If you're between 60 and 63 years old and worried you haven't saved enough for retirement, Congress has delivered some welcome news. The SECURE 2.0 Act's "super catch-up" provision, which took effect in January 2025, allows workers in this specific age window to contribute significantly more to their workplace retirement plans than anyone else—and for 2026, the numbers just got even better.

The Super Catch-Up Explained

For decades, workers 50 and older have been able to make "catch-up contributions" above the standard 401(k) limit. But SECURE 2.0 recognized that the years immediately before typical retirement age represent a critical savings window—and created an enhanced catch-up for workers aged 60 through 63.

Here's how the 2026 limits break down:

  • Standard contribution limit (all workers): $24,500
  • Regular catch-up (ages 50-59 and 64+): Additional $8,000
  • Super catch-up (ages 60-63 only): Additional $11,250

This means a 62-year-old worker can defer up to $35,750 of their salary into a 401(k) in 2026—$3,250 more than a 55-year-old or 65-year-old colleague making regular catch-up contributions.

"The math is compelling," said David Blanchett, head of retirement research at PGIM DC Solutions. "Someone who maximizes the super catch-up for all four years from 60 to 63 can shelter an extra $13,000 beyond what regular catch-up contributions allow. With compounding, that's potentially $20,000 or more by retirement."— David Blanchett, PGIM DC Solutions

Why the Four-Year Window Matters

The super catch-up is specifically designed for workers aged 60, 61, 62, and 63 at the end of the calendar year. Once you turn 64, you revert to the standard catch-up limit. This creates a finite but powerful window for accelerated savings.

There's an important nuance: if you're already 63 at the start of the year and turn 64 during the year, you're not eligible for the super catch-up. You must be 60, 61, 62, or 63 at the end of the calendar year to qualify.

For someone who just turned 60 in late 2025, this means four full years (2026-2029) of super catch-up eligibility—potentially an extra $45,000 or more in tax-advantaged savings.

The High-Earner Roth Requirement

There's an important caveat for high earners: starting in 2026, if your Social Security wages exceeded $150,000 in the prior year, all catch-up contributions—including super catch-ups—must go into a Roth account rather than a traditional pre-tax 401(k).

This "Rothification" of catch-up contributions was originally scheduled to take effect in 2024 but was delayed twice. It's now firmly in place for 2026 and beyond.

For affected workers, this means:

  • Catch-up contributions will be made with after-tax dollars (no immediate tax deduction)
  • Withdrawals in retirement will be tax-free (including all growth)
  • No required minimum distributions during your lifetime
  • Potentially better for those expecting higher tax rates in retirement
"The forced Roth treatment isn't necessarily bad news," noted Christine Benz, director of personal finance at Morningstar. "For many high earners in their early 60s, Roth contributions provide valuable tax diversification heading into retirement."— Christine Benz, Morningstar

Not All Plans Offer It—Yet

Here's the catch: the super catch-up provision is optional for employers. Plan sponsors must amend their 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457 plan documents to allow the enhanced contributions. While most large employers have adopted the feature, some smaller plans are still catching up.

If you're in the eligible age range, check with your HR department or plan administrator to confirm your plan offers super catch-up contributions. If it doesn't, you might encourage your employer to add the feature—the IRS has given plans until the end of the 2027 plan year to formally amend documents, even if they're already allowing the contributions operationally.

Maximizing the Opportunity

For workers who can afford to maximize the super catch-up, here are strategies to consider:

  • Front-load if possible: Contribute heavily early in the year in case of job changes or income disruption
  • Coordinate with spouse: If both spouses are in the 60-63 window, the combined contribution capacity is $71,500 for 2026
  • Don't forget employer match: The super catch-up is in addition to the $72,000 total contribution limit (including employer contributions)
  • Consider the Roth tradeoff: Even if you're below $150,000, voluntary Roth catch-up contributions might make sense depending on your tax situation
  • Review beneficiary designations: As account balances grow, ensure your estate planning is current

The Bigger Picture

The super catch-up reflects Congress's recognition that many Americans are behind on retirement savings and need tools to catch up. According to the Federal Reserve's most recent Survey of Consumer Finances, the median retirement account balance for families headed by someone aged 55-64 is roughly $185,000—far below what most financial advisors recommend.

For workers in their early 60s with earnings capacity and the financial flexibility to save aggressively, the super catch-up offers a legitimate path to materially improve their retirement outlook in a compressed timeframe. It's a rare gift from Washington that's worth taking advantage of while the window is open.