How it works: 

CARTI provides a matching contribution for student loan payments you make.  

Employees make their regular student loan payments, and CARTI contributes to your retirement plan based on the matching schedule for CARTI’s 403b retirement plan benefit. 

The student loans can be for yourself, or co-signed loans for your spouse and/or dependent(s), and can even include private student loans. 

Even better - by combining this with CARTI’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness support, you may be able to amplify your student loan debt forgiveness and your retirement savings quickly. 

Each year, you will certify the amounts paid on your student loans, and that you meet eligibility criteria. CARTI will first determine the match you received on payroll contributions and the amount of matching you may have missed out on. CARTI will then determine the eligible matching available for student loan payments. Matching contributions on student loan payments are matched once a year.

Who is eligible to participate? 

Current employees who are eligible for CARTI’s 403(b) retirement plan, and who meet the following criteria: 

• Have a Qualified Education Loan that you incurred – meaning you have a legal obligation to pay it as the borrower or a co-signer, not just a guarantor  

• You are making these payments  

• The loan is from a US-based loan service provider 

• The loan was used to pay for Qualifying Education Expenses for you, your spouse, or your dependent  

• The loans can be for undergraduate, graduate, professional, or certificate programs 

• Eligible federal, state, and commercial student loans are eligible. This includes your student loans, as well as co-signed and Parent Plus loans 

 What is the match amount? 

The matching contributions are subject to CARTI’s vesting requirements and follow the match schedule for CARTI’s 403(b) retirement plan. The Maximum qualified student loan payments (“QSLPs”) that will be matched is amount is the lesser of (i) the annual limit on Elective Deferrals issued by the IRS (e.g., $23,500 for 2025) or (ii) Annual Compensation, then the lesser of these are further reduced by any Elective Deferrals made during the Plan Year. 

How do I sign up? 

Submit your Annual QSLP form here to certify you meet the eligibility criteria. Then send documentation of your payments to match@aptusfinancial.com. It is a good idea to complete this before June 30th annually to have all your student loan payments evaluated for the Plan Year. 

You can stop participating by contacting match@aptusfinancial.com or by not submitting annual certification.  

What if I leave CARTI? 

This agreement terminates when your employment terminates. The matching contribution for student loan payments follows CARTI’s vesting requirements (0% for less than 3 years of employment, 100% for 3+ years of employment). If you are not vested at the time of separation, the matching amount will be forfeited. If you are vested, you may still receive the match for time through the end of the month that includes your separation from employment. Keep in mind matching payments are made once a year.