 403(b) plan, the combined amount of the contribution to both plans cannot exceed the elective deferral plan limit each year. The age 50 catch-up is also a combined amount between the 401(k) and 403(b) programs. Contributions to a 457(b) deferred compensation plan are not aggregated with 403(b) or 401(k) plan limits.

Investment Information

Guide to Investing in the UNC Retirement Programs
2025 Guide to Investing in UNC Retirement Programs
UNC Investment Policy Statement
UNC Investment Tier Structure -Appendix A 11.07.2024
Investment Monitoring Methodology - Appendix B

Booklets

TSERS Retirement Handbook
2025 Mandatory Retirement Plan Decision Guide
2025 Retirement Transfer Guide
2025 Supplemental Retirement Guide
UNC-2025-403b Plan Summary
UNC-2025-457b Plan Summary
UNC-2025-ORP Plan Summary

Videos and Tools

Retirement Program Comparison Tool

Your Retirement, Your Choice Tool
Retirement Program Comparison Tool

Investment Archival Information

UNC Investment Tier Structure -Appendix A 07.23.2024
UNC Investment Tier Structure - Appendix A 04.01.2024
UNC Investment Tier Structure - Appendix A 12.01.2023
Investment Funds and Tiers - Effective 2/1/2020
Investment Funds and Tiers – Effective 1/21/2016
Investment Funds and Tiers - Effective 1/5/2015
Investment Funds and Tiers - Effective 7/1/2014

Retirement Planning Resources

Faculty Phased Retirement

The UNC Faculty Phased Retirement Program (PRP) is designed to provide an opportunity for eligible full-time faculty members to make an orderly transition to retirement through half-time service, as reflected in the PRP policy.

Booklets

Retirement Planning Guide

Getting Ready to Retire Brochure
Retiree Healthcare Eligibility Memo - November 2020

Videos and Tools

Videos & Tools

ORP Retirement Workshop
TSERS Retirement Workshop

ORP Retirement Workshop

Video Player

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Download File: https://myapps.northcarolina.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/ORP-Retirement-Workshop-2023_121922.mp4?_=1

00:00

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TSERS Retirement Workshop

Video Player

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Download File: https://myapps.northcarolina.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/TSERS-Retirement-Workshop-2023_121922.mp4?_=2

00:00

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.

Social Security: Access information from your Social Security record at https://www.ssa.gov/site/signin/en/

Retirement Benefits Programs

ORP
TSERS
UNC 403(b)
UNC 457 Plan
State 401(k) and 457 Plans
Faculty Phased Retirement