For part-time workers, saving for retirement can be a challenge. Many part-time employees are often excluded from 401k plans because they often don’t meet the plan’s eligibility requirements. This includes many students, parents and individuals with multiple part-time jobs. However, new legislation that goes into effect on January 1, 2024, is about to change that.
Long-Term, Part-Time Eligibility Rules for 2024
Effective on January 1, 401k plans must allow employees who have worked more than 500 hours of service in three consecutive 12-month periods to contribute elective deferrals to the plan. Let’s look at an example.
Example 1
Alex was hired in 2016 as a part-time employee. She has never been able to participate in the company’s 401k plan because she didn’t meet the 1000 hours requirement. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, she worked 600 hours per year. She has worked more than 500 hours and completed three consecutive 12–month periods, so she can enter the plan on January 1, 2024.
Example 2
Riley was hired on May 15, 2021 as a part-time employee. He worked 400 hours in 2021, 600 hours in 2022 and 600 hours in 2023. On May 15, 2024, he completed three consecutive 12-month periods; however, he did not work enough hours to be eligible.
Importantly, employers must properly track employee hire dates and hours worked to determine eligibility. Tracking hours is crucial to determining employee eligibility for the plan, including tracking periods starting from January 1, 2021 (since that date going forward determines eligibility). Additionally, employers should be aware of the administrative burden involved in operating their plans and how these changes will affect plan operations under the Long-Term, Part-Time provisions.
According to these rules, employers are not required to make employers contributions to the accounts of LTPT employees, which includes contributions under safe harbor 401k plan provisions and top heavy minimums but if employers want, they can. Additionally, employers can choose to exclude employees from nondiscrimination testing related to elective deferrals, employer match and nonelective contributions. See your TPA for more specifics.
Long-Term, Part-Time Eligibility Rules for 2025 and Beyond
For 2025 and with the modifications in SECURE 2.0, the rules change again. An employee only needs two consecutive 12-month periods with more than 500 hours of service to be eligible to participate in the company’s 401k plan.
Example 3
Riley was hired on May 15, 2021 as a part-time employee. He worked 400 hours in 2021, 400 hours in 2022, 600 hours in 2023 and 600 hours in 2024. He has completed two consecutive 12-month periods with more than 500 hours; he is eligible to participate in the company’s 401k plan on the next entry date.
Understanding Plan Eligibility
In summary, the LTPT provisions are a significant change to retirement plan eligibility requirements. While the SECURE Act offers solutions, employers must take action to properly track employee hours and ensure those employees become aware of their eligibility to join the 401k plan.
Employers should also evaluate their plan design and consider whether allowing all employees to contribute immediately upon hire would be worthwhile. By working closely with your third party administrator and plan advisor, employers can ensure that they are meeting the requirements of the SECURE 1.0 and 2.0 Acts and offering employees the best possible retirement savings opportunities.
401K EXTRA | RETIRE YOUR WAY
Fran Gillis AIF, QPFC, PPC, CFWP
Lucas Gillis CPFA, CFWP
connect@401kextra.com
970-225-2001
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Fran Gillis and Lucas Gillis are Investment Advisor Representatives of Dynamic Wealth Advisors dba 401k Extra LLC. All advisory services offered through Dynamic Wealth Advisors.
This information was developed as a general guide to educate plan sponsors and is not intended as authoritative guidance or tax/legal advice. Each plan has unique requirements, and you should consult your attorney or tax advisor for guidance on your specific situation.
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