State Retirement Resource Center

Here’s where state-sponsored programs are giving low-income and small-business workers new opportunities to build nest eggs

Auto-IRAs have boosted the share of firms offering plans in two ways: 1) through participation in auto-IRAs themselves; and 2) through increased adoption of employer plans.

Pew Charitable Trusts research finds SECURE 2.0 provision coming in 2027 puts states on the clock to make prospective beneficiaries eligible for the matching contribution by adopting auto-IRA programs. Over four fifths of Americans express interest in participating in an auto IRA, and interest rises from 84% to 94% when the 2027 Saver’s Match is explained.

Design traits are converging across proposals/programs. Common elements include automatic enrollment, Roth IRA structure, default rates near 5–6% with 1% auto escalation toward 8–10%, and simple, target date fund centric investment menus

Pew Charitable Trusts resources, data, and research on state-automated retirement savings programs.

This study highlights the positive effects of retirement savings programs on employees when offered by states.

This Pew analysis of 2021 federal data finds that new state-facilitated initiatives may boost private sector plans.

To date, 17 states have passed legislation establishing auto-IRA programs, which provide an important retirement savings tool for workers who do not have employer-sponsored retirement benefits, and nearly 1 million workers in eight states have amassed over $1.7 billion in savings. Unfortunately, the CIP is preventing millions more from benefitting from these programs because they are not granted a common exemption for low-risk accounts.

IRAs were created to help those without an employer plan to save, but most IRA assets are simply rollovers from 401(k)s, not new contributions. Recently, though, the share of households contributing to an IRA has ticked up – a little bit for low-income workers and a lot for those under 40.

Survey in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Washington shows strong support across different business and personal demographics

Representative Richard Neal has reintroduced federal legislation that would require employers with 10 or more employees to automatically enroll workers in individual retirement accounts (IRAs) if they do not already offer a retirement plan.

More employees would be provided access to workplace retirement plans under legislation introduced today by Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) and supported by the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI).

A resource for state-wide public retirement savings systems.

A federal government resource with retirement savings tools such as savings planning worksheets, cost of living estimations, and Social Security retirement plan benefits guides.

A resource with a myriad of information pertaining to research on federal retirement savings legislation. Known as an education organization, NIIRS informs policymaking on retirement security to employees, employers, and the economy.

A consumer-centric resource that features emerging research, retirement planning services, and retirement security initiatives.

EBSA provides the latest research, resources, and rulemakings related to retirement savings.

Mercer CFA ranked the U.S. 29th out of 48 countries for its retirement income systems, including government retirement provisions and private-sector pension plans. The report says a C or C+ ranking is awarded to systems with "some good features but also has major risks and/or shortcomings that should be addressed; without these improvements, its efficacy and/or long-term sustainability can be questioned.

Proposed changes in “The Big Beautiful Bill” primarily affect federal employees. Eliminates the FERS annuity supplement for new retirees not yet entitled to it. Sec. 90002 requires most new federal civilian employees to choose either to serve as at-will employees or to contribute an additional 5% of their salary to FERS. 

A new federal retirement account modeled on the Thrift Savings Plan has been created by executive order, with federal matching contributions up to 1,000 dollars annually and a start date of January 1, 2027 (voluntary, not automatic).