Closing your pension gap

What is a pension gap?

Many educators plan to rely on their state-funded pension in retirement. But the truth is, there may be a significant difference between your pension and the income you’ll need to enjoy the retirement you deserve. Fortunately, a 403(b) can help you close that gap.

Your state’s pension grade

The map below shows each state’s pension grade from A to F. The darker the state, the greater the pension gap.

map of the United States highlighting each state based on increasing pension gap its
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Social Security may not be the answer

Some educators expect Social Security to help close their pension gaps. But in the 12 states below,* Social Security payments are reduced based on how much you earn from your pension.

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Wisconsin

* Subject to change. Consult with your own legal and tax advisors accordingly.

We help educators address their possible pension gaps

See how much you may need for retirement and why a 403(b) could work for you.

Let's get started

What will it take to close your possible pension gap?

I am years old and earn a year.

I have saved for retirement and contribute every . Annual salary must be between $20,000 and $500,000. Savings must be between $0 and $9,999,999. Maximum yearly contribution is $19,500 for people aged 49 and under. For people who turn 50 by the end of the year a catch-up contribution allowance of $6,500 is permitted. Contribution cannot be more than annual salary ($).

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The #1 provider of 403(b) plans for K-12 schools1

Educators trust us to help them bridge their pension gaps because we have a proud history of supporting the community.

Learn more

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There's value in working with a financial professional2

Successful savers work with financial professionals to help them close their pension gaps by saving sooner and saving more.

How so?

Enroll securely now or talk to a financial professional

Whether you’re ready to enroll now or have a few questions first, choose how you want to get started.

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Enroll online

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1 LIMRA, Not-for-Profit Survey, Q1 2021 Results, based on 403(b) plan participants and contributions. This applies specifically and exclusively to Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial).

2 Equitable, “The value of the advisor: The impact of advisors on financial outcomes among K–12 educators,” 2020.

Important note: Equitable believes that education is a key step toward addressing your financial goals, and we’ve designed this material to serve simply as an informational and educational resource. Accordingly, this page does not offer or constitute investment advice and makes no direct or indirect recommendation of any particular product or the appropriateness of any particular investment-related option. Your needs, goals and circumstances are unique, and they require the individualized attention of your financial professional.
GE-3699853  (08/2021) (Exp. 08/2023)