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Can I contribute to the 401(k) plan from my severance pay?

Deferrals cannot be withheld from compensation paid to employees after termination of employment unless the compensation is paid within 2 ½ months after the termination of employment and the compensation represents:

  • Payments that the employee would have received if there had been no termination of employment (e.g., payment for hours actually worked prior to termination of employment or payment of commissions); OR
  • Payment for accrued sick or vacation pay. (If the employee was entitled to take the leave if employment had continued)