Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information for Hertz Global Holdings Hertz Global Holdings typically utilizes the services of UnitedHealthcare. This relationship provides its employees with access to a range of healthcare options, including comprehensive medical coverage and health savings accounts to help manage rising healthcare costs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, employees of Hertz Global Holdings should prepare for significant healthcare cost increases, driven primarily by sharply rising premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Data indicates that some states may see premium hikes exceeding 60%, exacerbated by factors such as inflated medical costs and the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies. With more than 92% of ACA policyholders facing potential out-of-pocket increases of over 75%, these economic pressures could strain budgets and access to healthcare coverage for many Hertz employees in the upcoming year. Click here to learn more
'As a result of this, it is important that Hertz Global Holdings 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 Hertz Global Holdings 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 Hertz Global Holdings, 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 Hertz Global Holdings 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 Hertz Global Holdings 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 Hertz Global Holdings 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 Hertz Global Holdings 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 Hertz Global Holdings 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 Hertz Global Holdings 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 Hertz Global Holdings 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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- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
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Sources:
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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 .
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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/ .
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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/ .
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Social Security Administration. Social Security in Retirement . 2021, www.ssa.gov/retirement .
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Social Security Administration. 'Summary: Actuarial Status of the Social Security Trust Funds.' Social Security Administration , 2024, www.ssa.gov/policy/trust-funds-summary.html .
How does The Hertz Corporation's pension plan ensure that employees are fairly compensated for their years of service, and what specific criteria does The Hertz Corporation use to determine eligibility for benefits under the Account Balance Defined Benefit Pension Plan?
Fair Compensation for Years of Service: The Hertz Corporation's pension plan ensures employees are fairly compensated for their years of service by granting Compensation Credits as a percentage of eligible pay. Eligibility for benefits starts once employees have at least 1,000 Hours of Service in a 12-month period, ensuring that benefits are proportional to service time. Benefits become vested after three years of service, securing an employee’s accumulated benefits.
In what ways do the Compensation Credits and Interest Credits contribute to the growth of an employee's retirement account within The Hertz Corporation's pension plan, and how does the company guarantee these credits are applied accurately throughout an employee’s tenure?
Growth of Retirement Account: Within The Hertz Corporation's pension plan, Compensation Credits and Interest Credits contribute to the growth of an employee's retirement account. Compensation Credits are calculated as a percentage of the employee’s eligible pay, and Interest Credits grow the account balance annually based on a preset rate, ensuring a systematic increase in the retirement funds over an employee's tenure.
What are the implications of the freeze date on participation in The Hertz Corporation's pension plan, and how might this affect current employees who are considering their retirement options within the next few years?
Implications of Freeze Date: The freeze date impacts current employees by discontinuing the accrual of new Compensation Credits. Employees enrolled in the plan before the freeze date retain their accrued benefits, but no new benefits will be added post-freeze. This could influence current employees' decisions on retirement timing and financial planning.
How does The Hertz Corporation handle claims for pension benefits, and what processes are in place for employees to appeal denied claims according to the guidelines set out in the Account Balance Defined Benefit Pension Plan?
Claims for Pension Benefits: The Hertz Corporation handles claims for pension benefits through a detailed procedure where employees can file a claim with the Committee. If denied, the employee can appeal the decision. This process ensures that employees have a structured avenue for resolving disputes regarding their pension benefits.
Under what circumstances can an employee of The Hertz Corporation be considered fully vested, and how does vesting impact an employee's future retirement benefits?
Vesting and Impact on Retirement Benefits: Employees of The Hertz Corporation are considered fully vested in their pension benefits after three years of service, which secures their right to pension benefits accrued till that point. Vesting ensures that upon leaving the company, employees are entitled to their accumulated benefits, directly impacting their financial stability in retirement.
How do The Hertz Corporation's pension benefits compare to other companies in the industry, especially in terms of contribution percentages and payment options available upon retirement?
Comparison with Industry Standards: The pension benefits at The Hertz Corporation, which include both Compensation and Interest Credits, are competitive within the industry, particularly because the company covers the full cost of the plan. The option to receive benefits as a lump sum or an annuity upon retirement provides flexibility compared to other industry plans.
Can you explain the process and the timeline involved for receiving pension benefits after retirement from The Hertz Corporation, including any choices that the retiree must make regarding payout methods?
Receiving Pension Benefits Post-Retirement: The timeline and process for receiving pension benefits after retirement involve choosing a payout method (lump sum or annuity) and filing a claim. Benefits can start as early as age 55 for early retirement, or at the normal retirement age of 65, with the account continuing to accrue Interest Credits until the benefits commence.
What resources does The Hertz Corporation provide to employees looking to understand their rights and benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and how can this information assist employees in making informed retirement decisions?
Resources on ERISA Rights: The Hertz Corporation provides resources to help employees understand their rights under ERISA through its pension plan website and support center. This information helps employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning by clarifying their rights and benefits under the plan.
What procedures should an employee at The Hertz Corporation follow to update their personal information or beneficiary designations in their pension account, and why is it crucial to keep this information up to date?
Updating Personal Information: Employees at The Hertz Corporation are encouraged to update their personal and beneficiary information via the Hertz Pension Center website. Keeping information current is crucial for ensuring that all communications and benefits are correctly handled, especially for claims and beneficiary designations.
If employees of The Hertz Corporation have questions or require further information regarding the pension plan, what steps should they take to contact the company, and what information will they need to facilitate their inquiry?
Contacting for Further Information: For further inquiries about the pension plan, employees should contact the Hertz Pension Center. This center provides access to plan details and assistance for any additional information required by employees, ensuring transparency and accessibility in managing their retirement benefits.