What the 401(k) deduction on your paycheck is, and how to change it, opt out, or get a refund.
Overview
Spotted a new 401(k) deduction on your paycheck? No need to stress — here's exactly what it is and what you can do about it. Use this article to understand your WorkWhile 401(k) contribution, change how much you contribute, opt out, request a refund if you missed the opt-out window, or get help logging in to your Fidelity account.
Who this is for: To be eligible for the 401(k) there are 3 criteria:
- At least 21 years or older.
- Worked 500 hours for two consecutive years.
- Worked over 1000 hours in 1 year.
Eligible WorkWhile Workers who were automatically enrolled in the WorkWhile 401(k) retirement savings plan at a 1% contribution, effective October 29th, 2026. If this applies to you, WorkWhile notified you by email and in the app.
Key things to know
It's your money. Your 401(k) contributions go into your own retirement account with Fidelity, not to WorkWhile, and it's yours to keep.
You're in control. You can change your 401(k) contribution amount or stop it at any time.
Opting out is simple. Setting your contribution to 0% stops all future deductions.
Refunds have a deadline. If you missed the opt-out window, you have 30 days from your first deduction to request your money back.
Quick reference
The table below shows where to go for the most common 401(k) tasks:
What you want to do | Where to go |
Change your contribution or opt out | Log in at www.netbenefits.com or the Fidelity NetBenefits app (Apple and Android) |
Get help with registration, login, or contributions | Call Fidelity support at 1-800-835-5097 |
Request a refund after missing the opt-out window | Email humanresources@workwhilejobs.com within 30 days of your first deduction |
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What is the 401(k) deduction on my paycheck?
The deduction you're seeing on your WorkWhile paycheck is your 401(k) retirement savings contribution. As an eligible worker, you were automatically enrolled in the WorkWhile 401(k) plan at 1% of your pay, starting October 29th, 2026. WorkWhile sent the details by email and in the app.
A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan. The money goes into your own retirement account with Fidelity, and it's yours to keep. You can view your account, change how much you contribute, or opt out at any time by logging in at www.netbenefits.com or in the Fidelity NetBenefits app (Apple and Android).
Note: This 401(k) deduction is not a fee or a charge from WorkWhile. Every dollar goes into your own Fidelity retirement account.
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How to change or stop your 401(k) contribution
You can change your WorkWhile 401(k) contribution — or stop it completely — at any time through Fidelity. Setting your contribution to 0% stops all future deductions.
Go to www.netbenefits.com or open the Fidelity NetBenefits app (Apple and Android). If it's your first time, tap Register as a new user to set up your login.
Find your contribution (also called your deferral) election.
Change the percentage, or set it to 0% to stop contributing.
Save your change.
Your change applies to future paychecks, so you should see it reflected on your next pay statement. Changing your contribution does not undo deductions that have already been taken.
Important: Setting your 401(k) contribution to 0% stops future deductions, but it does not refund money already taken out. If you want that money back, see "How to get a refund if you missed the opt-out window" below.
Tip: If you have trouble logging in or registering with Fidelity NetBenefits, Fidelity's support team can help at 1-800-835-5097.
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How to get a refund if you missed the opt-out window
If you didn't opt out before your 401(k) contributions started and you don't want to participate, you can request a refund of the money already deducted. You have 30 days from your first 401(k) deduction to request it.
Email WorkWhile's HR team at humanresources@workwhilejobs.com within 30 days of your first deduction. Let them know you didn't want to participate in the 401(k) and would like your contributions returned.
The HR team will process your request and follow up with next steps.
To make sure future paychecks don't have the deduction, also log in at www.netbenefits.com or the Fidelity NetBenefits app and set your contribution to 0%.
Important: The 30-day refund window is a firm deadline. After 30 days, you can still set your contribution to 0% to stop future deductions, but money already contributed will stay in your Fidelity 401(k) account.
Tip: If you need help logging in to set your contribution to 0%, Fidelity's support team is available at 1-800-835-5097.
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What to do if you can't log in to Fidelity NetBenefits
If you can't register, log in, or find your 401(k) account, Fidelity's support team can help you get access and update your contribution. Your WorkWhile 401(k) is managed through Fidelity NetBenefits, so Fidelity — not WorkWhile — handles account access.
By phone: Call Fidelity support at 1-800-835-5097 for help with registration, login, or contributions.
Online: Go to www.netbenefits.com or the Fidelity NetBenefits app (Apple and Android), and tap Register as a new user if it's your first time.
Tip: When you call Fidelity, have your Social Security number (SSN) and date of birth handy. Fidelity uses them to find your 401(k) account.
If you'd rather not participate and want to stop the deduction while you sort out access, email WorkWhile's HR team at humanresources@workwhilejobs.com within 30 days of your first deduction to request a refund.
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FAQs
Who is eligible for the WorkWhile 401(k)?
You're eligible for the WorkWhile 401(k) if you're 21 or older and you've met one of these service thresholds: more than 1,000 hours worked in one year, or at least 500 hours worked in each of two consecutive years. Eligible workers are automatically enrolled at a 1% contribution. If you're not sure whether you qualify or think you were enrolled in error, email WorkWhile's HR team at humanresources@workwhilejobs.com.
Is WorkWhile keeping the money from my paycheck?
No, WorkWhile is not keeping the money from your paycheck. Your 401(k) deduction goes into your own retirement account with Fidelity, and it's yours to keep.
Do I have to do anything to stay enrolled in the 401(k)?
No, you don't have to do anything to stay enrolled in the 401(k). Eligible workers are automatically enrolled in the WorkWhile 401(k) at a 1% contribution, so your contribution continues unless you change it or opt out.
How do I stop my 401(k) contribution?
To stop your 401(k) contribution, log in at www.netbenefits.com or the Fidelity NetBenefits app and set your contribution to 0%. This stops all future deductions, starting with your next paycheck.
Can I get back the money that was already deducted?
Yes, you can get back money already deducted from your 401(k), but only if you request it within 30 days of your first deduction. Email WorkWhile's HR team at humanresources@workwhilejobs.com to request a refund. After 30 days, money already contributed stays in your Fidelity account.
What do I need when I call Fidelity?
When you call Fidelity at 1-800-835-5097, have your Social Security number (SSN) and date of birth ready. Fidelity uses them to find your 401(k) account.
When did the 401(k) auto-enrollment start?
WorkWhile's 401(k) auto-enrollment started on October 29th, 2026, at a 1% contribution for eligible workers. WorkWhile notified enrolled workers by email and in the app.