# 401(k) Catch-Up Rules for Gen Xers

> Congress sets $11,250 401(k) boost for Gen Xers turning 60-63, drops to $8,000 at 64.
- Title: 401(k) Catch-Up Rules for Gen Xers · 24/7 Wall St. | Shortify
- Summary: Congress sets $11,250 401(k) boost for Gen Xers turning 60-63, drops to $8,000 at 64. Workers aged 60-63 can contribute $11,250 extra to 401(k)s in 2026, but…
- Keywords: 401k, catch-up, gen x, congress, retirement, tax law, secure 2.0, roth 401k, social security, wage threshold, 401, Rules
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2026/09/22/turn-60-and-your-401k-catch-up-jumps-to-11250-turn-64-and-it-drops-back-to-8000-the-four-year-window-congress-built-for-the-oldest-gen-xers
- Author: Jake FitzGerald
- Published: 2026-09-22T12:41:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 401k, catch-up, gen x, congress, retirement, tax law, secure 2.0, roth 401k, social security, wage threshold
## Congress Builds 401(k) Boost
Congress created a four-year window for workers 60-63 to boost 401(k) contributions.

> Congress quietly built a four-year savings window for workers in their early 60s
## Catch-Up Boost Amount
Workers 60-63 can add $11,250 to 401(k) on top of $24,500 standard limit.

> For four calendar years, workers ages 60 through 63 can push an extra $11,250
## Boost Drops at 64
The boost vanishes when you turn 64, reverting to $8,000 catch-up limit.

> The year you turn 64, that bonus vanishes. Your catch-up reverts to $8,000
## Gen Xers First to Benefit
Oldest Gen Xers (born 1963-1966) are the first to use the full four-year window.

> Congress built a four-year runway, and the oldest Gen Xers are the first cohort to walk the whole length of it
## SECURE 2.0 Provision
The catch-up rule comes from SECURE 2.0 tax law passed in 2022, delayed to 2026.

> The enhanced catch-up is a SECURE 2.0 provision. The change, which took effect on Jan. 1, was enacted as part of the SECURE 2.0 tax law passed in 2022
## Roth Catch-Up Rule
High earners over $150,000 must use Roth 401(k) for catch-up contributions.

> For 2026, employees 50 and older who earned more than $150,000 in 2025 must make their catch-up contributions to a Roth 401(k)
## Social Security Wage Threshold
The $150,000 threshold uses Social Security taxable income, not all earnings.

> That’s the box that shows earnings subject to Social Security tax. Other income, say, earnings from a side gig reported on a Form 1099, doesn’t count
## Plan-Level Limitations
Not all 401(k) plans offer the enhanced catch-up or Roth 401(k) features.

> The enhanced catch-up is optional at the plan level. Not all plans offer it
## Action Steps for Users
Max contributions early, coordinate with spouse, and watch birthday year for threshold.

> Front-load contributions early in the year if your plan allows true-up on the match, so a maxed-out December does not cost you employer dollars
## Key takeaway

Workers aged 60-63 can contribute $11,250 extra to 401(k)s in 2026, but the boost drops to $8,000 when they turn 64.