An employer-sponsored retirement plan includes a plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code sections 401(a) (including a 401(k) plan), qualified annuity plan under section 403(a), tax-sheltered annuity plan under section 403(b), Simplified Employee Pension plan under section 408(k), a SIMPLE IRA plan under section 408(p), or governmental deferred compensation plan under section 457(b). It does not include payroll deduction IRAs.

Not every employer has the resources to provide a qualified, employer-sponsored retirement plan. OregonSaves provides a way for those employers to offer a workplace savings option that helps employees to reach their financial goals. Employers that already facilitate this program tell us that it’s a manageable way to provide retirement savings, while helping to attract and retain good employees. The program doesn't charge employers a fee and we try to limit the employer's role as much as we can.

The OregonSaves program rules are posted here.

The information you want is detailed in our Program Description.

As Oregonians, we are not saving enough. Research shows that people are 15 times more likely to save if they have a savings option through work, but more than 1 million workers—more than half of the working population in Oregon—did not have a savings option at work prior to OregonSaves. The legislature created OregonSaves to improve people’s access and outcomes for retirement savings. OregonSaves makes it easier for employees to save for retirement. The program is designed to lower barriers wherever possible, such as using automatic enrollment and savings through payroll contributions. And eligible employees can always opt out if they don’t want to participate or want to save another way.

Yes, OregonSaves helps ensure that employees have more choices, more information, and easier access to retirement savings accounts. Consumer protections are included in the program and may be enforced by appropriate state agencies.

No. Employee contributions go directly to their own personal OregonSaves IRA account. Accounts are not accessible to the State for other purposes and are not tied to any other retirement plans offered by the State, including Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

OregonSaves was created through House Bill 2960 of 2015, now codified at ORS 178.200 to 178.245.

As required by the Enabling Legislation (ORS 178.200), the Oregon Retirement Savings Board was tasked with the establishment and oversight of a state-run retirement savings program that provides Oregonians with an opportunity to save through payroll deductions. The seven-member board is chaired by the Oregon State Treasurer and includes four members appointed by the Governor—a representative of employers, a representative with experience in investments, a representative of an association representing employees, and a member of the public who is retired; a member of the Oregon House of Representatives; and a member of the Oregon Senate.

The Board has general and fiduciary responsibility for the program. The Board meets quarterly to discuss legislative activities, review program policies and investments, and make program decisions. All of the meetings are open to the public.

Yes. The call center will offer assistance in English and Spanish and will have access to translation services for other languages. Certain materials may also be available in Spanish.