Kaiser 401(k) vs. Pension Calculator

Retirement benefits are one of the unresolved issues in our contract negotiations with Kaiser. We’ve prepared this calculator to help you estimate the difference between NUHW’s proposal vs Kaiser’s.

In 2015, Kaiser unilaterally implemented a two-tiered system in which Southern California therapists & professionals and Northern California Optical staff hired after 2015 receive Kaiser’s cheaper 401(k) plan.

Meanwhile, those hired before 2015 get Kaiser’s defined-benefit pension plan.

Restoring Kaiser’s pension plan for all NUHW members is a top priority in our contract negotiations.

To help you gauge the impact of the two retirement proposals, NUHW created the following retirement calculator. It estimates the difference in retirement benefits you would earn under the two plans.

The calculator estimates your future benefits — those you would earn from today going forward — and doesn’t calculate benefits you’ve already earned. These calculations are estimates and should not be taken as definitive.

Kaiser 401(k) vs. Pension Calculator

$1
$100
18
70
45
75
20
80

Under our current pension plan, you would get:

per month

lump sum

Under Kaiser's 401(k) plan, you would get:

per month

lump sum

You stand to lose:

per month

lump sum

Assumptions:

  • 3% wage increase each year until retirement.
  • Kaiser would deposit an amount equal to 6% of your annual pay into a 401(k) account.
  • Money deposited in your 401(k) account would grow by 6% per year.
  • Immediate payment instead of deferred payment for lump-sum option.
  • Assumes you are vested and eligible to accrue benefits.

Disclaimer: This calculator was designed and prepared by NUHW, not Kaiser Permanente. It prepares an estimate based on the information you provide. For additional information regarding your KP 401(k) or KP pension plan, visit the KP HR website.