Compare the 403(b), Roth IRA, and Traditional IRA
Learn about contribution limits, withdrawals, and eligibility.
Unsure which account is best for you? Give us a call at 1-800-279-4030. We’re here to help.
| Account type | Contribution limits (2026) | When can I start withdrawing funds? | Who is eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 403(b) This account offers a variety of investment options. Employee contributions may be made on a pre-tax and/or after-tax (Roth) basis. Employer contributions are pre-tax. | Under age 50: $24,500 Age 50 or older: $32,500 Ages 60 - 63 super catch-up: $35,750 | Age 59½ OR separated from service during or after the year in which you turn age 55, separated from service before age 55 and take substantially equal payments for a minimum of five years, are disabled, or qualify for a hardship distribution. | Employees of schools and other non-profit organizations. |
| Roth IRA Contributions are made on an after-tax basis. Offers a mix of mutual funds and a guaranteed investment allowing you to design your portfolio to match your investment strategies. | Under age 50: $7,500 Age 50 or older: $8,600 | A qualified distribution on earnings requires both of the following conditions be met: 1. Assets must be held in a Roth IRA for at least five taxable years (beginning with the first taxable year for which you contributed to any Roth IRA). 2. The occurrence of one of the following: • Account owner reaches age 59½. • Account owner is disabled. • Account owner purchases a first home. • Death of the account holder. Contributions can be withdrawn at any time for any reason with no tax or penalties. | WEAC members, WEAC-R members, participants in other Member Benefits programs, and employees of a public school district that offers Member Benefits programs. Spouses/domestic partners, children, spouses of children, parents, and parents-in-law of an eligible participant may also participate in the IRA program.* |
| Traditional IRA Contributions may be tax deductible. Offers a mix of mutual funds and a guaranteed investment allowing you to design your portfolio to match your investment strategies. | Under age 50: $7,500 Age 50 or older: $8,600 | Age 59½ OR withdrawals used to pay expenses for a first-time home purchase, payments to beneficiaries of a deceased owner, or if you are disabled. | WEAC members, WEAC-R members, participants in other Member Benefits programs, and employees of a public school district that offers Member Benefits programs. Spouses/domestic partners, children, spouses of children, parents, and parents-in-law of an eligible participant may also participate in the IRA program.* |
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*To be eligible for this program, you must meet the IRS eligibility requirements for contributing to an IRA. Restrictions may apply. Certain state residency required.
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