Healthcare Provider Update: Provides health coverage through Credence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna Dental, CVS Caremark, and EyeMed, with HDHP and HSA options 2. With ACA insurers requesting double-digit hikes, Atkores HDHP with HSA support offers a tax-advantaged, cost-effective alternative to marketplace plans. Click here to learn more
Most Atkore employees have already heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if they or someone they know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, around 70% of families submitted a FAFSA to the Department of Education to secure financial assistance. But what many prospective and current students may overlook are the various federal grants awarded to students in need each year.
Granted value
Most federal grants, unlike loans, function as sources of funding. There are some exceptions, though. For example, if a student is awarded a grant, but withdraws from the program in which they’re enrolled, they may be required to pay back all or a portion of that grant.
Know your grants
The Department of Education offers multiple aid packages as part of the Federal Student Grant Program and all Atkore employees should be aware of them. The following four are granted most often, and each has different requirements for eligibility. The information below applies to the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Federal Pell Grants - With a maximum award of $6,895, Pell Grants are reserved for undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree yet.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEO) - FSEO Grants award a maximum of $4,000 to those who demonstrate exceptional need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. FSEO Grants also give priority to Pell Grant recipients over other applicants.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants - These grants award a maximum of $6,895, and they’re only for students whose parent or guardian served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants - TEACH Grants award a maximum of $4,000, and they’re reserved for students who are enrolled in teaching preparation programs and agree to teach for a minimum of 4 years at the elementary or secondary school level in a high-need field.
FAFSA Required
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
- 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?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- 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?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
No matter who you are or your financial situation, you may want to consider submitting a FAFSA. After all, the grants listed above do require recipients to have an application on file with the Department of Education. And who knows? The potential financial benefit that you as a Atkore employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What is the Atkore 401(k) plan?
The Atkore 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.
How can Atkore employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Atkore employees 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.
Does Atkore offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Atkore offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Atkore’s 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Atkore’s 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.
Can Atkore employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Atkore employees can change their contribution percentage at any time by accessing their account through the benefits portal.
What investment options are available in the Atkore 401(k) plan?
The Atkore 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
When can Atkore employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan?
Atkore employees can start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan without penalty after reaching the age of 59½, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship.
Does Atkore allow loans against the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Atkore allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
Are there any fees associated with the Atkore 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the Atkore 401(k) plan. Employees should review the plan documents for detailed information.
How often can Atkore employees change their investment options within the 401(k) plan?
Atkore employees can change their investment options within the 401(k) plan at any time, allowing for flexibility in managing their retirement savings.