New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Textron Pension Planning: What Happens to Your Benefits After You Pass Away

Healthcare Provider Update: Textron, an aerospace and defense company, primarily uses UnitedHealthcare as its healthcare provider for employee health plans. In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, with many Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace insurers projecting premium increases. A combination of factors-including the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies-could lead to out-of-pocket costs skyrocketing for millions of consumers. For instance, without these subsidies, many individuals may face premium hikes of over 75%. States like New York and Arkansas are expecting the most severe increases, with some premiums rising by up to 66.4%. This trend underscores the rising burden of healthcare costs, making it imperative for consumers to strategize their healthcare expenditures ahead of 2026. Click here to learn more

'Textron 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.

'Textron 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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.

How does the retirement process at Textron Systems begin for employees, and what initial actions should they consider taking leading up to their retirement date? What are the key timelines and steps involved in initiating their retirement plan with Textron Systems, and how can these impact their retirement benefits?

Retirement Process Initiation: Employees planning retirement with Textron Systems should start by preparing 180 days before their desired retirement date. This involves confirming eligibility for the pension plan, ensuring it is within 180 days of their pension benefit commencement date, and reviewing their current pension benefit options on Fidelity's website. The retirement election process begins by contacting the Fidelity Benefits Service Center to request the necessary forms 45 to 90 days before the desired benefit start date(Textron Systems_Getting…).

What are the eligibility criteria for retiring employees under the Textron retirement plan, specifically regarding service hours and plan details? Furthermore, how do any past employment records with AVCO Corporation influence retiree benefits under Textron Systems?

Eligibility Criteria and AVCO Corporation Influence: Employees become eligible for the Textron Retirement Plan by completing at least 1,000 compensated hours per year. If the employee worked for AVCO Corporation before the merger with Textron, they may have additional retirement benefits, such as federal tax exclusions on part of their pension, if they kept their contributions in the AVCO Retirement Plan(Textron Systems_Getting…)(Textron Systems_Getting…).

How are the various pension benefit options structured within the Textron Systems retirement program, and what considerations should employees keep in mind when choosing between these options? Additionally, what happens if an employee wishes to change their payment option after retirement?

Pension Benefit Options: Textron Systems offers multiple pension payment options, including Single Life Annuity, Joint and Survivor Annuities, and Year Certain and Continuous Annuities. The chosen option is crucial, as it impacts retirement income and cannot be changed once the pension payments begin. Employees should consider their financial situation and consult a financial advisor before making a decision(Textron Systems_Getting…).

What documentation is necessary for Textron Systems employees to gather and submit in order to collect their pension benefits? How does the provision of accurate and complete data affect the processing of their retirement applications with Textron Systems?

Required Documentation: Employees must gather specific documents, such as birth certificates (for both the employee and spouse if applicable), marriage certificates, and a voided check for direct deposit. Providing accurate and complete information helps avoid delays in the retirement application process(Textron Systems_Getting…).

What tax implications should Textron Systems employees be aware of concerning their pension benefits, particularly in relation to IRS regulations? Additionally, how can employees explore the possibility of non-taxable portions of their retirement income?

Tax Implications: Pension payments are generally considered taxable income by the IRS and the state, except in some cases for former AVCO Corporation employees. Employees should consult a tax advisor for more specific information regarding potential tax exclusions(Textron Systems_Getting…).

In what ways does Textron Systems provide for the continuation of health insurance for spouses of retiring employees, particularly if the spouse is under 65? What specific documentation is required, and how does this process differ from regular health insurance enrollment?

Health Insurance for Spouses: If a retiring employee’s spouse is under 65, Textron Systems requires a letter from a Textron HR representative to verify prior coverage under the company's medical plan. This differs from regular enrollment, as the new insurer may require proof of prior coverage(Textron Systems_Getting…).

How does the decision to retire before the age of 65 affect an individualâ€™s pension benefits within the Textron retirement plan? What specific reductions and conditions should potential retirees consider when making this decision?

Retirement Before Age 65: Retiring before age 65 results in a permanent reduction in pension benefits. Typically, the reduction is 5% per year under the age of 65, though some employees may be eligible for an unreduced pension based on certain age and service requirements(Textron Systems_Getting…).

What strategies can Textron Systems employees adopt to prepare for their transition into retirement in a way that ensures a smoother process? How can employees manage emotional and practical aspects of retirement to facilitate this major life change?

Retirement Transition Strategies: Employees are encouraged to start retirement planning well in advance to ensure a smooth transition. Engaging with financial planners, addressing emotional and practical aspects, and having clear goals can help manage the complexities of retirement(Textron Systems_Getting…).

What steps should employees take if they experience difficulties accessing their retirement benefits through Fidelityâ€™s services as coordinated by Textron Systems? In what ways does Textron Systems support employees in resolving such issues?

Accessing Benefits Through Fidelity: If employees face difficulties accessing their retirement benefits through Fidelity, they should contact Fidelity’s Benefits Service Center. Textron Systems provides support through coordinators who help resolve such issues(Textron Systems_Getting…).

How can Textron Systems employees reach out for additional information about their retirement process and benefits packages? What are the specific contact details for reaching a retirement benefits coordinator at Textron, and what resources does the company offer to assist employees in their retirement planning?

Contacting Retirement Coordinators: Employees can reach out to the Fidelity Benefits Service Center at 1-866-698-9847 for assistance with their retirement benefits. Fidelity’s website, www.netbenefits.fidelity.com, is also available for reviewing pension options and benefits(Textron Systems_Getting…)(Textron Systems_Getting…).