403(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

Missouri State University offers employees (with the exception of certain student workers) the option to contribute to a 403(b).

About the plan

Here’s what you need to know about 403(b) plans:

  • A 403(b) plan is a tax-deferred retirement plan available to employees of public educational institutions and certain tax-exempt organizations.
  • The plan allows employees to make pretax contributions by convenient payroll deduction and save that money for retirement.
  • 403(b) plans encourage long-term savings, so distributions generally are available only when reaching age 59½, leaving a job or upon death or disability.
  • Distributions may also be available in the event of financial hardship (but may be subject to restrictions and a tax penalty).
  • Short-term needs can sometimes be met by nontaxable loans.
  • Defaulted loan amounts will be taxed as ordinary income and might be subject to a tax penalty if individuals are under age 59½.

How to get started

Employees interested in participating in 403(b) should do the following:

  • Contact an agent from one of the approved companies below to obtain additional information.
  • Enroll in Retirement Manager. The "Employee Unique ID" referred in the instructions is the M#. Here you can make changes to your account, learn about your plan, stop your contributions and more.
  • Make contributions to your 403(b). Contributions can begin at any time subject to an agreement with a selected vendor.

Changes may be made once during each calendar year quarter, i.e., change participation election, the amount of elective deferral, investment direction, and designated beneficiary. A change in the investment direction will take effect as of the date provided by the administrator on a uniform basis for all Employees. A change in the Beneficiary designation will take effect when the election is accepted by the Vendor.

Companies approved for 403(b) programs

Company name

Contact information

Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA/CREF)

800-842-2776

CoreBridge Financial (AIG/VALIC)

Eric Gibson: 417-855-0873

Eric.Gibson@Corebridgefinancial.com

Client Care Center: 800-448-2542

Lincoln Financial

417-881-7595 or 888-881-7595 (Rodney K. Pennington)

Customer service: 800-254-6265 or 1-800-348-1212

Met Life

Thelma Ruff: cell 417-848-8993 office 417-380-546

Thelmaruff@financialguide.com