In Your Early 60s? There's a Four-Year Window You Don't Want to Miss

Most people know you can make catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts once you turn 50. It's a well-known rule, and a useful one for those looking to get more serious about their retirement. What far fewer people know is that there's now a second, even more powerful window — and it's only available for four years.

Starting in 2026, workers ages 60 through 63 qualify for what's being called the "super catch-up" contribution. If you're in that age range, this is worth your full attention.

What is the “super catch-up” contribution?

The standard 401(k) contribution limit this year is $24,500, with an additional $8,000 catch-up available for those 50 and older. The new super catch-up replaces that standard catch-up for anyone in the 60–63 window. Workers ages 60 through 63 can contribute up to $11,250 as their catch-up — bringing total annual deferrals to as much as $35,750, or roughly $143,000 over four years.

That's a meaningful number. For someone who spent their 40s and early 50s prioritizing other financial goals — paying down a mortgage, funding college, building a business — this window offers a real opportunity to close the gap.

One important wrinkle

If you earn more than $150,000, your catch-up contributions must be made on a Roth basis starting this year. That means you contribute after-tax dollars now, and the money grows tax-free. For many high earners, that's actually an advantage — but it's worth confirming with your advisor how it fits your specific tax situation AND how it works with your current employer’s plan.

Who this is really for

The super catch-up is most valuable if you're 60–63, still working, have access to a 401(k) or 403(b), and aren't already maxing out your contributions. If any of those boxes don't apply yet, now is the time to start a conversation. And again, the window closes the year you turn 64.

Your one action item

If you are 60-64 and interested in making a “super catch-up” contribution, log into your retirement account and confirm your current contribution rate. Then check with HR or your plan administrator to make sure you're set up to take advantage of the higher limit. It's one of the few retirement moves that's genuinely time-sensitive — and time-limited.