Simon Property Group Employees: Navigating the Transition from Pension Plans to 401(k) Options for a Comfortable Retirement

Social Security

Identifying optimal ways to claim Social Security is essential to your retirement income planning. For many retirees, understanding and claiming Social Security can be difficult. Social Security benefits are not designed to be the sole source of your retirement income, but rather a part of your overall withdrawal strategy. Knowing the foundation of Social Security and using this knowledge to your ad-vantage can help you claim your maximum benefit.

It is your responsibility to enroll in Medicare parts A and B when you first become eligible — and you must stay enrolled to have coverage for Medicare-eligible expenses. This applies to your Medicare eligible dependents as well.

You should know how your retiree medical plan choices or Medicare eligibility impact your plan options. Before you retire, contact the U.S. Social Security Administration directly at (800) 772-1213, call your local Social Security Office or visit ssa.gov. They can help determine your eligibility, get you and/or your eligible dependents enrolled in Medicare or provide you with other government program information.

Next Step:

Check the status of your Social Security benefits before you retire. Contact the U.S. Social Security Administration by calling 800-772-1213. You can also call your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov.

Medicare

Articles you may find interesting:

If you or your dependents are currently or will become eligible for Medicare after you leave Simon Property Group, Medicare generally becomes the primary coverage for you or any of your dependents as soon as the individual becomes eligible for Medicare. This will affect your company-provided medical benefits. You and your Medicare-eligible dependents must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when you first become eligible. Medical and MH/SA benefits payable under the company-sponsored plan will be reduced by the amounts Medicare Parts A and B would have paid whether you actually enroll in them or not. For details on coordination of benefits, refer to your summary plan description (SPD)(2).

If you or your eligible dependent do not enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, your provider can bill you for the amounts that are not paid by Medicare or your Simon Property Group medical plan, making your out-of-pocket expenses significantly higher.

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), Medicare will only cover about 60% of an individual’s medical expenses. This means a 65-year-old couple with prescription-drug expenses at the midpoint of their peers will need $259,000 in savings to have a 90% chance of covering their healthcare expenses. A single male will need $124,000 and a single female, thanks to her longer life expectancy, will need $140,000.

Next Step:

Get Medicare prescription drug information by visiting medicare.gov.

Check your SPD Summary(2) to see if you're eligilble to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (2). If you become Medicare eligible for reasons other than age, you must contact the Simon Property Group Benefits Center about your status.

What is the primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at Simon Property Group?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at Simon Property Group is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

Does Simon Property Group offer a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Simon Property Group offers a matching contribution to encourage employees to save for retirement, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.

How can employees at Simon Property Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Simon Property Group can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in Simon Property Group's 401(k) plan?

Simon Property Group's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

At what age can employees at Simon Property Group begin to withdraw funds from their 401(k) plan without penalties?

Employees at Simon Property Group can typically begin to withdraw funds from their 401(k) plan without penalties at age 59½, provided they have met other plan requirements.

Can employees at Simon Property Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Simon Property Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan document.

What happens to the 401(k) plan when an employee leaves Simon Property Group?

When an employee leaves Simon Property Group, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leaving it in the current plan if allowed.

How often can employees at Simon Property Group change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Simon Property Group can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's specific rules regarding timing and frequency.

Is there a vesting schedule for employer contributions in Simon Property Group's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Simon Property Group has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer's contributions to their 401(k) account.

What resources does Simon Property Group provide to help employees manage their 401(k) investments?

Simon Property Group provides resources such as access to financial advisors, educational materials, and online tools to help employees manage their 401(k) investments effectively.