Registration Now Open for New York’s Secure Choice Program

New York State has officially opened registration for its new Secure Choice Savings Program - a retirement savings option designed for private-sector employees who don’t have access to a workplace retirement plan.

If you’re a business owner in New York with at least 10 employees and no existing retirement plan, this program affects you.

Here’s what you need to know, what deadlines are coming up, and why this isn’t as complicated as it might sound.

What Is the Secure Choice Program?

The Secure Choice Savings Program is a state-run retirement initiative that gives employees access to a Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account) through automatic payroll deductions - with no cost or administrative burden to employers.

It’s meant to bridge the gap for millions of workers in New York who lack access to a retirement plan. And now, participation is becoming mandatory for many businesses.

Does My Business Need to Participate?

You’ll be required to register for the program if all of the following apply:

• You have 10 or more employees

• You do not offer a qualified retirement plan (such as a 401(k), 403(b), SEP IRA, etc.)

• You’ve been in business in New York for at least two years

If you already provide a qualified retirement plan, you can certify your exemption by logging in to the Secure Choice portal with your access code and EIN.

Key Deadlines for Employer Registration

If you're required to participate, here are the deadlines based on company size:

• 30+ employees → Register by March 18, 2026

• 15–29 employees → Register by May 15, 2026

• 10–14 employees → Register by July 15, 2026

What Employers Are (and Aren’t) Responsible For

The good news? This is not a traditional retirement plan that puts the administrative load or fiduciary risk on your shoulders.

Here’s what you’re not responsible for:

• Creating or managing your employees’ Roth IRAs

• Handling investment choices or distribution requests

• Advising employees on contributions or investment options

• Contributing any employer funds (this is 100% employee-funded)

Your only duties are to register, set up the payroll deduction process, and let your employees know about their options. That’s it.

What It Looks Like for Employees

Your team members will be automatically enrolled in the Roth IRA plan unless they choose to opt out. Contributions come straight from their paychecks, and they can adjust their savings rate, change investments, or re-enroll at any time.

Visit https://newyorksecurechoice.com/employers/program-details for full program information and FAQs.

Next Steps for Employers

If your business falls within the eligibility guidelines, now is the time to get prepared:

• Review your current retirement offerings to determine if you're exempt

• Mark your applicable registration deadline on your calendar

• Visit the Secure Choice portal and begin the setup process early to avoid last-minute stress

At SevenStar HR, we help employers stay ahead of legal shifts and compliance deadlines without getting bogged down in the weeds. If you're unsure whether this program applies to you or want help navigating setup, we're here to guide you.