Article

Catch-Up Contribution

August 22, 2026 · Aditya Gupta

Retirement

Catch-up contributions are extra retirement plan contributions allowed for those age 50 and older, designed to help older workers boost retirement savings. 2026 limits: $7,500 extra for 401(k)/403(b)/457(b) (total $31,500); $1,000 extra for IRAs (total $8,000); $1,000 extra for HSAs at age 55+. New for 2025+: ages 60-63 get a super catch-up to 401(k) of $11,250 ($35,250 total). Maxing catch-ups dramatically accelerates wealth building in the final pre-retirement decade. A 55-year-old maxing 401(k) + IRA + HSA catch-ups contributes $40,500+ per year more than a 49-year-old.

Personal Finance

Related terms

Back to the finance glossary