Steps to Enroll
1. Determine the Amount per Paycheck
The MEWA 403(b) plan is a voluntary retirement plan option, you may contribute to this plan by deferring from your paychecks and contributing those funds (in an amount you specify) to an account held under a 403(b) Vendor with an Active Payroll Slot in the plan.
Traditional 403(b) accounts are tax deferred, meaning funds are deferred from your check to your investment account on a pre-tax basis. When you contribute to a Traditional 403(b) account, your net pay is not reduced by the full amount of your contribution (please see our Retirement Saving Options page for detailed examples).
MEWA allows Roth 403(b) contributions to any MEWA vendor that will accept such contributions. Roth contributions are deferred on an after-tax basis, as opposed to Traditional 403(b) which are deferred on a pre-tax basis.
Please note: There are annual (calendar year) contribution limits that apply.
2. Select A Vendor and Open an Account
You may select one or more vendors MEWA 403(b) Vendors with Active Payroll Slots to contribute to by contacting the Vendor or representatives to open an account under Plan ID* assigned to MEWA. You must establish an account under the MEWA 403(b) Plan specific Plan ID to begin deferrals. You may not defer to an account created under a prior/different employer's plan.Keep a copy of the documentation showing your newly assigned Account Number to evidence this step was completed.
3. Complete a Salary Reduction Agreement and Submit it to MEWA
Complete your
403(b) Salary Reduction Agreement
(SRA) form, print it, sign it, and submit it to
GBSD Payroll Office at
MEWA, along with a copy of documentation that you have established an account with the vendor.
Metro East Web Academy
GBSD Payroll Office
1331 NW Eastman Parkway
Gresham, OR 97030-3825
SRAs are subject to the established Payroll Cut Off Date. To Be Determined
Continuation Until Cancellation: The most recent 403(b) SRA document on file at Metro East Web Academy remains in effect until you cancel the agreement, change the contribution amount, or change the vendor via the submission of a new 403(b) SRA.
MEWA May Reduce Or Suspend Contributions: Metro East Web Academy is required to avoid contributions that might exceed IRS limits. Consequently, the 403(b) SRA stipulates that MEWA may reduce and/or suspend contributions to avoid excess deferrals over your contribution limit.
Downloadable pdf of this page available here.