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Most Sun Communities 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 Sun Communities 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 Sun Communities employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What type of retirement plan does Sun Communities offer to its employees?
Sun Communities offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Sun Communities match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sun Communities provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for Sun Communities employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Sun Communities are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
How can Sun Communities employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Sun Communities employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in the Sun Communities 401(k) plan?
The Sun Communities 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can Sun Communities employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Sun Communities can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to certain restrictions.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Sun Communities 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sun Communities has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Sun Communities 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Sun Communities 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.
Are there any fees associated with the Sun Communities 401(k) plan?
Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Sun Communities 401(k) plan may have administrative and investment fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
Can Sun Communities employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Sun Communities allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.