Most Worthington Industries 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 Worthington Industries 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
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
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 Worthington Industries employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What type of retirement plan does Worthington Industries offer to its employees?
Worthington Industries offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.
Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries mandatory?
No, participation in the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries is voluntary; employees can choose whether or not to enroll.
What is the employer match for the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries?
Worthington Industries offers a competitive employer match for its 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions, subject to specific limits.
How can employees at Worthington Industries enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in Worthington Industries' 401(k) plan?
Worthington Industries provides a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can employees at Worthington Industries change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Worthington Industries can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the HR portal.
What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Worthington Industries 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Worthington Industries 401(k) plan may vary, but generally, employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.
Does Worthington Industries offer any financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Worthington Industries provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
At what age can employees at Worthington Industries start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan without penalties?
Employees at Worthington Industries can generally start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan without penalties at age 59½, subject to specific IRS regulations.
Are there loans available against the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries?
Yes, Worthington Industries may allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan balance, subject to the plan's specific terms and conditions.