Sam wrote:
- quote -

The clock does not start upon you making 401(k) contributions.
It starts upon employment. This is how I've understood the vesting schedule.

That said, you need to ask you HR contact to get you your 401(k)
ducuments, understand the matching provisions and investment choices,
and get started. Matching terms vary, some offer that your fist 3-5% is
fully matched (i.e. 100% match) or it can be a 50% match to a higher
level. No use looking back, but time to make some wise choices now.
JOE

"Sam" <none[at]none.com> writes:

- quote -

Why not ask your employer instead of random people on the net who don't
know the details of your employer's particular plan? :-)

Policies regarding matching contributions are not an intrinsic feature
of all 401K plans. Some companies have retirement plans with no
vesting requirement at all on employer matches, for instance.

-Sandra the cynic

I know employer contributions get vested only after a few years (4 years at
my workplace)

I've been over 5 years with my employer but never invested in the 401k and
haven't even applied for it. Now if I apply for it, will my employer's
contribution be immediate or would I too have to wait for 4 years?

Thank you