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

Healthcare Provider Update: Employees receive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA contributions for high-deductible plans. The Med-Vantage Plan offers post-employment HRA contributions, making ACA planning relevant for retirees Click here to learn more

Most Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What is the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, helping them build a financial foundation for retirement.

How can I enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the employer match for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Eversource Energy offers a competitive employer match to encourage employee participation in the 401(k) Savings Plan. Specific matching contributions can vary, so it's best to check the plan documentation for details.

Can I change my contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan has a vesting schedule for employer contributions. Employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details on the vesting timeline.

What happens to my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Eversource Energy, you have several options regarding your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling over your balance to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.

Can I take a loan from my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Eversource Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits. Employees should review the plan's loan policy for more information.

Are there hardship withdrawals available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Eversource Energy permits hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) Savings Plan under specific circumstances. Employees must meet certain criteria to qualify for a hardship withdrawal.

How often can I review my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements?

Employees can review their Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements quarterly, and they can also access their account information online at any time.

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

Eversource Energy offers comprehensive employee pension and 401(k) plans for its employees, focusing on both financial security and long-term retirement benefits. Eversource Energy's pension plan is accessible through their PensionConnect platform. Employees participating in the Eversource Pension Plan can manage their accounts via the platform, which has been updated with enhanced security since January 2019 (EHR.com). In addition to the pension plan, Eversource Energy offers a 401(k) plan, which includes a 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions. An additional employer contribution, known as KVantage, is based on both the employee's age and years of service, and ranges from 2.5% to 6.5%. For employees over the age of 40, the MedVantage program provides an annual $1,000 contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for post-employment medical expenses

Restructuring Layoffs: Eversource has not announced any significant layoffs in 2023-2024, but the company remains vigilant in its operational adjustments to align with market conditions. Given the ongoing economic uncertainties, it's important for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about potential restructuring efforts that could impact job security and overall company strategy.

Eversource Energy provides its employees with both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation packages. The specific stock options and RSUs available at Eversource Energy are designed to align employee interests with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term company performance. The stock options granted by Eversource Energy typically include the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, often based on the market value at the time of the grant. Employees generally must meet certain vesting conditions, such as continued employment over a specified period, to exercise these options. RSUs, on the other hand, are company shares granted to employees, which also vest over time. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into actual shares of Eversource Energy stock, which the employee can then hold or sell. As of 2022, 2023, and 2024, these stock options and RSUs have been made available to a broad range of employees within the company, primarily focusing on executive-level staff and those in key positions critical to the company's success. The specific eligibility criteria, vesting schedules, and grant amounts vary based on the employee's role and performance.

Eversource Energy offers a comprehensive set of health benefits designed to support the well-being of its employees. The company's health benefits for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 include a variety of plans such as medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Employees have access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow them to manage healthcare expenses with tax advantages. Eversource is also known for its wellness program, which incentivizes employees and their spouses to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. The program includes access to wellness resources, often powered by platforms like Virgin Pulse, and offers rewards for participation in health-related activities. Additionally, Eversource has specific provisions for employees facing serious health conditions. For instance, the company offers protections against service shut-offs for households with members facing life-threatening conditions or serious illnesses. These protections extend through specific periods and require certification from a medical professional.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Eversource Energy at , ; or by calling them at .

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