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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Darden Restaurants Darden Restaurants primarily partners with Aetna to provide healthcare benefits for its employees. Aetna offers a range of health insurance plans that cater to the diverse needs of Darden's workforce, aiming to promote employee well-being and job satisfaction. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As Darden Restaurants navigates the changing healthcare landscape, the company is preparing for significantly higher costs in 2026. Anticipated increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums and the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies could lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses for employees. A forecasted surge in healthcare costs, driven by escalating medical expenses and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, may compel Darden to reassess its benefits strategy, potentially shifting more costs onto employees during this challenging period. Click here to learn more
Most Darden Restaurants 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 Darden Restaurants 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 Darden Restaurants employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What types of retirement savings plans does Darden Restaurants offer?
Darden Restaurants offers a 401(k) savings plan for eligible employees to help them save for retirement.
How can employees of Darden Restaurants enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Darden Restaurants 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding or during open enrollment periods.
Does Darden Restaurants match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Darden Restaurants offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution percentage that employees can contribute to the Darden Restaurants 401(k) plan?
Employees of Darden Restaurants can contribute up to 100% of their eligible compensation, subject to IRS annual contribution limits.
Are there any fees associated with the Darden Restaurants 401(k) plan?
Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Darden Restaurants 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in plan documents.
Can employees of Darden Restaurants take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Darden Restaurants allows eligible employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.
What investment options are available in the Darden Restaurants 401(k) plan?
The Darden Restaurants 401(k) plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Darden Restaurants 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amounts to the Darden Restaurants 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What happens to the 401(k) funds if an employee leaves Darden Restaurants?
If an employee leaves Darden Restaurants, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Darden Restaurants plan if eligible.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Darden Restaurants 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Darden Restaurants has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.
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