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

Most DocuSign 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 DocuSign 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:

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 DocuSign employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What is the 401(k) plan offered by DocuSign?

The 401(k) plan at DocuSign is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

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

Yes, DocuSign offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What are the eligibility requirements to participate in DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

Employees of DocuSign who are at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.

How can I enroll in DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in DocuSign's 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period or after meeting eligibility requirements.

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

DocuSign's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds.

Can I change my contribution percentage to DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to DocuSign's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What is the vesting schedule for DocuSign's 401(k) matching contributions?

DocuSign follows a specific vesting schedule for matching contributions, which typically requires employees to remain with the company for a certain number of years.

Are there any fees associated with DocuSign's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with DocuSign's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

What happens to my DocuSign 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave DocuSign, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the DocuSign plan if eligible.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with DocuSign?

Yes, DocuSign allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

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

DocuSign provides its employees with a Defined Contribution Plan, specifically the DOCUSIGN, INC. 401(K) PLAN. This plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their earnings to individual accounts, with possible employer matching contributions (Capitalize) (SimpleQDRO). The plan is administered by Vanguard, covering around 2,463 employees as of recent filings (Capitalize). The DOCUSIGN, INC. 401(K) PLAN is a cash or deferred arrangement under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, allowing employees to defer part of their compensation in exchange for contributions to the plan. Participants can direct their investments, with default options available for those who do not specify an investment direction (SimpleQDRO). As for the company's retirement plan, DocuSign does not offer a traditional pension plan. Instead, the focus remains on the 401(k) and profit-sharing elements, where contributions are tied to company profitability (SimpleQDRO). The DOCUSIGN, INC. 401(K) PLAN includes participant-directed accounts and provides options for lump sum withdrawals or rollovers into IRAs (SimpleQDRO). The plan is designed to allow immediate distribution of benefits upon qualification, such as retirement or employment termination.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, DocuSign announced a significant restructuring plan due to slowing growth and increased operational costs. The company is reducing its workforce by approximately 10%, affecting various departments including sales and support. This move aims to streamline operations and focus on core business areas. The decision comes as a response to the challenging economic conditions and a shift in the market dynamics which have pressured tech firms to optimize their cost structures. This is important to address given the current economic environment where many companies are reassessing their strategies due to inflation and market fluctuations.

DocuSign offered stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of their compensation package. These were typically available to senior executives and employees at various levels depending on their role and tenure. DocuSign used acronyms like ISO (Incentive Stock Options) and RSU (Restricted Stock Units) to denote their stock options and equity awards.

Benefits Overview Page: DocuSign's benefits information for employees is detailed on their official website, covering medical, dental, vision insurance, and other health-related benefits. Look for specific terms like “Comprehensive Health Coverage,” “Preventive Care,” and “Mental Health Support.” Employee Reviews: Glassdoor often provides insights into employee satisfaction with benefits, including specific terms like “401(k) matching,” “HSA (Health Savings Account),” and “FSA (Flexible Spending Account).”

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for DocuSign employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for DocuSign at 221 Main St, Suite 1550 San Francisco, CA 94105; or by calling them at (877) 720-2040.