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SCRP Contributions

Making It Count

To make the most of your retirement savings take advantage of the Stanford Contributory Retirement Plan (SCRP) Matching contributions. Once you are eligible for SCRP, Stanford will automatically establish an account for you and give you a Basic Contribution, regardless of whether or not you enroll to the SCRP. If you enroll in SCRP and make contributions from your paycheck, you'll receive a Matching Contribution based on your contribution. Your account balance including the Stanford contributions are 100% vested (see chart below).

Contribution Limits

Each calendar year, federal tax laws limit the amount you may contribute to a retirement savings plan using before-tax dollars. There are two limits, depending on your age. In 2008, employees under age 50 may contribute up to $15,500. Employees age 50 and over may contribute an additional $5,000 (for a total of $20,500). Read more about Contribution Limits.

These limits apply to all before-tax contributions you make during the calendar year to any retirement plan (a Stanford plan or another employer's plan). If you exceed these limits the IRS may impose penalties. Contact Stanford Retirement Manager Services for more information.

Stanford Match with SCRP

After you complete one year of service at Stanford, whether or not you enroll, Stanford will contribute a Basic Contribution of up to 5% of eligible pay each pay period based on your years of service. In addition, if you enroll and contribute at least 4% of your pay, Stanford will contribute an additional 5% Matching Contribution. The total potential contribution from Stanford can be up to 10%, and there is no waiting period to be fully vested in the Stanford contributions — they're yours as soon as they're applied to your account.

Get more information about Stanford SCRP Contributions.

Contribution Chart


When You Contribute Stanford Matching Contribution
1% 1.5%
2% 3%
3% 4%
4% 5%

Investing Your Contribution

SCRP offers you a choice of investment options and investment companies. You direct the investment of your contributions as well as the Basic and Matching contributions you receive from Stanford. If you do not make an investment election, the Basic contribution will be deposited into a Stanford-selected investment fund. This is the default investment fund, but you can transfer out of the default fund to other investment choices at any time.

Free Investment Advice

Whether deciding how much to contribute or what funds to invest in, you have access to free investment tools and counseling. You can:

This Web site provides a summary of eligibility, coverage, vesting, retirement dates, payment options and other subjects. However, the official Plan Document, together with certain annuity contracts and custodial agreements with investment providers (all as amended from time to time) govern the Plan's actual operation, and the determination and payment of benefits. In the event of any conflict between the information in this retirement section of the Stanford Benefits Web site and the official Plan Document or any of the annuity contracts or custodial agreements, the Plan Document, annuity contract, or custodial agreement will govern.