New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Five Below Five Below, a popular retail chain that focuses on selling a variety of items priced at $5 and below, utilizes Aetna as their healthcare provider. This partnership enables employees to access a range of health insurance plans and benefits that support their wellness needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the healthcare landscape shifts, significant premium hikes are anticipated in 2026, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With some states projecting increases exceeding 60%, the absence of enhanced federal premium subsidies will exacerbate this situation, potentially raising out-of-pocket premium costs by over 75% for most enrollees. This financial strain-coupled with ongoing medical cost inflation-could jeopardize access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans, especially those with chronic conditions who rely on comprehensive coverage. Click here to learn more

Most Five Below 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 Five Below 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 Five Below employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

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

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

Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Five Below mandatory?

No, participation in the 401(k) plan at Five Below is voluntary for employees.

Does Five Below provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Five Below offers matching contributions to eligible employees who participate in the 401(k) plan.

At what age can employees at Five Below start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Five Below can start contributing to the 401(k) plan as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements, typically at age 18.

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

Employees at Five Below can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal.

What investment options are available in the Five Below 401(k) plan?

The Five Below 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can employees at Five Below change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Five Below can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.

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

Five Below has a vesting schedule that typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matching contributions.

How often can Five Below employees review their 401(k) account statements?

Employees at Five Below can review their 401(k) account statements quarterly or online at any time through the plan’s website.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Five Below?

If an employee leaves Five Below, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Five Below plan if allowed.

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

For Five Below, the company offers a 401(k) plan but does not provide a traditional pension plan. The 401(k) plan at Five Below includes several key features: Eligibility: Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate. Enrollment in the plan can occur after the first paycheck, with deferrals starting on January 1st or July 1st following the hire date. Employees become eligible for the employer match once they begin deferring contributions. Contributions: Employees can contribute on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to the IRS annual limits. For 2022, the maximum employee contribution was $20,500, and it increased to $22,500 in 2023. Employees aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions, with limits of $6,500 in 2022 and $7,500 in 2023. The company offers a match of 100% on the first 4% of eligible contributions and 50% on the next 2%. Vesting: Employees are immediately vested in all 401(k) contributions and any earnings from these contributions.

Restructuring Layoffs and Benefits Changes: Five Below has been focusing on optimizing its workforce as part of a broader strategy to maintain its competitive edge in the retail market. This has included targeted layoffs aimed at streamlining operations, particularly in underperforming locations. The company has also been reviewing its employee benefit structures, including adjustments to retirement plans to better align with current economic conditions. These changes are part of a proactive approach to manage costs while continuing to invest in growth areas like e-commerce.

Company Name: Five Below Stock Options and RSUs Available: Five Below offers stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, including executives and senior management. The RSUs are granted based on performance and tenure. Eligibility: Five Below typically awards stock options and RSUs to high-performing employees and those in key positions. Employees must meet certain performance metrics and tenure requirements to qualify. Company Name: Five Below Stock Options and RSUs for 2022: In 2022, Five Below granted stock options and RSUs to various employees, focusing on those who significantly contributed to the company's growth. The vesting schedule for RSUs is often tied to continued employment over a few years. Source: [Five Below 2022 Annual Report, Page 58] Company Name: Five Below Stock Options and RSUs for 2023 and 2024: For 2023 and 2024, Five Below continued offering stock options and RSUs, with increased emphasis on aligning employee incentives with company performance. The specific terms of these grants were detailed in their annual filings and shareholder communications. Source: [Five Below 2023 Proxy Statement, Page 42]; [Five Below 2024 Annual Report, Page 65] Sources: Five Below 2022 Annual Report, Page 58 Five Below 2023 Proxy Statement, Page 42 Five Below 2024 Annual Report, Page 65

Five Below offers a range of health benefits to its employees, tailored to different needs and employment statuses. Full-time employees can choose from multiple health plans, including High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans, each with varying levels of coverage and copays. For example, the EPO plan now features reduced copays, with visits to primary care doctors costing $20 and specialist visits $40. There is also an emphasis on preventive care, with certain plans covering preventive services at 100%. Additionally, Five Below provides access to telemedicine services through CirrusMD, which allows employees to consult with physicians 24/7 via secure video chat or phone. This is part of their partnership with Cigna, which also includes pharmacy benefits. The company has introduced new wellness initiatives like Wellbeats, which offers on-demand workouts, mental health classes, and nutrition education.

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

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