TIAA

TIAA Coverage Start Date

TIAA Coverage End Date

TIAA contributions are based on your regular earnings, but exclude supplemental compensation such as shift pay, lead worker pay, leave payouts, overtime and bonus wages. The 2026 annual compensation limit is $360,000. This is the amount that TIAA GRA (Group Retirement Annuity) contributions are calculated on.

Vesting is a predetermined length of time an employee must satisfy to receive full benefits from the plan. The following is effective January 1, 2023*

Employee Contributions

A participant is always 100 percent vested in their contributions.

UNI Contributions

Effective January 1, 2023, any new participant will become 100 percent vested after any of the following occur during active employment:

• Three (3) years of service.
  • A year is defined by the service schedule for the participant’s position as noted by the appointment length in the participant’s offer letter.
• Attainment of age 65.
• Designated as a disabled employee.
• Passes away.
• UNI discontinues the plan.

*Participants enrolled in the University Sponsored TIAA Retirement plan prior to January 1, 2023 are automatically vested.

You elected TIAA. Don't stop there. These next steps can make a big difference on setting your retirement savings up for success.

Before Your First Payroll Contribution

1. Schedule a personalized investment consultation session using the online scheduler or by calling 800-732-8353.
   1. As a participant in a TIAA retirement plan, you can receive personalized investment guidance on the plan’s investment options from a TIAA financial consultant. This on-campus service is available as part of your retirement program and is at no additional cost to you.
       

After Your First Payroll Contribution

1. Create your personal account at https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/uni.

   First-time User:

   1. Go to TIAA.org/enrollnow.
   2. Plan access code - 101800
   3. From the Welcome to Enrollment with TIAA page, click Register with TIAA to create your user ID and password.
   4. Follow the prompts and print out the confirmation page. You are now enrolled.
       

   Returning User:

   1. Go to https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/uni.
   2. Enter your TIAA user ID and password.
   3. Click Login.
   4. Click on the access code link and enter code 101800.
       
2. Download the secure TIAA mobile app.
   1. Manage your retirement, bank and brokerage accounts, with the free and secure mobile app. To learn more about how TIAA protects your information and accounts, visit the TIAA Security Center.
3. Learn more about your TIAA plans on TIAA's UNI Portal.

If you are retiring after age 55, you have several options for your TIAA contributions. 

You may:

• If you retire after reaching age 55, the additional 10% early withdrawal penalty will not apply.
• There are numerous withdrawal options to choose from including rollovers, withdrawals and annuities.
• For more details, visit the TIAA website, schedule an appointment with a TIAA consultant or meet with your financial professional.
   

Retirement Tax Law

Consult with your tax advisor regarding regulatory changes to retirement plan savings and distributions. Iowa House File 2317 provides tax relief for certain retirement incomes as well as other income tax bracket adjustments. Now is a great time to meet with your financial advisor, or an IPERS or TIAA consultant, to see how the changes may impact your income and savings plans. An online request for tax guidance is also available through the Iowa Department of Revenue.
 

Retirees Returning to Work

TIAA Participant

• If a retiree returns to work at UNI, and previously participated in TIAA, they cannot return in a TIAA eligible position and continue to contribute to TIAA while receiving distributions.
• If the retiree is now participating in IPERS they cannot hold a non-temporary appointment at the university and receive TIAA distributions.
   

IPERS Participant

• If a retiree returns to work, and previously participated in IPERS at UNI or another state agency, they cannot receive IPERS distributions if they earn an annual salary of $30,000 or more at any state agency.
• It is necessary to establish a clear separation from IPERS-covered employment after retirement for retirees age 55-70.
  • For more information on retirement restrictions with IPERS members returning to work, please visit the IPERS website.
     

Independent Contractors

• An employee may not return to work as an independent contractor during the bona fide retirement period.
• The employee may not enter into a written or oral agreement to perform services as an independent contractor until at least one benefit payment has been received from IPERS.

If you are leaving UNI before age 55, you have several options for your TIAA contributions. 

You may:

• Leave your funds in your account at TIAA.
• Roll your funds over to another qualified retirement plan.
• Take cash withdrawals from your account.
  • Cash withdrawals will be subject to taxation.
  • If you withdraw funds prior to age 59 ½, you may be subject to an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty.
• For more details, visit the TIAA website, schedule an appointment with a TIAA consultant or meet with your financial professional.

1Q: What does vested mean?

1A: A predetermined length of time an employee must satisfy to receive full benefits from the plan. You are always 100% vested in your own contributions.

2Q: What is the difference between IPERS and TIAA?

2A: IPERS is a defined benefit plan and TIAA is a defined contribution plan. View this plan comparison for more detailed information.

3Q: Can I be enrolled in IPERS and TIAA at the same time?

3A: You can be enrolled in the IPERS group retirement plan and have a TIAA TDA or TIAA Roth TDA.