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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: NRG Energy offers its employees a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and mental health coverage. Employees can participate in a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Additional perks include paid holidays, volunteer time, tuition reimbursement, and family medical leave 2. Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

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

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What type of retirement savings plan does NRG Energy offer to its employees?

NRG Energy offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is participation in the NRG Energy 401(k) plan mandatory for employees?

Participation in the NRG Energy 401(k) plan is voluntary; employees can choose whether or not to enroll.

What is the company match for the NRG Energy 401(k) plan?

NRG Energy matches a percentage of employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, up to a certain limit, which is detailed in the plan documents.

At what age can employees start contributing to the NRG Energy 401(k) plan?

Employees can start contributing to the NRG Energy 401(k) plan as soon as they are eligible, typically upon their date of hire.

How can employees at NRG Energy enroll in the 401(k) plan?

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

Does NRG Energy offer a Roth 401(k) option within its savings plan?

Yes, NRG Energy offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

How often can employees change their contribution rates to the NRG Energy 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution rates to the NRG Energy 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.

What investment options are available in the NRG Energy 401(k) plan?

The NRG Energy 401(k) plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at NRG Energy?

Yes, employees may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings at NRG Energy, subject to the terms of the plan.

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

If you leave NRG Energy, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the money in the NRG Energy plan if allowed.