F5 Employees: Unlock the Benefits of the Federal Student Grant Program for Your Family's Education

Most F5 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 F5 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 F5 employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What type of retirement plan does F5 offer to its employees?

F5 offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does F5 match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, F5 provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for F5 employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of F5 are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically 30 days.

Can F5 employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, F5 employees can choose from a variety of investment options available within the 401(k) plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for F5 employees under the 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for F5 employees is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

Does F5 allow for catch-up contributions in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, F5 allows employees who are age 50 or older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) accounts.

How often can F5 employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

F5 employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or upon certain life events.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave F5?

If you leave F5, you can either leave your 401(k) account with F5, roll it over to another retirement account, or withdraw the funds, subject to tax implications.

Is there a vesting schedule for F5's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, F5 has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees earn ownership of those funds over time.

Can F5 employees take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, F5 allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.

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

F5 offers a comprehensive retirement program consisting of both a defined contribution plan and a 401(k) plan for its employees. In 2023, F5's 401(k) plan includes a company match where employees can contribute up to the IRS maximum of $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for those aged 50 or older (F5, Inc.) (SHRM). The company provides a 50% match on the first $8,000 contributed by the employee (Investopedia). Regarding pension plans, F5 follows the corporate trend of focusing on defined contribution plans rather than traditional pensions. Although specific details on a corporate pension were not emphasized for F5, the company heavily promotes its 401(k) plan as a key retirement benefit for all eligible employees, who are automatically enrolled upon meeting eligibility criteria

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, F5 announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This move involved a reduction of approximately 10% of the global workforce. The decision was driven by the need to adapt to the changing market dynamics and enhance operational efficiency. This restructuring is crucial to address as it reflects broader industry trends and can have significant implications for employees and investors. The current economic environment, characterized by high inflation and market volatility, makes understanding these changes important for assessing investment risks and opportunities.

F5, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV) offers its employees stock-based compensation through various programs, including stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). F5's stock options and RSUs are made available to eligible employees, with stock-based compensation expenses categorized as part of their non-GAAP measures (F5 Investors) (F5, Inc.). F5’s RSUs and stock options are a key part of their compensation structure, incentivizing employees to contribute to the company’s growth. Stock options provide employees the opportunity to purchase shares at a fixed price (the strike price), whereas RSUs represent actual shares granted upon vesting, typically subject to a vesting period based on continued employment or performance milestones (F5 Investors). Eligible employees at F5, particularly those in management and key technical roles, often receive these awards as part of their compensation package

Company's Official Website: Visit F5's official website and look for their employee benefits section, often found under "Careers," "Employee Benefits," or "HR" pages. Glassdoor: Check Glassdoor for employee reviews about the company’s health benefits. Sometimes, employees provide insights into changes or updates to benefits. LinkedIn: Explore F5’s LinkedIn page for any updates or posts about employee benefits. Company updates or employee testimonials can be found here. Indeed: Search for F5 on Indeed, where past and current employees may discuss their experiences with the company’s health benefits. Benefits Websites: Websites like BenefitsPro, HR Dive, or SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) may have articles or reports about F5's benefits and any recent changes.