MEC Benefits Committee
During the Vacation Election period, which occurs annually during the twenty (20) days following its September 25th opening, our Contract provides an opportunity to defer a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of fourteen (14) days of our vacation allocation for use in the following year to our 401(k) Savings Plan account or its equivalent. (Section 12.B.5)
As the Annual Vacation Election period has ended, our MEC Benefits Committee is receiving some questions on timing of the deferral, when the payment is made to the 401(K) account, and if the amount deferred is eligible for the company matching contributions outlined in Section 29.
Because this is the deferral of vacation to be used in the following calendar year, this payment (and the actual deferral) occurs during the first quarter of the next calendar year, in this case, 2026. Typically, these payments have been made on or around February 1. This deferral is considered to be an employee contribution and is subject to the annual contribution limits set forth in IRS regulations (Section 401(a)(17) or equivalent regulations.
The amount deferred appears on the off-cycle check that is issued during that time and is eligible for whatever company match to which you are entitled. You are able to confirm the deferral and match have been made by reviewing the transaction history of your 401(k) plan after the payment has been recorded in the plan.
If you have questions, please contact the MEC Benefits Committee at retirement@unitedafa.org or insurance@unitedafa.org for assistance.