Because postdocs are in a temporary status, Postdoctoral Scholar-Employees (TC 3252) participate in a Defined Contribution Plan (Safe Harbor) in lieu of contributing to Social Security. Safe Harbor participants automatically contribute, on a pretax basis, 7.5% of their wages beginning the first day of an eligible appointment.
For non US citizens, DCP contribution/withholding is dependent on residency for tax purposes, immigration status, and length of appointment. Glacier gathers the information necessary to determine FICA withholding (which includes DCP).
DCP provides flexibility by allowing you to make voluntary after-tax contributions and to withdraw/roll over the funds when UC appointment is terminated.
Find more information about the Safe Harbor DCP at:
http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/forms/pdf/retirement-savings-program-information-for-safe-harbor-participants.pdf
Postdoctoral Scholar – Fellows (TC 3253) and Postdoctoral Scholar – Paid Direct (TC 3254) have the option to save for retirement through and Annuity or Individual Retirement Account (IRA). More information about these options can be provided by a professional financial planner.
OPSA has partnered with Curo Financial Planning to offer the Financial Education Series for Postdocs to help postdocs plan for retirement. Curo also offers a free individual consultation to any postdocs who attend one of their workshops.

“Save early, save often” is a mantra touted by many financial planning websites and experts. Time is critical when saving for retirement or any financial goal. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, every 10 years you delay starting to save for retirement, you will need to save three times as much each month to catch up.
To help you get started and understand how to maximize your financial potential, the Office of Postdoctoral and Visiting Scholar Affairs has teamed up with Curo Financial Planning to offer the “Financial Education Series for Postdocs”.
Each workshop will discuss the ways to set yourself up for financial success for that specific topic. UCSD graduate students and family members of postdocs are welcome to attend. Come join us to learn about the topics listed below and create a strategy for your financial future!
For more information about workshop topics, dates, and how to register: Financial Education for Postdocs.