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Darling Ingredients Families: Why a Letter of Instruction Can Simplify Estate Planning

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Darling Ingredients Darling Ingredients offers its employees comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. While specific carriers are not publicly listed, the company provides a variety of plan options, often including high-deductible health plans paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to help employees manage out-of-pocket costs. Darling also supports employee wellness programs and preventive care initiatives. (darlingii.com) Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise substantially, with some states requesting premium increases exceeding 60%, largely due to the potential expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies and rising medical costs. For companies like Darling Ingredients, this could result in higher premiums for both the employer and employees. Employees may face increased out-of-pocket expenses, making it important to maximize HSAs, plan elective care in 2025, and stay in-network to reduce the financial impact of next years rising healthcare costs Click here to learn more

'Darling Ingredients employees can bring more clarity to their estate plans by using a well-organized letter of instruction, which is a practical way to help families navigate important decisions with greater confidence.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Darling Ingredients employees can create a smoother transition for their families by using a clear letter of instruction, which can be an effective way to support loved ones during estate administration.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Why a letter of instruction can support your estate plan.
What to include in a letter of instruction.
How Darling Ingredients employees can use a letter of instruction to help streamline estate administration.

Important Lessons

Estate planning documents like a will and a revocable trust are important, but they might not give your family all the information they need to handle your affairs when you pass away, especially for Darling Ingredients employees with complex benefits.

In addition to an estate plan, a letter of instruction can offer your loved ones more information about your assets and personal preferences.

A letter of instruction can contain additional details, such as burial plans and the placement of essential documents, but it should not conflict with your estate planning documents.

Your loved ones might not know who to call, where to find your assets, or how to recognize reputable creditors if something were to happen to you today. By providing clear, supplemental guidance, a letter of instruction can help reduce the stress and work involved in the estate administration process.

A Letter of Instruction: What Is It?

A letter of instruction is an informal document outlining your assets and last wishes, sent to an executor, personal representative, or family members. It adds helpful information not included in legally binding estate planning documents like a will or revocable trust. For Darling Ingredients employees managing multiple retirement and savings plans, a letter of instruction can help simplify administration for family members, even though it is not legally required.

Since this letter is informal, it can be updated without consulting an attorney as circumstances change over time. It can contain supplementary information that supports your estate plan, but it should not contradict anything in your legal estate planning documentation.

How to Compose an Instructional Letter

Funeral Plans

You might provide information about your preferred funeral or burial type, funeral home, clergy member, music, speakers, or tribute. You can also include details about pre-paid or pre-arranged funeral or burial plans and where related paperwork is located. Some people also provide biographical details—something Darling Ingredients retirees can include for clarity.

Crucial Records

You can note the location of your Social Security card, recent bank account statements, deeds, titles, mortgage documents, important records, and estate planning documents. Some individuals also indicate where to find recent tax returns, which may help identify assets or income sources. If these documents are stored in a lockbox or vault, providing access instructions may be helpful.

Contact Details for Financial Representatives

The names and contact information for bankers, tax preparers, lawyers, insurance agents, real estate agents, and financial advisors can be included in the letter. These professionals can assist with background information, asset identification, account transfers, and final tax filings.

Details of the Assets

You can list your assets’ locations, titling, identifying details, and current values. This may include real estate, stock certificates, savings bonds, annuities, time shares, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, company interests, safe deposit boxes, life insurance, and personal belongings with monetary or sentimental value.

Computer Files and Online Accounts

You may wish to list your digital files and accounts and designate a successor in your estate planning documents to manage them, since state and federal laws may limit access without written approval. For Darling Ingredients retirees who store retirement and benefits information online, this documentation may help reduce challenges.

Details of Debt

You can include information regarding your debts, such as account numbers, balances, statements, and lender contact details.

Beneficiary Details

The beneficiaries listed in your estate plan, along with their contact details, may be included in the letter. This makes it easier for an executor to locate and communicate with those who will receive assets—an important step for families with Darling Ingredients retirement accounts.

Pets

You can specify who you want to care for your pets and any specific instructions if your estate documents do not mention them. You may also include your veterinarian’s contact information.

Distribution List for Personal Property

Some states allow individuals to draft a separate document listing specific items of tangible personal property and their intended recipients, as long as the will references the list. Even in states where this is not legally binding, a letter of instruction can still guide your executor and help minimize disagreements.

Private Notes and Clarification of Goals

Some people include private notes or explanations for their decisions regarding inheritance or financial principles. Although not legally binding, these notes can help prevent misunderstandings.

What Does a Letter of Instruction Not Need to Include?

A letter of instruction should not repeat information already found in your estate planning documents. It is intended to provide additional details only.

It also should not be used to make changes to legally enforceable estate documents. Informal updates are not binding and may create conflicts.

Where to Store Your Instruction Letter

You can keep a copy of the letter with your estate planning papers, provide one to your lawyer, or place it somewhere your family is likely to look first. You can also share a copy with your executor and discuss it with them if you feel comfortable. Updating the letter each year is useful as assets and personal information change—particularly for Darling Ingredients employees with evolving retirement benefits.

Do You Need Guidance?

The Retirement Group can help you prepare for retirement if you are updating or creating your estate plan and want assistance organizing your family’s financial information. Call us at (800) 900-5867 .

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Parker, Craig. “How to Write a Letter of Instruction: A Step-by-Step Guide.” Trust & Will, n.d.,
https://trustandwill.com/learn/how-to-write-a-letter-of-instruction . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

2. AARP Education & Outreach. “State Your Intentions With a Letter of Instruction.” AARP, 9 Nov. 2022,
https://www.aarp.org/money/retirement/letter-of-instruction/ . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

3. Kuffel, Hunter. “Writing a Letter of Instruction for Your Estate Plan.” SmartAsset, 12 Oct. 2025,
https://smartasset.com/estate-planning/letter-of-instruction . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

4. McDonald Jacobs. “Letter of Instruction in Estate Planning.” McDonald Jacobs: Portland, Oregon Accountants & Business Consultants, n.d.,
https://www.mcdonaldjacobs.cpa/letter-of-instruction-in-estate-planning/ . Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

What type of retirement savings plan does Darling Ingredients offer to its employees?

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

Does Darling Ingredients provide a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Darling Ingredients provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees at Darling Ingredients enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Darling Ingredients can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s designated benefits portal.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in the Darling Ingredients 401(k) plan?

Employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service to be eligible to participate in the Darling Ingredients 401(k) plan.

Can employees of Darling Ingredients change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Darling Ingredients can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What investment options are available in the Darling Ingredients 401(k) plan?

The Darling Ingredients 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Darling Ingredients 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in the Darling Ingredients 401(k) plan, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.

How often can employees at Darling Ingredients access their 401(k) account statements?

Employees at Darling Ingredients can access their 401(k) account statements quarterly through the benefits portal.

Does Darling Ingredients allow for loans against the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Darling Ingredients allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Darling Ingredients?

If you leave Darling Ingredients, you have several options regarding your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the 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.

Darling Ingredients offers both a 401(k) plan and a pension plan for its employees. The 401(k) plan, known as the "Darling Ingredients Inc. Salaried 401(k) Savings Plan," is a defined contribution plan where employees can contribute a portion of their salary, with the company offering matching contributions. In 2023, the contribution limits for this plan were set at $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and over. This plan allows employees to choose from various investment options, typically mutual funds, and the invested funds grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. The pension plan offered by Darling Ingredients is a defined benefit plan, meaning that employees receive a fixed payment upon retirement, calculated based on their years of service and final salary. The pension formula typically includes a percentage multiplier applied to the employee's final average salary over the last few years of service. The plan is vested after a certain period, usually around five to seven years of service, ensuring that the employee is eligible to receive the full pension benefits. For both the 401(k) and pension plans, Darling Ingredients uses specific acronyms and terminology, such as "ERISA" (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) for legal protections, and "vesting" to describe the time required before an employee is entitled to their full pension benefits. The company's commitment to providing robust retirement benefits is evident in these offerings, which are designed to help employees secure their financial future.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Darling Ingredients has undergone restructuring efforts, including asset impairment charges of approximately $29.7 million in 2023. Additionally, the company reported various changes to its executive management team, which may indicate strategic shifts to address economic pressures. Company Benefits, Pension, and 401(k) Changes: Darling Ingredients reported significant increases in net income in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting strong financial performance despite economic challenges. However, the company has faced increased operating expenses and cost adjustments, which may impact future benefits, pension contributions, and 401(k) match rates for employees. Explanation: It is vital to monitor these developments due to the potential impact on employee financial security and retirement planning, especially in a volatile economic and political environment where inflation, interest rates, and tax changes can significantly affect long-term savings and investments. This news is crucial for understanding how companies like Darling Ingredients are navigating these challenges and adjusting their strategies to sustain profitability and growth in the face of uncertainty.

Darling Ingredients has been actively managing its stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) programs in recent years, specifically in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The company uses these equity compensation tools as a key part of its strategy to retain and incentivize its employees. For Darling Ingredients, stock options are typically granted under the company's long-term incentive plan. These options provide employees the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price, after a certain vesting period. RSUs, on the other hand, are granted as part of the company's compensation packages, where employees receive a specific number of shares upon meeting certain vesting criteria. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Darling Ingredients continued to offer these equity compensation tools to eligible employees, typically targeting senior management and key contributors across various departments. The RSUs and stock options are part of a broader incentive package designed to align employees' interests with the company's performance, ensuring they are motivated to contribute to the company's success.

Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms commonly associated with Darling Ingredients include "Wellness Programs," which target preventative care and overall well-being, and "Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)," providing mental health support. The company also places a strong emphasis on "Sustainable Health Initiatives," which are integrated into their broader sustainability efforts. Recent employee healthcare news from Darling Ingredients highlighted their ongoing efforts to expand access to wellness resources and preventative care services. This includes partnerships aimed at improving employee health outcomes, as well as initiatives that align with their corporate sustainability goals. For example, they introduced new programs that focus on mental health and well-being, reflecting a growing trend in corporate health benefits that prioritizes holistic care.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Darling Ingredients employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Darling Ingredients at 251 O'Connor Ridge Blvd Irving, TX 75038; or by calling them at (972) 717-0300.

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