New Jersey’s state-mandated retirement savings program, RetireReady NJ, continues to expand as part of the state’s effort to improve retirement readiness among private-sector workers. Formerly known as the Secure Choice Savings Program, RetireReady NJ requires covered employers to either offer a qualified retirement plan or enroll eligible employees in the state-facilitated Roth IRA program.
In January 2026, New Jersey enacted P.L. 2025, c. 379, lowering the employer coverage threshold from 25 employees to 10 employees. This change will significantly increase the number of businesses subject to the mandate.
Although the 10-employee threshold is now part of state law, the implementation schedule for employers with 10–24 employees has not yet been released. The New Jersey Department of the Treasury has indicated that these employers will be phased into the program gradually, with a formal schedule expected in the coming months.
As of mid-2026, only employers with 25 or more employees are required to register for RetireReady NJ or certify that they offer a qualifying retirement plan. Employers with fewer than 25 employees may participate voluntarily, but they are not currently subject to registration deadlines or enforcement actions.
Employers with 10–24 employees should begin reviewing their options before the next phase of the rollout begins. Businesses may choose to participate in RetireReady NJ or establish a private employer-sponsored retirement plan that satisfies the state mandate.
Contact Walt Eife for a review at walt.eife@lpl.com or (856) 495-4412 to determine whether it meets the state’s requirements and discuss alternative plan options that may offer greater flexibility, stronger investment oversight, and a more customized employee experience.