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9 Facts About Social Security for Granite Construction Employees

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'As a result of this, it is important that Granite Construction employees understand the basics of Social Security, such as how benefits are calculated and the potential return on delaying the claim, to ensure they are getting the most out of their benefits and thus their overall financial security.'

It is important that Granite Construction employees be self-initiated with the Social Security laws and regulations because tactics, for example, delaying benefits can result in huge profits in the long run, to the advantage of their retirement plan.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. The Social Security trust fund and more specifically the eligibility criteria for the fund.

2. The significance of cost of living adjustment (COLA) and its implications on the benefits.

3. Ways to optimize Social Security payments by not claiming them.

Social Security has been in effect since 1935 and is one of the most significant sources of income for retired people. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you know? If you work for Granite Construction, you may be surprised by the following nine facts.

The Social Security trust fund is very large. It is greater than the GDP of every economy except the ten largest: China, the European Union, the United States, India, Japan, Germany, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. The vast majority of workers, including those working at Granite Construction companies, are entitled to Social Security discounts. Former federal government employees before 1984 were covered by the Civil Service Retirement System rather than Social Security.

This is because, as a Granite Construction employee, you do not have to work for long to qualify. Anyone born in 1929 or later must have earned income for at least 10 years to be eligible for benefits. Under the Social Security system, benefits are calculated from the total earnings of an individual's working life. It is based on the 35 years of highest earnings. Social Security may include a person’s low or no earning years in the total number of years for which they are eligible for benefits, up to 35 years.

It is also important for Granite Construction employees to know that Social Security benefits have not always had cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Prior to 1975, Congress had to pass a bill to raise benefits; today, automatic revisions are tied to the Consumer Price Index. The COLA in 2019 rose by 2.9 percent, while that of 2018 was 2%. About 67% of current retirees, including Granite Construction retirees, depend on Social Security as their primary source of retirement income. Social Security benefits were not taxed under federal income tax. The Social Security Act of 1983 modified the Social Security Act to allow for the taxation of benefits from the year 1984. From 1937 to 1940, Social Security payments were made as a one-off lump sum.

A one-off payment was considered to be made to those who had paid into the program. The management of Social Security thought that such people would not work long enough to be eligible for monthly payments. The first Social Security benefit paid in the United States was paid to Earnest Ackerman in January 1937 and was a fixed amount of 17 cents. 1. Social Security Administration, 2018; CIA World Factbook, 2018 2-5, 7-9. Social Security Administration, 2019. 6. Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2018

Do you know that if you postpone receiving your Social Security benefits past your full retirement age, your monthly benefit amount could increase substantially? This is important for the retirement planning of Granite Construction employees. Every year that you postpone claiming benefits after your full retirement age, up to age 70, may result in a benefit increase of as much as 8% per year. This means that if you delay claiming, you will receive a higher monthly benefit for the rest of your life. It is therefore advisable to consider this option to ensure that you get the most out of your Social Security payments. (Source: Social Security Administration, “When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits,” 2021)

Social Security can be understood as a complex process that is similar to solving a puzzle. This is because for the Granite Construction employees who are about to retire, it affects their lives. Social Security can be viewed as a large Rubik’s Cube where each of the turns and shifts represents a different fact or provision of the system. To get the benefits you are entitled to, you must know each step of the process. Some of the pieces of the puzzle are interesting and include the fact that the Social Security trust fund is equivalent to the GDP of most countries.

Some of the pieces are strategic and include having to work for at least 10 years to be eligible for benefits. When approaching Social Security as a Granite Construction employee does, with the patience and determination of a puzzle solver, one can make the right pieces fit together to get the best out of their retirement benefits. Solving a Rubik’s Cube can be time and energy-consuming, but the feeling of a good plan and a secure future is for those who will embrace the challenge.'

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Sources:

  1. MarketWatch Staff. 'Social Security COLA Could Fall in 2026, Forecasts Say.'  MarketWatch , 13 Feb. 2025,  www.marketwatch.com/story/social-security-cola-could-fall-in-2026-according-to-forecasts-fd4b8742 .

  2. The Sun Staff. 'Three Chances to Score Social Security Checks Worth $5,108 with First Set to Hit Accounts in Hours.'  The Sun , 12 Feb. 2025,  www.the-sun.com/money/13515321/social-security-checks-february-payment-schedule/ .

  3. New York Post Staff. 'Rep. Nicole Malliotakis Floats New Proposed Tax Cuts for Seniors in Pair of Bills.'  New York Post , 11 Feb. 2025,  www.nypost.com/2025/02/10/us-news/rep-nicole-malliotakis-floats-new-proposed-tax-cuts-for-seniors-in-pair-of-bills/ .

  4. Social Security Administration.  Social Security in Retirement . 2021,  www.ssa.gov/retirement .

  5. Social Security Administration. 'Summary: Actuarial Status of the Social Security Trust Funds.'  Social Security Administration , 2024,  www.ssa.gov/policy/trust-funds-summary.html .

What type of retirement savings plan does Granite Construction offer to its employees?

Granite Construction offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

How can Granite Construction employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Granite Construction employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company's HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Granite Construction match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Granite Construction provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Granite Construction 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Granite Construction 401(k) plan is in line with IRS regulations, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.

Can Granite Construction employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Granite Construction allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Granite Construction 401(k) plan?

The Granite Construction 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can Granite Construction employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Granite Construction employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, typically during open enrollment or through the HR portal.

Is there a vesting schedule for Granite Construction's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Granite Construction has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

What happens to Granite Construction employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?

If Granite Construction employees leave the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) funds to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Granite Construction plan, subject to plan rules.

Are there any fees associated with the Granite Construction 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with the Granite Construction 401(k) plan. Employees should review the plan documents for specific details.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Granite Construction provides a comprehensive retirement benefits package, which includes the Granite Construction Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan. This plan is a defined contribution plan, where employees can voluntarily contribute a portion of their pre-tax earnings towards their retirement. Granite Construction offers a 401(k) matching contribution that is 100% of employee contributions up to 6% of compensation, with employees becoming eligible for this match after six months of service​ (JobzMall)​ (SEC.gov). In addition to the 401(k) plan, Granite Construction offers a Profit Sharing Plan, which is tied to company profits. The profit-sharing contributions are discretionary and vary depending on the company's earnings​ (SimpleQDRO). Employees who work for Granite Construction for 10 years or more may also qualify for a pension plan, which complements their retirement savings​ (JobzMall). Furthermore, Granite Construction provides an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), where the company contributes newly issued stock or cash that is used to purchase shares for the employees. This further enhances the retirement benefits available to employees​
Restructuring Layoffs: Granite Construction has undergone a significant restructuring effort across its operations throughout 2023-2024. The company reported adjusting its leadership and operational segments to align with market trends, which resulted in notable workforce reductions and asset divestitures​ (World Construction Network). The adjustments have been positioned as necessary to navigate economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, and increased labor costs. This news is crucial due to the current economic climate, as companies in the construction sector are especially vulnerable to market volatility and regulatory changes. Addressing these layoffs is vital to understanding the broader trends in construction employment and their ripple effects on communities and the economy.
Granite Construction offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) under their 2012 and 2021 Equity Incentive Plans. These stock options are performance-based and are made available to employees as part of their compensation packages. Granite (GVA) employees are eligible to participate in the company's equity awards based on their role and performance, which align with the company’s strategic financial and non-financial goals​ (Last10K)​ (SEC.gov). Stock options and RSUs at Granite Construction are available to both managerial and supervisory personnel, aiming to enhance retention and reward significant contributors to the company's success​ (SEC.gov)​ (SEC.gov). In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Granite Construction (GVA) continued offering RSUs and stock options as part of its performance-based incentive structure. These RSUs vest over a defined period, typically contingent on meeting certain performance criteria or service durations​ (SEC.gov). Eligible employees include salaried personnel, primarily those in management roles across the company’s diverse sectors​ (Granite Construction). The incentive programs are designed to align employee interests with shareholders, promoting long-term growth and value creation​
Medical Plans: Granite Construction offers comprehensive healthcare benefits, including options like PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HSA (Health Savings Account) plans. Anthem Blue Cross is a major provider for Granite's medical coverage, offering various plan structures such as HSA plans with high deductibles (e.g., $3,000 deductible). Employees typically have access to preventive care, primary care, and specialist visits with coverage based on plan selection. Acronyms and Healthcare-Related Terms: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Employees can choose providers within a network for lower out-of-pocket costs. HSA (Health Savings Account): Employees may contribute pre-tax dollars to an account for healthcare expenses. COBRA: Coverage continuation for employees after employment termination or certain life events. Open Enrollment: The annual period where employees can select or change their benefit elections. Recent Employee Healthcare News: Granite Construction has updated its benefit offerings to comply with federal healthcare reform laws, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In 2023 and 2024, employees have been encouraged to use online benefits platforms like Workday for enrollment. 100% company-paid health insurance for some employee categories continues to be a key benefit, particularly for those enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that integrate with HSAs.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Granite Construction at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.lawinsider.com/contracts/3guDafKhJPy https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1735707/000119312518288687/d622124dex23.htm https://contracts.justia.com/companies/garrett-motion-inc-6154/contract/181030/ https://www.jobzmall.com/granite-construction/faqs/what-is-the-retirement-plan-for-granite-construction-employees https://simpleqdro.com/retirement-plans/GRANITE-CONSTRUCTION-PROFIT-SHARING-AND-401K-PLAN/ https://investors.garrettmotion.com/financial-information https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://www.investopedia.com/recalculation-date-pensions-6822209 https://last10k.com/sec-filings/gva https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/news/granite-construction-fy23-filings/ https://www.graniteconstruction.com/ https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2488606/granite-reports-second-quarter-2024-results-and-announces-agreement-to-acquire-dickerson-bowen-inc https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1rbS9Ib5 https://www.cashbalancedesign.com/resources/contribution-limits/ https://www.planperfectretirement.com/extended-deadlines-for-new-pension-profit-sharing-plans/ https://www.sec.gov/

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