Employee and Employer Contributions
The participant’s own salary deferrals (employee contributions) are always 100% vested and divisible through a QDRO. Employer contributions, however, are often subject to a vesting schedule. That means some of the “employer match” may not belong to the participant yet—so the alternate payee may not be entitled to it either.
Check the Summary Plan Description or confirm with the administrator to determine:
- What portion of the balance is from employer contributions
- How much of the employer-funded portion is vested
- What happens to unvested amounts following divorce or separation

