Super Catch-Up Contribution Limits for 401(k)s in 2025

The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced a new provision known as the “super catch-up” for individuals aged 60 to 63, allowing them to contribute more to their 401(k) accounts starting in 2025. Specifically, participants in this age range can contribute an extra $11,250 to their 401(k) in 2025. 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. Speak with an advisor today.

How the Super Catch-Up Affects 401(k) Contribution Limits in 2025

In 2025, 401(k) participants can take advantage of increased contribution limits to boost their retirement savings. The regular contribution limit for 401(k) plans is $23,500. Additionally, individuals aged 50 and above can utilize the catch-up contribution, allowing them to save an extra $7,500 beyond the standard limit.

But for those aged 60 to 63, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces the new super catch-up contribution, enabling savers to contribute even more. In 2025, 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 SECURE 2.0 Act introduced the super catch-up contribution to give individuals aged 60 to 63 an additional opportunity to boost their retirement savings. This provision specifically targets those nearing retirement age, offering them a larger catch-up amount compared to the regular catch-up contribution available for individuals aged 50 and above.

As mentioned, for 2025, 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 2025 is $7,500 – 150% of which is $11,250, which exceeds the $10,000 baseline. Thus, eligible participants aged 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, allowing eligible participants to contribute an additional $1,000 beyond the standard IRA contribution limit of $7,000. 

In other words, while the super catch-up contribution is specifically designed for 401(k) participants aged 60 to 63, individuals with IRAs can still take advantage of the standard catch-up to boost their savings.

Other Retirement Catch-Up Changes Introduced by 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 $145,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) who are age 50 and up must make their catch-up contributions to a Roth account within their retirement plan.

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 to take effect in 2024. However, its implementation has been delayed 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. 

These adjustments involve updating payroll systems, modifying plan structures and providing clear communication to employees about the changes. Additionally, employers highlighted the complexity of determining eligibility for the Roth requirement based on annual earnings, further contributing to the decision to postpone the provision.

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

• 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.
• 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 up to three 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.

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