Story perspectives

Employers Slow to Adopt Emergency Savings in 401(k)s

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

New research shows employers are hesitant to integrate emergency savings options into 401(k) plans.
The Secure Act 2.0 allows $1,000 emergency withdrawals and pension-linked savings accounts, but 4% of employers have adopted them.
Contributions count toward the 2026 401(k) limit of $24,500, with $8,000 catch-up for those over 50.
A bipartisan bill would expand eligibility by removing highly compensated employee restrictions and raising the limit to $5,000.

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Story summary

New research shows employers are hesitant to integrate emergency savings options into 401(k) plans.
The Secure Act 2.0 allows $1,000 emergency withdrawals and pension-linked savings accounts, but 4% of employers have adopted them.
Contributions count toward the 2026 401(k) limit of $24,500, with $8,000 catch-up for those over 50.
A bipartisan bill would expand eligibility by removing highly compensated employee restrictions and raising the limit to $5,000.