State Retirement Benefits
If you're a benefits-eligible employee at the University of South Carolina, you're required to join one of these retirement plans:
- SCRS – South Carolina Retirement System
- PORS – Police Officers Retirement System (for law enforcement roles)
You can choose the State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) instead, but you must make that choice within 30 days of becoming eligible.
Defined Benefits Plans
Defined Contribution Plan
Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Savings Program
401(k) and 457(b) Plans
All paid employees, except students are eligible for state retirement benefits.
If you are eligible to switch from State ORP to SCRS during retirement open enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 1), your SCRS membership effective date will be April 1 of that same year.
| Retirement Plan | Member Contribution Rate |
|---|---|
| SCRS and State ORP | 9.00% of earnable compensation |
| PORS | 9.75% of earnable compensation |
Important:
- If you don’t make a choice within 30 days, you’ll be automatically enrolled in SCRS or PORS, and that decision cannot be changed later.
- Some employees may qualify to opt out of state retirement entirely, but this also must be done within 30 days.
- If you already have an active SCRS account, you usually can’t switch to State ORP or opt out.
- If you are eligible to change from State ORP to SCRS during the open enrollment period (January 1 to March 1 of each year), you may make an irrevocable election to participate in SCRS.
USC Supplemental Retirement Benefits
The University of South Carolina offers a 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity plan to help you save more for retirement. You can choose from three providers to match your financial goals.
Note: You can contribute up to 85% of your wages, but this limit can't be manually adjusted for one-time payments like annual leave payouts. If you leave USC mid-pay period, adjust your contribution to ensure its processed.
For information on each 403(b) annuity plan provider, please visit their websites.
- Corebridge Financial
Visit Website | 888-569-7055
No access code needed. Enter “University of South Carolina” as your employer.
- Fidelity Investments
Visit Website | 800-642-7131
Use employer code: 86892
- TIAA
Visit Website | 800-842-2252
No code needed if using the Retirement@Work portal.
Use the Retirement@Work portal with your USC login to:
- Enroll in the 403(b) plan
- Change your contribution amount anytime
- Select or switch providers
- View balances and access planning tools
Refer to the Retirement@Work Quick Start Guide for help logging in.
For 2025, you can contribute the lesser of:
- 100% of your eligible pay, or
- $23,500 (plus $7,500 more if you're age 50+ unless you’re age 60 to 63, that amount is even higher at $11,250)
For more information regarding 403(b) limit amounts, visit the IRS website.
- Retirement@Work Support (TIAA): 844-567-9090 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. ET)
- USC Benefits Office: benefits@mailbox.sc.edu | 803-777-6650
- USC Payroll Office: payroll@mailbox.sc.edu | 803-777-4227 (For distributions, rollovers, loans, or hardship withdrawals)
Enroll and Make Changes
You can only enroll or make changes to retirement benefits during specific times of the year. Check out the enrollment process and exceptions that may apply.
Maximize Your Retirement Contributions
For 2025, you can contribute to both a 403(b) and a 401(k)/457(b) to increase your savings:
- 403(b) + 401(k): Up to $23,500 total (or $31,000 if age 50+ or $34,750 if age 60-63 for 2025) or
- Add 457(b): Another $23,500 (or $31,000 if age 50+ or $34,750 if age 60-63 for 2025) or
- Total possible contribution: Up to $62,000 if age 50+ or $69,500 if age 60-63 for 2025 if eligible
To enroll in 401(k) or 457(b) plans, visit www.southcarolinadcp.com or call Empower Retirement at 877-457-6263.
Consider speaking with a financial advisor before making decisions.
Extra Savings Option
If you're enrolled in a PEBA retirement plan, you can also join the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program — a voluntary savings plan to help grow your retirement funds even more.
Helpful Resources
Use the resources listed below to get quick access to more information about your retirement benefits.