Healthcare Provider Update: Offers health, dental, vision, life insurance, and HSAs, along with wellness programs and tuition reimbursement 9. As ACA premiums rise, Rackspaces top-tier benefits and employer contributions help employees avoid the financial burden of marketplace plans. Click here to learn more
Most Rackspace Technology 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 Rackspace Technology 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 Rackspace Technology employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What type of retirement savings plan does Rackspace Technology offer to its employees?
Rackspace Technology offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Rackspace Technology match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Rackspace Technology provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, which helps boost retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Rackspace Technology 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Rackspace Technology 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which can change annually.
Can employees at Rackspace Technology choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?
Yes, employees at Rackspace Technology can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.
When can employees at Rackspace Technology start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Rackspace Technology can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period as outlined in the plan documents.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Rackspace Technology 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Rackspace Technology has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.
How can Rackspace Technology employees access their 401(k) account information?
Rackspace Technology employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
Are there any fees associated with the Rackspace Technology 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with the Rackspace Technology 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on investment options.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Rackspace Technology?
Yes, Rackspace Technology allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.
What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Rackspace Technology?
If you leave Rackspace Technology, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.