Super Catch-Up Contribution Limits for 401(k)s in 2026

The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced a new provision known as the “super catch-up” for individuals aged 60 to 63. It allows them to contribute more to their 401(k) accounts, and started in 2025. Specifically, participants in this age range can now contribute an extra $11,250 to their 401(k) or a similar workplace plan. This enhanced catch-up contribution is designed to support better financial preparedness for those nearing retirement. 

A financial advisor can help you plan around your 401(k) contributions and build income streams for retirement.

How Much Can You Contribute to a 401(k) in 2026?

In 2026, 401(k) participants can take advantage of increased contribution limits to boost their retirement savings. The regular contribution limit for 401(k) plans is $24,500. Additionally, individuals aged 50 and above can utilize the catch-up contribution. This allows them to save an extra $8,000 beyond the standard limit.

But for those aged 60 to 63, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces the new super catch-up contribution. This enables savers to contribute even more. In 2026, eligible participants in this age bracket can contribute an additional $11,250 on top of the regular limit for a total contribution of $34,750.

Understanding Super Catch-Up Contributions

The super catch-up contribution gives individuals aged 60 to 63 an additional opportunity to boost their retirement savings. This provision specifically targets those nearing retirement age. It offers them a larger catch-up amount compared to the regular catch-up contribution available for individuals aged 50 and above.

As mentioned, for 2026, the super catch-up contribution limit is set at $11,250. Each year, this limit will be either $10,000 or 150% of the standard catch-up contribution limit, whichever is higher. Since the standard catch-up contribution limit for 2026 is $8,000, 150% of that is $11,250, which exceeds the $10,000 baseline. Thus, eligible participants ages 60 to 63 can contribute an additional $11,250 on top of the regular contribution limits.

Accounts Eligible for Super Catch-Up Contributions

Super catch-up contributions under the SECURE 2.0 Act are limited to certain types of employer-sponsored retirement accounts. These include the following types of accounts that already offer catch-up contributions:

• 401(k) plans
• 403(b) plans
• Governmental 457(b) plans
• Thrift Savings Plans

Can I Make a Super Catch-Up Contribution to My IRA?

The super catch-up contribution introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act only applies to 401(k) plans and similar employer-sponsored retirement accounts. This provision does not extend to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) or other types of retirement savings vehicles.

For IRAs, the regular catch-up contribution for individuals aged 50 and above remains in place. It allows eligible participants to contribute an additional $1,100 beyond the standard IRA contribution limit of $8,000. In other words, individuals with IRAs can still take advantage of the standard catch-up to boost their savings.

Other Catch-Up Contribution Changes Under SECURE 2.0

The SECURE 2.0 Act also introduces a Roth requirement for catch-up contributions made by high-income earners. Beginning in 2026, employees earning more than $150,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) who are age 50 and up must make their catch-up contributions to a Roth account within their retirement plan. ²

This means contributions must be made with after-tax dollars, but the growth and withdrawals from the Roth account will generally be tax-free in retirement. The Roth requirement applies to both standard and super catch-up contributions, impacting how high earners approach their savings strategy.

The SECURE 2.0 Act initially set the Roth requirement for catch-up contributions by high-income earners that took effect back in 2024. However, its implementation didn’t begin until 2026 due to logistical challenges faced by employers and retirement plan administrators who were unprepared to handle the administrative changes required to accommodate Roth-only contributions. 

How Much Can the Super Catch-Up Actually Save You

The gap between the standard catch-up and the super catch-up is $3,250 per year. That may not seem huge at first, but the higher limit is available from ages 60 through 63, giving eligible savers up to four years to use it.

Over that period, maxing out the super catch-up instead of the standard catch-up allows for an extra $13,000 in contributions before investment growth. If those additional contributions earned a hypothetical 7% annual return, they could grow to roughly $17,000 by age 65 and potentially more if left invested deeper into retirement.

The tax savings can also be meaningful for those making pre-tax contributions. A participant in the 22% federal tax bracket who contributes the full extra $3,250 each year could reduce their federal tax bill by about $715 annually, or roughly $2,900 over the four-year window.

High earners subject to the Roth catch-up requirement would not receive that upfront deduction. But those additional Roth contributions can still grow tax-free and may be withdrawn tax-free in retirement, assuming qualified distribution rules are met.

How to Take Advantage Before the Window Closes

The super catch-up is only available from ages 60 through 63. Once you turn 64, the standard catch-up limit applies again. That makes this a short window to add extra money to your retirement account before the opportunity disappears.

Start by confirming that your employer’s plan allows super catch-up contributions. SECURE 2.0 permits the higher limit, but employers still need to support it operationally. Your HR department or plan administrator can tell you whether the option is available and how to update your payroll elections.

If your income exceeds the Roth catch-up threshold, confirm that your plan offers a Roth contribution option. Workers above the threshold generally must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis, so your payroll system needs to be set up correctly before you increase your deferrals.

Once you know you are eligible, update your contribution rate early in the year. Spreading the extra contributions across more paychecks can make the increase easier to manage than trying to make up the difference near year-end.

A financial advisor can help you decide whether maxing out the super catch-up fits your cash flow, tax situation and retirement timeline.

Bottom Line

The SECURE 2.0 Act opens up significant opportunities for individuals nearing retirement to boost their savings through increased contribution limits. The super catch-up contribution, available to those aged 60 to 63, provides an extra boost beyond the standard catch-up limits for 401(k) plans. Meanwhile, the introduction of a Roth requirement for high earners changes how some participants must save.

Tips for Boosting Retirement Savings

• A financial advisor can help you evaluate your finances and potentially find additional ways to save for retirement. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• Tailoring your portfolio for growth during accumulation years can significantly impact retirement savings. Balance exposure to equities, bonds and alternative investments based on your timeline and risk tolerance, ensuring enough equity exposure for higher returns over the long term. Also, consider investing in companies with a history of increasing dividends. Reinvesting those dividends can lead to even more compound growth and help a future income stream for retirement.

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