Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? If you work for Univision Communciations, here are nine things that might surprise you.
- The Social Security trust fund is huge. At $2.9 trillion at the end of 2018, it exceeds the gross domestic product (GDP) of every economy in the world except the ten largest: China, the European Union, the United States, India, Japan, Germany, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, and The United Kingdom.
- Most workers including those at Univision Communciations are eligible for Social Security benefits, but not all. For example, until 1984, federal government employees were part of the Civil Service Retirement System and were not covered by Social Security.
- As an employee of Univision Communciationsk, you don’t have to work long to be eligible. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need to work for 10 or more years to be eligible for benefits.
- Benefits are based on an individual’s average earnings during a lifetime of work under the Social Security system. The calculation is based on the 35 highest years of earnings. If an individual has years of low earnings or no earnings, Social Security may count those years to bring the total years to 35.
- Those at Univision Communciations may also want to consider how there hasn't always been cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in Social Security benefits. Before 1975, increasing benefits required an act of Congress; now increases happen automatically, based on the Consumer Price Index. There was a COLA increase of 2.9% in 2019, but there was only an increase of 2% in 2018.
- Social Security is a major source of retirement income for 67% of current retirees, including those at Univision Communciations.
- Social Security benefits are subject to federal income taxes — but it wasn’t always that way. In 1983, Amendments to the Social Security Act made benefits taxable, starting with the 1984 tax year.
- Social Security recipients received a single lump-sum payment from 1937 until 1940. One-time payments were considered “payback” to those people who contributed to the program. Social Security administrators believed these people would not participate long enough to be vested for monthly benefits.
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
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- In January 1937, Earnest Ackerman became the first person in the U.S. to receive a Social Security benefit—a lump sum of 17 cents.
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Articles you may find interesting:
1. Social Security Administration, 2018; CIA World Factbook, 2018
2-5, 7-9. Social Security Administration, 2019
6. Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2018
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Univision Communications?
The 401(k) plan at Univision Communications is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Univision Communications?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Univision Communications by completing the enrollment form available through the HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Univision Communications offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Univision Communications offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What are the contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Univision Communications?
The contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Univision Communications follow the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS announcements for current limits.
Can I change my contribution percentage for the 401(k) plan at Univision Communications?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage for the 401(k) plan at Univision Communications at any time by submitting a request through the HR portal.
What investment options are available in the Univision Communications 401(k) plan?
The 401(k) plan at Univision Communications offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
When can I access my 401(k) funds from Univision Communications?
Employees can access their 401(k) funds from Univision Communications upon reaching retirement age, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship or termination of employment, subject to plan rules.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Univision Communications 401(k) plan?
Yes, Univision Communications has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines how much of the employer contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.
What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Univision Communications?
If you leave Univision Communications, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it with the plan, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.
Can I take a loan against my 401(k) at Univision Communications?
Yes, Univision Communications allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.