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Biogen Employees: Unlock the Benefits of the Federal Student Grant Program for Your Family's Education

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Most Biogen 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 Biogen 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

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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 Biogen employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

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

Biogen offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

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

Employees at Biogen can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Biogen match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Biogen provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Biogen's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Biogen's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Can employees at Biogen take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Biogen allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in Biogen's 401(k) plan?

Biogen’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can Biogen employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Biogen employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to payroll processing timelines.

Is there a vesting schedule for Biogen's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Biogen has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

Can Biogen employees roll over their 401(k) savings from a previous employer?

Yes, Biogen employees can roll over their 401(k) savings from a previous employer into Biogen's 401(k) plan.

What happens to Biogen employees' 401(k) savings if they leave the company?

If Biogen employees leave the company, they can either roll over their 401(k) savings to another qualified plan, cash out, or leave the savings in the Biogen plan if permitted.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Biogen is undergoing a significant restructuring that includes layoffs impacting various departments. The company is also making changes to its pension plan and 401(k) benefits.