Plan Overview
The Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) provides eligible members with a tax-sheltered, defined contribution retirement benefit, along with life insurance and disability coverage.
Eligibility
DCRP membership is for employees who do not earn the minimum salary or work the minimum hours required for enrollment in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Employees hired on or after November 2, 2008, and on or before May 21, 2010, must earn a minimum base salary of $8,400* or more per year to be eligible for enrollment in Tier 3 of the PERS. Any employee otherwise eligible to enroll in Tier 3 of the PERS who does not earn the required minimum annual salary, but earns a minimum base salary of $5,000 or more, must be enrolled in the DCRP.
Employees enrolled after May 21, 2010, must work a minimum of 35 hours per week to be eligible for enrollment in Tier 4 or Tier 5 of the PERS. Any employee otherwise eligible to enroll in Tier 4 or Tier 5 of the PERS who does not work the required minimum hours, but earns a minimum annual base salary of $5,000 or more, must be enrolled in the DCRP.
*The Tier 3 minimum base salary is subject to adjustment annually in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Employee Contribution
5.5% of salary made on a pretax basis.
Employer Contribution
3% of base salary.
Vesting
Employer contributions are not vested in a DCRP member's account until after the member commences the second year of employment.
Criteria for Immediate Vesting
At the time of initial employment if, the member participates in a program substantially similar to the DCRP or is a member of another New Jersey State-administered retirement system.
How to Enroll
Rutgers is responsible for enrolling a DCRP eligible employee as of the starting date of employment. Enrollment is required for eligible employees. There is no option for waiver of DCRP enrollment.
Newsletter Highlights
Third Quarter 2018 Newsletter
Fourth Quarter 2018 Newsletter
First Quarter 2019 Newsletter
Second Quarter 2019 Newsletter
Third Quarter 2019 Newsletter
Second Quarter 2020 Newsletter
Third Quarter 2020 Newsletter
Retirement
Retirement occurs when a vested DCRP member separates from covered employment and elects to receive a distribution of funds containing both employer and employee contributions plus interest. This action deems the former participant as retired and, therefore, ineligible to re-enroll in the DCRP or participate in any other New Jersey State-administered retirement system.
There is no minimum retirement age under the DCRP. An ABP/DCRP Withdrawal Request Acknowledgement Receipt form must be completed in order to receive funds.
Six months before retirement, a member should contact the OneSource Rutgers Faculty and Staff Service Center at 732-745-SERV (7378) and Empower (formerly Prudential) for information regarding DCRP benefits and options. Service time from enrollment in the DCRP cannot be used to qualify for State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) coverage at retirement.