A distant view shows a mountainous landscape with sloping peaks, green trees in the foreground, and a cloudy sky above.

The PERAPlus 401(k)/457 plans and the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan — collectively known as Capital Accumulation Plans — have become an important part of PERA, with more than $5.5 billion invested as of Dec. 31, 2020.



There are some important changes coming to the CAPs in the coming months, including increased contribution limits and a new recordkeeper. Continue reading for an overview of these changes and what they mean for plan participants heading into 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New contribution limits</h2>



Earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service announced <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-401k-limit-increases-to-20500" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">updated contribution limits</a> for 401(k) and 457 plans for 2022. Participants will be able to contribute up to $20,500 into a 401(k) or 457 plan next year, up from $19,500 in 2020 and 2021.



The IRS said the catch-up contribution limit for participants who are 50 and over will remain unchanged at $6,500, making for a contribution limit of $27,000 in each type of plan for that age group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PERAPlus and DC plans moving to Empower</h2>



In March, the PERA Board <a href="https://www.copera.org/what-to-know-about-peraplus-401k-457-dc-plans-in-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">selected Empower Retirement as the new recordkeeper</a> for the PERAPlus 401(k)/457 and DC plans, replacing Voya Financial. That transition will take place in late November and early December.



Greenwood Village-based Empower is one of the largest retirement providers in the country, with significant experience administering large public plans like PERA. The Board selected Empower based on its experience, customer service, mobile-friendly technology tools, and its modern approach to communicating with members.



With the transition to Empower, plan participants will have access to:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Expanded call center hours</li>



<li>A robust technology platform, including Empower’s website and mobile app</li>



<li>Financial wellness tools</li>



<li>Retirement planning tools, including personalized, one-on-one financial advice at no additional cost</li>
</ul>



The PERAdvantage funds available for investments in the 401(k)/457 and DC plans will not change — account balances will transfer to the same funds within Empower.



For more information on the Empower transition, including key dates, fees and more, visit <a href="http://coperaplus.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coperaplus.org</a>.

What to Know About PERAPlus 401(k)/457, DC Plans in 2022