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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: For Parsons, the primary healthcare provider is the UnitedHealthcare plan, particularly significant as it is one of the largest insurers in the country, alongside others that may service Parsons employees depending on their locations. As we move into 2026, healthcare costs are expected to escalate dramatically due to a combination of factors affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Reports anticipate substantial premium increases, with some states seeing hikes of over 60%. This surge is primarily driven by deteriorating medical cost trends and the looming expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, which could result in out-of-pocket premium payments rising by an average of over 75% for approximately 92% of marketplace enrollees - a situation that poses significant financial challenges for individuals relying on ACA coverage. Thus, Parsons employees are advised to consider these developments carefully as they plan their healthcare for the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

Most Parsons 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 Parsons 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 Parsons employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Parsons?

The 401(k) plan at Parsons is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

How does Parsons match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Parsons offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of the employee's contributions up to a certain limit.

When can employees at Parsons enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Parsons can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period.

What investment options are available in Parsons' 401(k) plan?

Parsons' 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 Parsons take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at Parsons may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What is the vesting schedule for Parsons' 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for Parsons' 401(k) plan determines how long employees must work at the company before they fully own the employer's contributions, which may vary based on tenure.

How can employees at Parsons access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at Parsons can access their 401(k) account information through the company's designated retirement plan website or mobile app.

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

If an employee leaves Parsons, they have several options regarding their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to a new employer's plan or an IRA, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

Does Parsons offer any financial education resources related to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Parsons provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment choices.

Are there any fees associated with Parsons' 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment fees associated with Parsons' 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan's documentation.