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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Palo Alto Networks partners with several healthcare providers to enhance theirs cybersecurity measures. They support nine out of the top ten U.S. hospitals and all five of the largest U.S. payors, showcasing their significance in the healthcare cybersecurity domain. Looking ahead to 2026, the landscape for healthcare costs is poised for significant change, with anticipated premium hikes for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. Reports indicate that healthcare insurance premiums could surge by over 60% in certain states due to a combination of factors, including rising medical costs, the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, and aggressive rate increases from major insurers. The loss of subsidies alone could force more than 22 million Americans to face a staggering 75% increase in their out-of-pocket premiums, aggravating an already challenging healthcare environment. Click here to learn more

Most Palo Alto Networks 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 Palo Alto Networks 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 Palo Alto Networks employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What type of 401(k) plan does Palo Alto Networks offer to its employees?

Palo Alto Networks offers a traditional 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

Does Palo Alto Networks provide a company match for its 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Palo Alto Networks provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, enhancing the overall savings potential.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Palo Alto Networks?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Palo Alto Networks aligns with IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Can employees of Palo Alto Networks choose between pre-tax and Roth contributions in their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Palo Alto Networks can choose to make either pre-tax contributions or Roth contributions to their 401(k) plan.

When can employees at Palo Alto Networks start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees at Palo Alto Networks can start contributing to their 401(k) plan upon their eligibility date, which is typically outlined in the employee benefits documentation.

How often can employees at Palo Alto Networks change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Palo Alto Networks can change their 401(k) contribution amounts on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.

What investment options are available in the Palo Alto Networks 401(k) plan?

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

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Palo Alto Networks 401(k) plan?

Yes, Palo Alto Networks has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means that employees must work for a certain period to gain full ownership of the matched funds.

How can employees at Palo Alto Networks access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at Palo Alto Networks can access their 401(k) account information through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Palo Alto Networks?

If you leave Palo Alto Networks, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or another employer's plan, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.