<prompt> Human: Ive tried to find this answer everywhere - and my HR dept wasnt helpful. I am 50 and trying to contribute the maximum this year. So far, Ive contributed just over 16k. My employer contributed 11K last February. Does this mean I have to stop contributing, or can I keep going until I hit the 18, 500 6,000 from my paychecks alone?  <response>: The 18,500 limit applies ONLY to deferrals you personally make.There is a separate 55,000 limit for employee plus employer contributions.The 6,000 catch-up provision applies only to your catch-up deferrals. 