Basic and Matching Contributions
Once you reach your one-year anniversary as a benefits-eligible employee and are enrolled in the Stanford Contributory Retirement Plan (SCRP), we will make contributions to the SCRP on your behalf.
There are two types of contributions — basic and matching.
Basic Contribution
Stanford makes a basic contribution to the plan on behalf of every eligible SCRP participant. Even if you choose not to contribute your own money, we make this basic contribution to your plan.
The university's basic contribution is based on your salary and years of qualifying service:
| YEARS OF QUALIFYING SERVICE | PERCENTAGE OF SALARY |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1% |
| 2 | 2% |
| 3 | 3% |
| 4 | 4% |
| 5 | 5% |
Matching Contribution
Whether you contribute Pre-tax, After-tax, or Roth money from your eligible earnings, Stanford makes a matching contribution. This is in addition to the basic contribution. Currently, the matching contribution is made each pay period.
| If you contribute... | The matching contribution is... |
|---|---|
| 1% of eligible earnings | 1.5% of eligible earnings |
| 2% of eligible earnings | 3% of eligible earnings |
| 3% of eligible earnings | 4% of eligible earnings |
| 4% of eligible earnings | 5% of eligible earnings |
The university’s matching contribution will never exceed 5% of compensation for a payroll period. Therefore, if you contribute more than 4% of compensation for some payroll periods and less than 4% for other payroll periods, you could receive less in matching contributions over the year than had you contributed at an even rate throughout the year. To enhance the matching contributions for those employees whose contributions may vary over the course of the plan year, the plan provides an additional “true-up” matching contribution.
At the end of the year, the university will review your employee contributions and match contributions during the entire plan year and “true-up” your account by providing any missing matching contribution. True-up contributions will be posted after the close of the plan year.
Please note: If you have reached the total contribution limit for the year, you will not receive a true-up matching contribution.
Be sure to check if we have already auto-enrolled you at 4% Pre-tax. Log in to My Retirement Savings or call 888-793-8733.
Contribution Limits Set by Federal Tax Laws
The IRS imposes certain contribution limits on this type of retirement savings plan and they are subject to change each Jan. 1. These limits apply to all contributions you make during the calendar year to all retirement plans — a Stanford plan and/or another employer's plan. If you exceed these limits, the IRS may impose penalties. Stanford’s contributions may be reduced or stopped if you reach certain federal limits. View the current contribution limits.
If you were employed by another employer during a calendar year, you are responsible for:
- Ensuring that your annual contributions do not exceed IRS limits.
- Monitoring your limits and paying any taxes, penalties, or interest due because of excess contributions.
To learn more or to change your contribution rate, log in to My Retirement Savings or call 888-793-8733. If you have any questions about the limits or your responsibilities, consult with a tax advisor.
Contribution Changes
Contribution changes are subject to payroll deadlines of the 10th and 25th of each month. If the 10th or 25th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the business day before. Refer to the SCRP payroll deadlines for additional information: 2026 SCRP Payroll Deadlines.
To Enroll or Ask Questions
Log in to My Retirement Savings. You can also enroll by phone at 888-793-8733.
After you determine how much you wish to contribute on a Pre-tax, After-tax, and/or Roth basis for the year, be aware that you can adjust the amount at any time.