Employee vs. Employer Contributions
In a Safe Harbor 401(k) plan, the employer is required to make either matching or non-elective contributions for eligible employees. When dividing the plan:
- Participant contributions are always 100% vested.
- Employer “Safe Harbor” contributions are usually immediately vested, but confirm this in the plan’s SPD.
- If there are additional employer contributions beyond Safe Harbor, they may follow a vesting schedule. Any unvested amounts may not be transferrable to the alternate payee (the non-employee spouse).

