401(k) Catch-Up Contribution 2026
Updated for the 2026 tax year · Last updated June 13, 2026
Catch-up at age 50+
$8,000
2026 · up from $7,500 in 2025
| Limit | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Catch-up (age 50–59, 64+) | $8,000 | $7,500 |
| Super catch-up (age 60–63) | $11,250 | $11,250 |
| Total deferral at 60–63 | $35,750 | $34,750 |
What changed for 2026
The standard age-50 catch-up rose to $8,000 for 2026. The SECURE 2.0 'super catch-up' for ages 60–63 stays at $11,250, letting those four ages defer up to $35,750 in total ($24,500 + $11,250).
How it works
- •The $11,250 super catch-up applies only in the years you are 60, 61, 62, or 63 — at 64 you revert to the $8,000 catch-up.
- •Catch-up contributions are on top of the $24,500 standard deferral limit.
- •Under SECURE 2.0, higher earners (prior-year wages above ~$145,000, indexed) must make catch-up contributions as Roth starting in 2026.
- •The catch-up is per person, so both spouses who are 50+ can each use it.
401(k) Catch-Up Contribution 2026 FAQ
How much is the 401(k) catch-up for 2026?
The 2026 catch-up is $8,000 for those 50 and older. Workers aged 60–63 get a higher super catch-up of $11,250 instead.
What is the age 60–63 super catch-up?
A SECURE 2.0 provision letting workers aged 60–63 contribute an extra $11,250 (instead of $8,000), for a total 401(k) deferral of up to $35,750 in 2026.
Do I have to make catch-up contributions as Roth in 2026?
Only if your prior-year wages exceeded roughly $145,000 (indexed). Those high earners must make catch-up contributions to a Roth account starting in 2026 under SECURE 2.0.
Related 2026 limits
See all calculators and limits on the retirement & tax hub.
Source: IRS Notice 2025-67; SECURE 2.0 Act. For informational purposes only, not tax advice.