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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, plus FSAs and supplemental life options 9. As ACA premiums increase, MDCs internal benefits may offer more stability and affordability for long-term employees. Click here to learn more

Most MDC Holdings 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 MDC Holdings 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 MDC Holdings employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What is the 401(k) plan offered by MDC Holdings?

The 401(k) plan at MDC Holdings is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them save for retirement.

Does MDC Holdings offer a matching contribution for the 401(k) plan?

Yes, MDC Holdings provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

The MDC Holdings 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at MDC Holdings?

Yes, MDC Holdings has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the employer's contributions.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at MDC Holdings?

Yes, MDC Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under specific conditions set forth in the plan.

What is the minimum contribution percentage for the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

The minimum contribution percentage for the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan is typically set at 1% of the employee's salary, but employees are encouraged to contribute more.

Are there any fees associated with the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan as frequently as once per pay period.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves MDC Holdings?

If an employee leaves MDC Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

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

Name of Plan: MDC Holdings Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically need to complete a certain number of years of service and reach a specific age to qualify. For detailed numbers, refer to specific documents or plan summaries. Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on factors such as years of service and average salary. For the precise formula, refer to the plan’s official documentation. Eligibility Criteria: Generally includes full-time employees who meet the age and service requirements outlined in the plan. Name of Plan: MDC Holdings 401(k) Plan Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility typically includes full-time employees who have completed a specific period of service. Detailed eligibility requirements are outlined in the plan documents.

Restructuring and Layoffs: MDC Holdings announced in early 2024 that it is restructuring its operations due to a downturn in the housing market. This restructuring involves laying off approximately 10% of its workforce to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The decision is a response to declining home sales and increased material costs, which have impacted profitability. Company Benefits and Pension Changes: Alongside the layoffs, MDC Holdings is revising its employee benefits and pension plans. The company is shifting from a defined benefit pension plan to a defined contribution plan. This change is aimed at reducing long-term liabilities and aligning with industry standards. Employees will see changes in their 401(k) contributions, with MDC Holdings offering a reduced matching contribution compared to previous years.

Stock Options and RSUs: MDC Holdings provides stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of their compensation package. Stock options at MDC Holdings allow employees to purchase shares at a set price, typically lower than the market value. RSUs are granted and vest over a specified period, giving employees ownership of company shares after certain conditions are met.

MDC Holdings Official Website: The site may include information on employee benefits under their "Careers" or "Employee Benefits" section. Look for terms such as "Medical Insurance," "Dental Coverage," "Vision Benefits," and "Health Savings Accounts (HSA)." SEC Filings: Access MDC Holdings’ 10-K or 10-Q filings from the SEC's EDGAR database to find detailed information about employee benefits and any changes in 2022, 2023, or 2024. Glassdoor and Indeed: Search for reviews from MDC Holdings employees discussing their health benefits. Look for terms like "healthcare coverage," "benefits package," "employee health insurance," and "wellness programs." Recent News Articles: Look for any news articles that discuss changes or updates to MDC Holdings’ health benefits. Terms might include "benefits update," "healthcare changes," or "employee benefits news." Benefits Review Platforms: Websites like BenefitsPro or PayScale may have detailed reviews or comparisons of MDC Holdings’ health benefits. Search for terms like "benefits comparison," "employee health benefits review," and "company benefits analysis."