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9 Facts About Social Security for loanDepot Employees

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'As a result of this, it is important that loanDepot 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 loanDepot 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 loanDepot, 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 loanDepot 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 loanDepot 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 loanDepot 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 loanDepot 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 loanDepot 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 loanDepot 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 loanDepot 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 plan does loanDepot offer to its employees?

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

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

Yes, loanDepot provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, helping to enhance retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in loanDepot's 401(k) plan?

Employees at loanDepot are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically 30 days.

Can loanDepot employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, loanDepot employees can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their retirement goals.

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

loanDepot employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

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

Yes, loanDepot has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the match.

What is the maximum contribution limit for loanDepot's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for loanDepot's 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Does loanDepot offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, loanDepot offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to contribute after-tax dollars to their retirement savings.

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

Yes, loanDepot allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

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

If loanDepot employees leave the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or leave it in the loanDepot plan, depending on the balance.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
LoanDepot offers a 401(k) plan for its employees, with contribution limits consistent with federal regulations. In 2023, employees could contribute up to $22,500, while those aged 50 and older could contribute an additional $7,500 as a catch-up contribution, raising their total to $30,000. In 2024, these limits increased to $23,000 and $7,500, respectively. LoanDepot's 401(k) plan also allows for combined employee and employer contributions, with the total limit set at $66,000 in 2023 and increasing to $69,000 in 2024. Employees may also make after-tax contributions if allowed by the plan, subject to total contribution limits​ (Fidelity)​ (Pension Rights Center). In terms of pension plans, LoanDepot follows federal guidelines under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Employees receive a summary plan description (SPD) upon enrolling in the plan, detailing service requirements, vesting schedules, and benefit calculations. The plan administrator is required to provide these details, which help employees understand when they can start participating in the plan and how their benefits are calculated. LoanDepot also offers an annual report on plan assets, ensuring transparency for participants​ (DOL)​ (Pension Rights Center).
Restructuring and Layoffs: In July 2023, loanDepot implemented a significant round of layoffs, affecting approximately 2,000 employees. This is part of a broader restructuring effort in response to rising interest rates and a downturn in the housing market. The company continues to reduce its workforce to maintain profitability amid declining mortgage volumes. Importance: The layoffs at loanDepot reflect broader trends in the financial services industry, where companies are adjusting to higher interest rates and reduced demand for mortgage products. It is essential to address this news due to the ongoing economic uncertainty and the ripple effects of political decisions, such as the Federal Reserve's monetary policies, on the mortgage industry. Additionally, tax policy changes could influence housing market behavior, making it vital for employees and investors to stay informed about these restructuring efforts to make well-informed decisions.
loanDepot has structured its employee compensation plans to include stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), focusing on aligning employee incentives with company growth and performance. For 2022, 2023, and 2024, loanDepot has made RSUs available primarily to executive leadership and key employees. These RSUs are part of their long-term incentive plan, designed to reward employees based on the company’s performance over time. RSUs typically vest over several years, providing employees with shares of loanDepot stock at predetermined intervals, subject to continued employment. In addition to RSUs, loanDepot has offered stock options, though these have been less frequently granted in recent years compared to RSUs. Stock options give employees the right to purchase shares of loanDepot stock at a set price, usually based on the stock price at the time of the grant. Both stock options and RSUs are available to select employees, usually in senior roles, but broader availability has been limited as the company restructures its compensation framework in response to market conditions. RSUs, particularly through loanDepot's executive compensation program, are designed to retain top talent and reward long-term contributions to the company. Vesting typically spans a 3-4 year period, incentivizing retention and aligning with shareholder interests. Documentation of these plans can be found in loanDepot's SEC filings, including their annual proxy reports. For example, details on RSU grants and stock option availability for 2022 and 2023 are outlined in the 2023 Annual Report and 2022 Proxy Statement​ (loanDepot)​ (loanDepot)​ (loanDepot). These reports provide specifics on the number of RSUs granted and the vesting schedules, with key details found on pages 34 and 58 of the 2023 Proxy Statement.
loanDepot offers a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, including multiple options for medical, dental, and vision coverage. Their medical plans typically feature Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) options, catering to a wide range of employee needs. The company has emphasized mental health support as part of its overall well-being program, providing access to resources such as therapy sessions, wellness coaching, and mental health hotlines. Additionally, loanDepot includes coverage for preventive services, with an emphasis on annual health checkups and screenings to promote early detection and wellness among employees. These benefits are designed to align with loanDepot's broader strategic goals under their Vision 2025 plan, which focuses on cost savings while maintaining essential employee benefits. In the context of the current economic and political environment, discussing loanDepot's healthcare benefits is crucial as the company navigates financial challenges, including significant losses reported in recent years. The ability to maintain robust health benefits, even in the face of cost-cutting measures, reflects the company’s commitment to its workforce. With healthcare costs rising nationwide and ongoing debates around healthcare policy, the company's approach to providing accessible and comprehensive health coverage can have significant implications for employee satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, in a time of economic uncertainty, offering strong healthcare benefits helps ensure that employees remain healthy and productive, which is vital for the company's operational success.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for loanDepot at , ; or by calling them at .

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