Most Pacific Life 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 Pacific Life 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 Pacific Life employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Pacific Life?
The 401(k) plan at Pacific Life is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are deducted.
How can employees at Pacific Life enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Pacific Life can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Pacific Life offer a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Pacific Life offers a matching contribution to its 401(k) plan, helping employees increase their retirement savings.
What types of investment options are available in the Pacific Life 401(k) plan?
The Pacific Life 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can employees at Pacific Life change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Pacific Life can change their contribution percentage at any time by accessing their account through the HR portal.
What is the vesting schedule for the Pacific Life 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for the Pacific Life 401(k) plan typically depends on the length of service with the company, with employees becoming fully vested after a certain number of years.
Are there any fees associated with the Pacific Life 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the Pacific Life 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How can employees at Pacific Life access their 401(k) account information?
Employees at Pacific Life can access their 401(k) account information online through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
What happens to my Pacific Life 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Pacific Life, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Pacific Life plan if eligible.
Can employees at Pacific Life take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Pacific Life allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.