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Faqs: Social Security Family Benefits for Sysco Employees and Retirees

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Sysco Sysco partners with Aetna to provide its healthcare benefits to employees. Those enrolled in Sysco's national medical plan have access to various services through Aetna, including options for MinuteClinic appointments. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, Sysco employees can expect substantial increases in healthcare costs, reflecting broader trends in the industry. Nationwide, health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are set to rise significantly, with some states forecasting hikes of over 60%. This surge is driven by a combination of expiring federal premium subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation, leaving many enrollees at risk of facing out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%. Consequently, it's imperative for individuals to prepare strategically to mitigate financial impact as these shifts unfold. Click here to learn more

Understanding Social Security can help ensure a financial future even for Sysco employees facing unexpected challenges in life, says Patrick Ray of The Retirement Group. 'We recommend talking with a financial advisor about your benefits to see if they fit your needs.

'Social Security benefits are very important to many Sysco employees and retirees,' says Michael Corgiat, a financial expert with The Retirement Group. A professional advisor can help you understand these benefits and help you protect your financial future amid life's uncertainties,' says'

In this article:

1. Social Security and Retirement Planning: Understanding how Social Security can be a supplement to income for Sysco employees and retirees - and why it should not be the only income in retirement.

2. Family Benefits under Social Security: Explore how spousal death, divorce, and disability affect eligibility and benefits distribution to family members.

3. Strategic Application of Benefits: Information on how to apply for Social Security benefits 'to maximize financial support for critical family events.'

Social Security benefits are very important to many Sysco employees and retirees,' says Michael Corgiat, a financial expert with The Retirement Group. 'Working with a professional advisor can help you understand these benefits and protect your financial future amid life's uncertainties.'

Social Security is among the most basic retirement income concepts for Sysco employees and retirees. Social Security is another retirement income stream. It should never be the only source of income, but it can help in times of need. A family dealing with death of a spouse, disability, divorce, or dependent children/parents should know the benefits they dispose of to ease the financial strain they may be experiencing. How does family benefit work?

You will usually get a percentage of the Social Security benefit, the entire Social Security benefit, or a family maximum. An example of how this differs is what we hear from Sysco employees and retirees.

Answer: That question comes from many Sysco employees and retirees - understandably so. Yes, spousal benefits are available to a couple who has been married one year or longer. They may collect up to 50 percent of working spouses Primary Insurance amount - Full Retirement Age if they wait until their own Full Retirement Age - or they may collect another reduced amount starting at Age 62. 

Answer: Yes. If you were married to your ex-spouse for 10 or more years, they are unmarried and age 62 or older. You receive the same benefits as a current spouse. 

Answer: It comes from working with a lot of Sysco employees and retirees about how death can affect the family financial situation. This question comes up a lot, therefore.

In the answer, there are two parts. Yes. Your unmarried dependent children under 18 years old, 19 if in a primary or secondary school, or disabled as long as disability occurred before age 22 years old are entitled to 75 percent of the PIA of the deceased parent up to a family maximum. For any child under age 16 your spouse is also entitled to 75 percent of the PIA up to a family maximum. In this situation Social Security has come in immediately to help the family with additional income.

In addition, at age 60 a widower can take Social Security from the deceased spouse. This is two years before the traditional spousal benefit. And as with any situation involving taking Social Security early, you will pay a percentage reduction of the full benefit. 

Answer: It's another worry for many Sysco employees and retirees with children. Yes, exactly the same eligibility rules apply as if you were deceased. The only change: your children would get only 50 percent of your PIA. 

Answer: Yes. Depending on the circumstances, your dependent parents may collect off your record if you are deceased and you provided more than 50 percent of their support before you died. That's the least common family benefit. 1 Remember that a family member collecting Social Security benefit off of your record will not reduce your benefit. Making applications for the benefits your family and you deserve can create significant income for your family and ease the strain a life-changing event may place on your resources.

We speak with lots of Sysco employees and retirees over the years and we know everyone is different. Social Security benefits are complicated but our financial advisors can help you determine when and how to apply. A nationwide group of financial advisors known as The Retirement Group.

We only plan for and design retirement portfolios for transitioning corporate employees. And each representative of The Group has been hand-picked by The Retirement Group in select cities throughout The United States. Each advisor was screened for pension expertise, financial planning experience, and portfolio construction knowledge.

TRG believes in teamwork to find solutions to our clients' problems. A conservative investment philosophy guides the Team in constructing client portfolios with laddered bonds, CDs, mutual funds, ETFs, Annuities, Stocks, and other investments. They handle Retirement, Pensions, Tax, Asset Allocation, Estate, Elder Care issues. This document uses different research tools and techniques.

All attempts to estimate future results involve assumptions and judgments and are therefore only tentative. The law, investment climate, interest rates, and personal circumstances will all change and will affect how accurate our estimations are and how appropriate our recommendations are. Such a plan requires ongoing change sensitivities as well as constant re-examination and alteration of the plan.

So, update your plan a few months before your expected retirement date and do an annual review. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an attempt by the Retirement Group, LLC, or any of its employees to practice law or accounting. We look forward to speaking with any tax and/or legal professionals you may select regarding the implications of our recommendations.

Through your retirement years, we will continue to update you on issues affecting your retirement via our complimentary and proprietary newsletters, workshops, and periodic updates. Or call us at (800) 900-5867.

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Sources:

1. 'Benefits Planner: Retirement.' Social Security Administration, 2023,  www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

2. 'Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).' Social Security Administration, 2023,  www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/wep.html . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

3. 'How Do I Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits?' Social Security Administration, 24 Apr. 2024,  www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01891.html . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

4. 'Benefits Planner: Retirement | Social Security Benefits for Federal Workers.' Social Security Administration, 2023,  www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/fedgovees.html . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

5. 'Quick Calculator.' Social Security Administration, last modified 27 May 2014,  www.ssa.gov/OACT/quickcalc/ . Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

What type of retirement plan does Sysco offer to its employees?

Sysco offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Sysco provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sysco provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

At what age can Sysco employees start participating in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Sysco employees can typically start participating in the 401(k) Savings Plan as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements, usually at age 21.

How can Sysco employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Sysco employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What investment options are available in Sysco's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Sysco's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

How much can Sysco employees contribute to their 401(k) plan each year?

Sysco employees can contribute up to the IRS limit for 401(k) contributions, which is adjusted annually.

Does Sysco allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Sysco allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan under certain conditions.

What happens to a Sysco employee's 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If a Sysco employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash out, or leave it with Sysco.

Can Sysco employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sysco employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to certain guidelines.

Is there a vesting schedule for Sysco's matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sysco has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Sysco offers a defined benefit pension plan that was frozen on December 31, 2012. Employees hired before this date continue to accrue vesting service. Benefits are calculated based on 1.5% of eligible career earnings through the freeze date. Additionally, Sysco provides a generous 401(k) plan with automatic and matching contributions. The company automatically contributes 3% of eligible pay to employees' 401(k) accounts, and matches 50 cents for every dollar contributed up to 6% of pay. Employees are automatically enrolled at a 3% contribution rate, with annual increases until reaching 6%.
Layoffs and Restructuring: In 2024, Sysco implemented layoffs across various departments without publicly detailing the reasons. This follows similar restructuring efforts in previous years aimed at improving financial performance amidst economic challenges and rising supply chain costs (Sources: Peek Career, Layoff Insider). Union Strike: In early 2023, union workers at Sysco's Indianapolis distribution hub went on strike, demanding better wages, benefits, and shorter working hours. This labor unrest highlights ongoing challenges in employee relations and operational disruptions (Source: WBOI). Financial Performance: Despite the layoffs, Sysco reported strong financial health in 2024, with initiatives to enhance core business operations, invest in infrastructure like new distribution centers, and expand its electric vehicle fleet (Source: Sysco).
Sysco includes RSUs in its compensation packages, vesting over a specific period and converting into shares. Stock options are also provided, enabling employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price.
Sysco has made several significant updates to its healthcare benefits over the past few years, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting employee well-being amidst rising healthcare costs. For 2023, Sysco maintained stable premiums for medical, dental, and vision plans for non-union employees despite the general trend of increasing healthcare costs. Additionally, Sysco expanded its benefits to include domestic partner coverage across all Health & Welfare plans, such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and critical illness coverage. These changes highlight Sysco's efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of its workforce and ensure comprehensive coverage for employees and their families. In 2024, Sysco introduced several enhancements, including increased contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The HSA limit for individual coverage rose to $4,150, while family coverage increased to $8,300, with catch-up contributions allowed for those 55 and older. The FSA limit also saw an increase, allowing employees to save up to $3,200. Sysco continues to offer various wellness programs, such as Headspace for mental health and Bloom for pelvic health, reflecting a holistic approach to employee well-being. These updates are particularly crucial in the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment, where healthcare costs and access are major concerns for employees.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Sysco at 1390 enclave pkwy Houston, TX 77077; or by calling them at 1-281-584-1390.

https://www.sysco.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.sysco.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.sysco.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.sysco.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.sysco.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.sysco.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.sysco.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.sysco.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.sysco.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.sysco.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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