{"id":18007,"date":"2023-06-15T12:11:31","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T19:11:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/?page_id=18007"},"modified":"2025-07-07T14:36:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T21:36:12","slug":"benefits-faqs-new-to-nau","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/benefits-faqs-new-to-nau\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits – FAQs New to NAU"},"content":{"rendered":"

New to NAU FAQs<\/div><\/div><\/h1>\n
General<\/h2>\n
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How do I register for New Employee Welcome or \u2018NEW\u201d? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Visit the New Employee Welcome training page<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u00a0Can I enroll in benefits before my first day? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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No, you will not be able to enroll in benefits until your first day of employment. You will enroll in your voluntary benefits such are health care through LOUIE – HR<\/strong><\/a> . You will not have access to the enrollment page until your new hire paperwork is completed and you have been added to LOUIE – HR<\/strong><\/a> .<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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How do I know if I am classified or appointed staff? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Your employment category was included in your offer letter.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Who is eligible?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Voluntary Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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Who can enroll in NAU\u2019s health care plans? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Regular employees can enroll in voluntary benefits such as health care, flexible spending accounts, and life and short-term disability insurance.<\/p>\n
Visit the Benefit Eligibility Chart<\/a> for details on each benefit.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Can I cover my dependents on my health care plan? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Yes. You and your eligible dependents can enroll in NAU’s medical, dental a vision plans.<\/p>\n
Dependents are defined as: Your legal spouse<\/strong> (opposite sex or same sex) or your and\/or spouse’s children.<\/p>\n
A “child” is defined as: Biological children, legally adopted children or children placed for adoption, Children under legal guardianship substantiated by a court order, Foster children, Children who are entitled to coverage under a medical support order and Disabled child who continues to be disabled as defined by §42 USC 1382c before age. <\/em><\/p><\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Does NAU offer domestic partnership coverage? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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No, NAU does not offer domestic partnership coverage. Please visit the Dependent Eligibility page<\/a> for more information about the definition of a dependent. <\/p><\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Primary Retirement Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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Am I required to enroll in a Primary Retirement plan? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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All regular benefit eligible employees are required<\/u> by State of AZ mandate to enroll in a primary retirement plan.<\/p>\n
There are a few exceptions. Postdoctoral scholars, some international employees are not eligible to enroll in a Primary Retirement plan.<\/p>\n
Visit the benefit eligibility chart.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Who needs to make a Primary Retirement Plan election? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Only faculty and appointed staff have the choice of Primary Retirement Plan.<\/p>\n
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Faculty and appointed staff can choose between the ASRS or ORP.<\/li>\n
Classified employees are automatically enrolled in ASRS. <\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I am over age 65 and have never contributed to ASRS, do I have to contribute? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Newly hired employees who are age 65 or older may be able to opt out of ASRS membership. To be eligible to opt out, a person must:<\/p>\n
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Become employed after the person is at least 65 years old,<\/li>\n
Not be an active, inactive, or retired ASRS member,<\/li>\n
Not be receiving long term disability (LTD) benefits and,<\/li>\n
Not have any credited or prior ASRS service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To opt-out, an eligible person must make the election in writing within 30-days of employment, not 30-days from becoming ASRS eligible (if different than the first day of employment). The election is irrevocable and constitutes a waiver of all benefits under ASRS.<\/p>\n
Complete the 65+membership waiver form<\/a> and return to nauhrbenefits@nau.edu<\/a> in the first 30-days of employment to opted out of ASRS. <\/p><\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I am a part-time employee, and I was just informed that I have been enrolled in ASRS. How is that possible? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Part Time Faculty and Temporary Employees can become eligible for retirement if they work at least 20 hours a week for at least 20 weeks in a fiscal year. You will only be enrolled through the remainder of the fiscal year. More information about the ASRS 20\/20 Rule<\/a> can be found on our website.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I met the 20\/20 rule, do I have to participate in a primary retirement plan? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Per Arizona Revised Statute [A.R.S.§ 38-711(23)(b)] the ‘20\/20 rule’ states that part-time faculty or part-time temporary employees who work 20 or more hours per week for 20 or more weeks (either consecutively or sporadically)<\/strong> in the current fiscal year<\/strong> are required to participate in a mandatory retirement plan for the remainder of the fiscal year.<\/p>\n
NAU utilizes a report called the ‘20\/20 Report’ to track the hours worked for part-time faculty or part-time temporary employees each pay period in accordance with the 20\/20 rule.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Supplemental Retirement Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Who is eligible for the supplemental retirement plans?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Supplemental retirement plans are available to all employees. Deductions will be taken from your primary job.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I get paid through multiple positions; how can I enroll in the 403b plan? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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457 and 403b contributions are taken on your primary position, if you would like to contribute to a different or additional position, please contact the Benefits Team. <\/p><\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Enrolling in Benefits<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Voluntary Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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Do I need to complete the \u2018Benefit Disclosure Form\u2019? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Yes! The Benefits Team uses the information on the ‘Benefit Disclosure Form’ to determine if your service from another employer or previous NAU employment will affect your NAU benefits.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I transferred from another State employer, I was told my benefits would transfer. What do I need to do? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Transferring your benefits from one state agency\/university is a manual process that involves both NAU and your former agency\/university and can take time.<\/p>\n
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The process begins when you submit the ‘Benefit Disclosure Form’ to nauhrbenefits@nau.edu<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Once your ‘Benefits Disclosure Form’ is received, a member of the Benefits Team will reach out to both you and your former agency\/university.<\/li>\n
NAU Benefits will submit a form to the former agency\/university to verify your previous enrollments.<\/li>\n
Once NAU Benefits receives verification of your previous benefit enrollment, you will be enrolled in the same plans unless you want to enroll in plans not offered to you previously, such as the NAU PPO or NAU HDHP.<\/li>\n
Your benefits are normally effective on your date of hire.<\/li>\n
If your benefits at your previous employer are still effective on your hire of hire your NAU benefits will begin the first date after your previous coverage end.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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How long do I have to enroll after I am hired? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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You have 31 days to enroll in your voluntary benefits. If you do not enroll by the deadline, all benefits except basic life insurance will be waived.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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When will my medical insurance be effective? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Your coverage is effective the first day of the pay period after a completed enrollment.<\/p>\n
2024 Example:<\/p>\n
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Enrollment submitted 08\/30\/2024<\/li>\n
Coverage is effective 09\/02\/2024<\/li>\n
First deduction is with the pay received on 09\/20\/2024, which is for the pay period of 09\/02\/2024 through 09\/15\/2024.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
View the Benefit Effective Dates<\/a> to determine YOUR coverage effective date.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I\u2019m a new hire but don\u2019t have the option to enroll in benefits in LOUIE-HR, what do I do? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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To enroll in benefits, you must have your new hire packet (which includes your I-9) and an ePAR (the form that tells the payroll system your title, salary, start date etc.) loaded to the payroll system.<\/p>\n
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Once both of those items are loaded, a process behind the scenes needs to run to open your new hire benefits event in LOUIE – HR<\/strong><\/a> .<\/li>\n
Also, once you are activated in our payroll system, you will receive an email from the Benefits Team with information on how to enroll in your benefits, your benefit options, and links to benefit videos, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What happens if I do not elect benefits within the 31- day deadline Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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If you do not enroll by the deadline, all benefits except basic life insurance will be waived.<\/p>\n
Your next opportunity to enroll will be during Open Enrollment or if you have a Qualified Life Event such as marriage or birth of a child.<\/p>\n
Visit the Qualified Life Events<\/a> page for information on what is considered a QLE, the effective date for each event and how to submit your QLE request form.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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When will I get my ID cards? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Your enrollment information will be sent to the vendor on the date your benefits are effective.<\/p>\n
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It takes several days before your enrollment is shown on the provider’s eligibility portal.<\/li>\n
Once on the portal, you can register for an account with the vendor and print a temporary ID Card.<\/li>\n
The vendor will then mail your ID to your home address in LOUIE – HR<\/strong><\/a> within 2 weeks.<\/li>\n
If you need to seek service prior to receiving your ID card, contact Human Resources for assistance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nVisit the Vendor Contact webpage<\/a> which includes the provider’s website address and customer service phone number.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I\u2019m not showing as eligible for coverage yet with my health care provider, what do I do? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Reach out to the Benefits Team at NAUHRBenefits@nau.edu and please allow 48-72 hours to manually update your eligibility in the vendors system.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I need to update my address, what should I do? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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You can update your address through LOUIE – HR<\/strong><\/a> . Please keep in mind that all mail is sent to your address listed as Home. If you need to update your address for Fidelity retirement, please contact the Benefits Team to make that update.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Primary Retirement Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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I am a new employee. How long do I have to enroll in a Primary Retirement Plan? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Faculty and Appointed Staff have within 30 days of eligibility to make your retirement election. Classified staff are automatically enrolled in ASRS and do not need to make a retirement election.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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How do I make my primary retirement plan election? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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You will make your retirement election through the online retirement election form.<\/a><\/p>\n
If you do not make an election within the 30 days of your hire date you will be automatically enrolled in ASRS.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I am a classified employee. Do I need to make a primary retirement plan election? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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No, you will automatically be enrolled in the Arizona State Retirement System. You will need to setup an account by following the steps below:<\/p>\n
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Visit myASRS online registration <\/a><\/li>\n
Provide the information requested<\/li>\n
Enrollment Code: 4UQ00059<\/strong><\/li>\n
Select ‘Northern Arizona University’<\/strong> from the drop-down list<\/li>\n
Follow the instructions provided.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For help, call ASRS at (800) 621-3778<\/em><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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If have a choice of Primary Retirement plans. What happens if I do not make a retirement election by the deadline? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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If you do not make a Primary Retirement election, you will be defaulted into the Arizona State Retirement System.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u00a0Can I change my primary retirement plan later? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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You cannot change your primary retirement plan election unless your eligibility changes.<\/p>\n
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If you change from Classified Staff to Faculty or Appointed Staff you will have the choice between ORP and ASRS.<\/li>\n
If you change from Faculty or Appointed Staff to Classified Staff and were enrolled in the ORP your Primary Retirement plan enrollment will automatically be changed to ASRS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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My primary retirement plan is ASRS. When do my contributions begin? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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If you enroll in ASRS<\/strong> your contributions will begin effective:<\/p>\n
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New Members:<\/em> the first day of the pay period following 183 days of continuous service.<\/li>\n
Current Members:<\/em> at your date of hire if you have an active retirement account.<\/li>\n
Forfeited Members:<\/em> at your date of hire if you forfeited your account less than two years ago.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n
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I selected the ORP as my primary retirement plan. When will my ORP contributions begin? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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If you enroll in the ORP<\/strong> your contributions will be effective the first day of the pay period following your election. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I just changed from classified to appointed staff and changed my primary retirement plan to the ORP. Can I transfer the funds from my ASRS account to the ORP? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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No, your ASRS benefit will remain in your ASRS account until you leave the university or retire. Your service while an ASRS member does count toward your vesting service with the ORP.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u00a0What is the difference between the ORP and ASRS? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Both the ASRS and ORP are 401(a) primary retirement plans. ASRS is a defined benefit (DB) plan and the ORP is a defined contribution (DC) plan.<\/p>\n
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Visit the Retirement Plan Comparison.<\/a><\/li>\n
Visit the ORP Guide.<\/a><\/li>\n
Visit the ASRS retirement plan comparison and video.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I am interested in enrolling in the ORP. Where can I find information about the investment options? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Your retirement election will include choosing either Fidelity or TIAA as your investment manager. Both Fidelity and TIAA offer a broad array of investment options from which you can choose. You can also contact NAU’s representatives with Fidelity and TIAA with questions. Visit the Vendor Contact webpage<\/a> for their contact information.<\/p>\n
Review Optional Retirement Plan Guide<\/a> for information on the investment options.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Supplemental Retirement Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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When can I enroll or change my 403b or 457 plan election? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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You are able to enroll or change your 403b or 457 accounts at any point during the year.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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How do I enroll in the 403(b) plan? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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You may start, stop or change your contribution amount anytime. Fidelity is the administrator for the 403(b) plan, and you enroll or make changes to your contribution amount at netbenefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Review the 403(b) Enrollment Instructions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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How do I enroll in the 457(b) plan? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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You may start, stop or change your contribution amount anytime. Nationwide Retirement Solutions is the administer for the 457(b). Contact Randall Neis, Retirement Specialist (480) 213-4157 to enroll or make changes to your contribution amount.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Is there a Contribution Limit for the 403b and 457 plans? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Yes, you can contribute up to the IRS annual maximum each calendar year to each plan. For 2023 $22,500 is the contribution maximum. If you are age 50 or older, you can make up to an additional $7,5000 in catch-up contributions.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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I am a new employee and at my previous employer I already contributed $5,000 to a 403(b) at my previous employer. Can I contribute the full IRS maximum to this 403(b)? Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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No, the IRS maximum is a personal maximum not a plan maximum. You should subtract the $5,000 from the current IRS maximum to determine how much you can contribute to the NAU 403(b) plan.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Still have questions??<\/h3>\n
Review additional FAQs on other Benefit plans<\/a> or contact the Benefits Team at nauhrbenefits@nau.edu or call (928) 523-2223.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
General Who is eligible? Voluntary Benefits Primary Retirement Plans Supplemental Retirement Plans Enrolling in Benefits Voluntary Benefits Primary Retirement Plans Supplemental Retirement Plans Still have questions?? Review additional FAQs on other Benefit plans or contact the Benefits Team at nauhrbenefits@nau.edu or call (928) 523-2223. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":619,"featured_media":18544,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","ring_central_script_selection":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18007","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18007","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/619"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18007"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18007\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18544"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}