Essential Considerations for Timken Employees Contemplating Retirement: What You Need to Know Before Making the Leap

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Timken Timken employees typically receive healthcare coverage through major insurers, with plans varying based on the specific benefits structure offered by the company. A primary provider for many of Timken's employees is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, although specifics may vary by location and employer plan details. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, healthcare costs for Timken employees are expected to rise significantly. Premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are projected to increase sharply, with some states potentially seeing hikes of over 60%. This increase is driven by factors such as the expected expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, high medical cost inflation, and substantial profit margins reported by major insurers. Consequently, Timken employees may be required to shoulder a greater portion of healthcare expenses as their companies adjust benefit structures to mitigate rising costs, which could result in out-of-pocket expenses rising dramatically for many employees. Click here to learn more

With all of the changes at Timken employees need to know what steps to take before leaving. Retiring, or worse, losing your job, is a monumental (for better or for worse) moment in your life. Your mind is racing, your palms are sweating, and you simply just doesn't know how to operate. The loss of a job, especially for those with over 20 years of service, affects the same receptors in the brain as the loss of a loved one. You have been connected with Timkenfor 20 years, and now the relationship is over. Remember to reach out to Timken HR & Benefits departments for all Timken summary plan descriptions.

The same five stages of grief apply for a person going through retirement, job loss, or the loss of a loved one. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to get through the lack of employment.

As the reality of the situation settles, your emotions will be a mess. You might feel upset one minute, and annoyed the next, and it can be tempting to vent your frustrations. Remember, acting upon impulse almost never turns out well, and can make a difficult situation even worse.

Here are a few items to check off as you consider leaving Timken:

1. Sit down and carefully analyze your finances. If you have a spouse or signifigant other, involve them in this process. Avoid doing financial business with friends or family. Money and friendships do not mix.

2. Call your Credit Union or Bank, and consider opening a line of credit against your home equity. Consider opening additional credit cards to create an emergency credit line. As many of you have been employed your whole life, you probably won't think to do this - once you are unemployed, it becomes exceedingly difficult to get credit, making it very important you take this line of action.

3. Go over your 401(k) contributions, if you were making them. Decide whether or not you should increase your contributions for your remaining time on payroll, or cease them entirely to build up more immediate cash. How you proceed may have big tax implications. Depending on when you stop contributing, you may end up in a much higher tax bracket due to your severance payment, unemployment, etc.

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4. It's not always wise to file for unemployment immediately after the loss of a job. Depending on the time of year you are laid off, paired with your financial situation, it could be beneficial to wait to file your claim so that your unemployment payments fall in the next tax year, when your overall income is lower due to the fact that you're unemployed. There are an overwhelming number of situations that you want to consider before making a move on this. We recommend speaking with a Timken-focused retirement advisor to go over your options.

5. Unless you believe your layoff was deserved, speak to a trusted lawyer to go over your options. Venting your anger at managers and colleagues may feel amazing temporarily, but it will damage your career in the long run. You spent all this time building up your relationships at Timken why burn them now? Avoid going online even anonymously to berate past Timken staff & management.

6. Have a plan for how to fill the void on your LinkedIn profile and your resume. If you are pursuing a new job, having a job makes it much easier when finding your next adventure. In the mean time, you might consider becoming a consultant until you find a permanent position. You may also find the ability go go back to Timken as a contractor working on your terms.

7. Figure out what you will tell your Timken wcoworkers - create your go-to statement and practice it, so you can say it without becoming too emotional. It will be normal for friends and acquaintances to ask, and we assume you won't want to burst into tears or lash out every time the question is popped. However horrible you feel, it's crucial to remain calm and act professional, and try to avoid doing anything that might hinder your reputation or integrity. Remember to stay professional on social media when discussing Timken.