Benefits Plans - Retirement Savings Plans: Rollovers and Transfers -
Rollovers into the U-M Retirement Savings Plan
Does the U-M Retirement Plan accept rollovers from other plans?
Yes. You can rollover accumulations from another employer’s retirement plan into the University of Michigan Retirement Plan at any time.
What other options should I consider?
You could roll over contributions into an IRA. If you choose TIAA-CREF or Fidelity, the U-M accounts and IRA will be printed together on one quarterly statement from the vendor.
What kind of rollovers can the U-M Retirement Plan accept?
The following types of pretax eligible rollover distributions can be accepted into the U-M Plan:
- 401(a)
- 403(a)
- 401(k)
- 403(b)
- Governmental 457(b)
- IRA
The ability to accept after-tax rollovers from these plans are severely limited and depends upon the tax classification of the source plan. Contact TIAA-CREF and Fidelity for more information on the specific types of after-tax rollovers that can be accepted.
If I decide to roll over my contributions to a U-M plan, which one should I choose?
Amounts rolled into the SRA are subject to the more lenient rules that allow loans and in-service cash withdrawals. Rolling amounts into the SRA instead of the Basic Plan may be an important consideration if you want to retain maximum flexibility.
Are there other considerations to rolling over assets into the U-M Retirement Plan?
- If you are rolling over assets into the U-M Retirement Plan from a different type of plan you had at a previous employer, it may affect the tax treatment of distributions that you will take later on. This may cause you to lose important tax advantages. For example, a distribution from a 457(b) plan that is rolled over into the U-M Retirement Plan will now be subject to the IRS 10% early withdrawal penalty that applies to 403(b) and 401(a) plans but not to 457(b) plans. You should consult with a qualified tax adviser to determine if you may be impacted by electing a rollover.
- If rolled into a U-M plan, cash-out rules apply to these funds.
How do I arrange for a rollover into the U-M Retirement Plan?
- Contact the investment carrier who has the accumulations you want to rollover or your previous employer who sponsored the retirement plan to determine if you are allowed to take a rollover.
- Enroll in the U-M Retirement Plan, set up your account with TIAA-CREF and/or Fidelity Investments so the rollover will have a destination account established, and obtain a rollover application from TIAA-CREF and/or Fidelity Investments.
- You may also need to obtain a rollover application from the investment carrier that currently has the amounts you wish to rollover. Some carriers will allow you to use the TIAA-CREF and Fidelity forms; others will want you to also complete their own forms.
Is U-M authorization required to rollover assets into the U-M Retirement Plan?
No.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
You can speak with a consultant with TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments for questions and to request forms for a rollover at the following numbers:
TIAA-CREF 800-842-2776 Fidelity Investments 800-343-0860
You can also meet with a consultant from TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments for questions or help on completing the applications. To make an appointment with a consultant assigned to work with the University of Michigan Retirement Plan call:
TIAA-CREF 734-332-3504 Fidelity Investments 800-642-7131
The University of Michigan in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their dependents. Although the university has elected to provide these benefits this year, no individual has a vested right to any of the benefits provided. Nothing in these materials gives any individual the right to continued benefits beyond the time the university modifies, amends, or terminates the benefit. Anyone seeking or accepting any of the benefits provided will be deemed to have accepted the terms of the benefits programs and the university's right to modify, amend or terminate them.