Retirement planning is an important topic and many people are looking for ways to enhance their retirement savings. The state of Montana offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan for employees to supplement their retirement.  

If you do not offer a 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan to your employees, you may want to consider contracting with MPERA. It is easy to get started and it provides a valuable benefit for your employees. If you are interested, contact MPERA, and we will guide you through the process. If your agency does not currently contract with MPERA for retirement coverage, we will provide a questionnaire to determine participation eligibility. 

A political subdivision can contract with the Public Employees Retirement Board (PERB) to allow all or groups of its employees to be eligible to participate in the state-administered 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan. There is no cost to an employer to participate in this plan.   

HOW TO JOIN

Step One:

Your governing body (Board) must pass a ‘resolution’ expressing the desire to enter into an agreement with PERB to provide a deferred compensation option to your employees. We are available to speak with your Board and answer any questions regarding the plan.

After passing a resolution, you would then sign a contract which will need to be approved by the PERB. Information about the contract requirements can be found in §19-50-201, MCA.

Step Two:

Upon contract approval, your employees can begin contributing to the plan. MPERA staff or Empower Retirement representative will assist you in educating your employees on the benefits of the plan, and how to participate. Your employees choose the amount they want deferred from their paycheck each pay period but must contribute a minimum of $20 per month. 

You will forward 457(b) deferral contributions to MPERA through the Employer Reporting and Information Center (ERIC) system following each of your pay dates. 

MPERA and Empower staff are available to provide training to your employees on retirement planning and investment education. 

When you are ready to join the State of Montana’s 457(b) Deferred Compensation plant, send your completed resolution and adoption agreement to MPERA. We will contact you and advise next steps, and schedule training for your employees and payroll staff.