Let's get started.
This is your step-by-step guide to getting started and facilitating the CalSavers program. Before you begin a step, review the support information to help you meet your requirements.
Check Your EligibilityRegister Business or Report Exemption Request Access Code LEARN MORE: JOIN A WEBINAR Introduction to CalSavers
STEP 1
Determine mandate status; Register or Request Exemption
State mandate
Employers will register with CalSavers if they do not sponsor a retirement plan and had an average of one or more employees in California as reported to EDD in 2024.
Complete your registration
To register you will need your company’s Federal Employer Identification (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) and your CalSavers access code. Your access code can be found in your welcome notification, or you can request one and have it emailed to you. The access code will be sent to the individual listed as the primary contact with the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Exempt from the Program?
If you believe that your company is exempt from the CalSavers mandate, please submit your exemption reason and supporting documentation. Depending on your exemption reason, you may still need to register while your submission is reviewed.
Log in to Add Employee Information Download the Employee Information Template LEARN MORE: JOIN A WEBINAR
STEP 2
Add employee information
Within 30 days of registration, you will upload your roster of eligible employees so that we can contact them to either customize their account and make a savings election, or notify them of what actions to take if they choose to opt out of the program.
You can add information by file upload using our pre-formatted template, manual entry, or, if you rely on external vendor support (provided by a payroll company or use of a payroll application), initiate that connection. Once you upload your employee roster, each employee will have 30 days to customize their account or opt out of the program before payroll contributions should begin.
Employee Enrollment Period
After your employee information is added, your employees will be sent an invitation to set up their account. Each employee will then have 30 days to customize their account or opt out. If they do not take action after 30 days, they will be automatically enrolled in CalSavers with the standard contribution rate and investment funds. Employees can opt out at any time, even after they are automatically enrolled.
There are no required actions for you during this period. However, we recommend employers take a few proactive steps – creating a deduction line item in your payroll software, review how to submit employee contributions or contact a payroll provider, if you rely on one - to be ready for when it’s time to submit contributions.
Communicate with employees
Now is a good time to begin communicating with your employees. You can download a communication to inform your employees that your company is joining CalSavers. You can also find additional information and resources to share in many languages here.
Log in to Submit Contributions Download the Employee Contribution Template LEARN MORE: JOIN A WEBINAR
STEP 3
Submit employee contributions
With the first pay date that occurs 30 days after you upload your employee information, you will need to send your first contributions for participating employees. Information can be entered either manually by using an online form or in bulk using the Employee Contribution Information Template.
Contributions must be sent within 7 days of taking the money out of your employees’ paychecks.
STEP 4
Ongoing responsibilities
On an ongoing basis, you are responsible for keeping your account up-to-date. This includes updating employee contribution rates with your payroll software/provider; adding new employees within 30 days of hire or when they become eligible; or marking employees as inactive when they leave or are terminated; and processing payroll contributions for participating employees.
As employees make changes – like changing their savings rate or opting out – notifications will be posted in the portal and sent to you by email prior to each pay period so that you can adjust the payroll deduction.
Need additional support?
Our dedicated and experienced Client Services team is ready to support employers throughout the state. You can meet with members of our team to learn about employer requirements, activities and deadlines for completing your simple facilitation steps. We're also available to meet with your employees to educate them about CalSavers.
Virtual
Sign up for one of the many webinars that are available in multiple languages every week.
In-person meeting
Schedule a one-on-one meeting with a field team representative in your area.