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Cadence Design Systems Pension Planning: What Happens to Your Benefits After You Pass Away

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'Cadence Design Systems employees should regularly review their pension type, payout elections, and beneficiary designations to help align retirement income with long-term family goals and avoid unintended consequences for heirs.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Cadence Design Systems employees who understand the differences between DB and DC plans, along with the impact of survivor benefits, are better positioned to make informed decisions that can support both their retirement needs and their legacy goals.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

The differences between Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) pension plans.
How survivor benefits and payout options work for spouses and other beneficiaries.
What happens to pension and retirement account funds if no beneficiary is named or upon the retiree’s death.

When planning for retirement, many people focus on growing income while they are living. Yet, understanding what happens to your Fortune 500 pension after your death is equally important. The type of plan you have, the payment method you choose, and whether you have named a beneficiary will determine if—and to whom—your benefits can be passed on.

Social Security survivor benefits operate under different rules and are separate from pensions. This discussion focuses on workplace and private pensions, which often include survivorship clauses that, if structured properly, can provide continued financial support to loved ones.

The Two Main Types of Workplace Pensions

Defined Benefit (DB) Plan

A DB plan promises a specific monthly payment at retirement, calculated based on factors like years of service and salary history. Fortune 500 is responsible for making sure the plan is funded and bears the investment risk. These are sometimes called “final salary” or “traditional pensions.”

Defined Contribution (DC) Plan

In a DC plan, you, Fortune 500, or both contribute to your account. The final retirement amount depends on contributions and investment performance. You manage the investment risk, and income is determined by your withdrawal plan and account balance. Examples include 401k, 403b, and 457 plans.

Passing on Defined Contribution Benefits

In most cases, DC plans are straightforward to pass on. If you die before using the full balance, your named beneficiary inherits the remaining amount. Under the SECURE Act, most non‑spouse beneficiaries must withdraw the full balance within ten years, while spouses often have rollover flexibility. If you have no beneficiary listed, the balance may go to your estate, potentially increasing taxes and delaying access.

Defined Benefit Payment Choices for Married Retirees

Federal law generally requires a Qualified Joint and Survivor Annuity (QJSA) as the default payout form for married DB plan participants unless the spouse consents to another choice. This makes sure your spouse continues to receive income after your passing.

Common DB payout options include:

Joint and Survivor Annuity: You receive lifetime payments; your spouse continues to receive a percentage (generally 50%, 75%, or 100%) for life after your death.
Life with Period‑Certain Annuity: You get lifetime payments, and your spouse or beneficiary receives payments for the remainder of a guaranteed term if you pass first.
Guaranteed Minimum Payment: Provides a fixed number of total payments; any remaining payments go to your spouse if you pass away early.
Joint and Contingent Survivor Annuity: Allows a beneficiary other than your spouse (with spousal consent) or a custom continuation percentage.

If You’re Single and Considering a Lump Sum

For single retirees without dependents, a lump sum payout may be preferable to an annuity, as many single‑life annuities stop payments at death.

Benefits of lump sum payouts:

Investment control is in your hands.
Ability to name heirs for remaining funds.
Potential to roll over to an IRA for tax deferral.
Risks of lump sum payouts:
Mismanagement could deplete funds too soon.
Investment returns are not assured.

When No Beneficiary Is Named

If a DB single‑life annuity is chosen, payments stop upon death. With a term‑certain annuity, any remaining guaranteed payments may go to your estate. In a DC plan, the balance may default to your estate, possibly leading to probate delays and less favorable tax treatment.

If Death Occurs While Receiving Benefits

For DB plans, your chosen payment option and beneficiary designation determine what happens. Single‑life annuities end immediately; joint‑life annuities continue to pay the surviving spouse. Period‑certain options pay beneficiaries for the rest of the guaranteed term. For their part, DC plans transfer the remaining balance to the beneficiary, with non‑spouse heirs generally required to withdraw within ten years.

Key Takeaways for Fortune 500 Employees

Regardless of whether you have a DB or DC plan, planning ahead is essential:

- Keep beneficiary information current.
- Understand how payout options affect survivor benefits.
- Be aware of tax rules for inherited pensions and retirement accounts.
- Seek professional guidance before making irreversible decisions.

By making informed choices, you can make sure your Fortune 500 pension serves both your retirement needs and the legacy you want to leave for loved ones.

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Sources:

1. Employee Benefits Security Administration. What You Should Know About Your Retirement Plan . U.S. Department of Labor, n.d. pp. 6, 9–10, 21–22, 32.

2. Internal Revenue Service. Publication 590-B: Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) . IRS, 19 Mar. 2025, pp. 7–12, 9–10.

3. Social Security Administration. Survivors Benefits . Social Security Administration, Apr. 2025, pp. 5–6, 8–9, 10.

What type of retirement savings plan does Cadence Design Systems offer?

Cadence Design Systems offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Cadence Design Systems match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Cadence Design Systems provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Cadence Design Systems' 401(k) plan?

Employees at Cadence Design Systems are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment.

Can employees of Cadence Design Systems choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees of Cadence Design Systems can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Cadence Design Systems 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Cadence Design Systems 401(k) plan is determined by IRS regulations and may change annually.

Does Cadence Design Systems allow for catch-up contributions in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Cadence Design Systems allows employees aged 50 and older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) accounts.

When can employees of Cadence Design Systems start making contributions to their 401(k) plan?

Employees of Cadence Design Systems can start making contributions to their 401(k) plan after they meet the eligibility requirements.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Cadence Design Systems 401(k) plan?

Yes, Cadence Design Systems has a vesting schedule that determines when employees fully own the employer match contributions.

How often can employees of Cadence Design Systems change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees of Cadence Design Systems can change their 401(k) contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as permitted by the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Cadence Design Systems?

If you leave Cadence Design Systems, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Cadence Design Systems announced a reduction in workforce affecting approximately 4% of their global employees. This decision is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on core growth areas.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Cadence Design Systems at 2655 Seely Avenue San Jose, CA 95134; or by calling them at +1 408-943-1234.