All eligible employees can enroll in the PERA 457 plan. This is a defined contribution plan that employees can choose whether to contribute funds before or after tax.

  • The pretax option lowers your taxable income now. You'll pay taxes on your distributions in retirement.
  • The 457 offers a ROTH option. Consider the ROTH option if you want to contribute after tax, allowing for tax-free growth and tax-free distributions in retirement.

Get started

  Enroll in the PERA 457

  Access your account

  Enrollment guide

  Plan overview

Attend a webinar

Plan Features  457 pretax and ROTH (after tax)
Plan Administrator PERA/Empower
Who can participate? All CU faculty and staff
How much can you contribute?

Please note: Contribution limits for the 457 Plan are not combined with the 403(b) and 401(k) limits. This is a separate limit. 
 		 2025 Maximum:
$23,500
Minimum: N/A
2025 Catch-up contributions:
Ages 50-59 and 64+: $7,500  
Ages 60-63: $11,250
Additional catch-up provisions: For the three consecutive years before your normal retirement age, you may be able to contribute up to twice the available limit if you under-contributed prior years.
When are you vested? Contributions to this account will be 100% vested immediately.
When can you take money out? Qualifying distributions
  • Reach age 59 ½ while employed
  • Retirement
  • Termination of employment
  • Unforseeable emergency
Loans: Members can borrow from their account balances and pay back the loan with interest. See the enrollment guide for details.
 
Investment choices You will have access to the PERAdvantage line of investments, Target Date Funds based on your expected retirement date as well as a self-directed brokerage account.

See PERA's voluntary plan website and related investment  lineup.

PERA/Empower offers online advice at no cost and professional management for a fee. For more information, go to coperaplus.org, open the Investing drop-down menu and select Investment assistance or call 833-4-COPERA (833-426-7372).
 
What are the fees? The administrative fee is a flat rate of $1.50 per month. If you also participate in the PERA 401(k) plan and/or PERA DC Plan, you will pay a set fee per month for each plan. Participants also pay a 0.03% total asset-based fee.