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AMC Networks Employees Should be Aware that the Student Loan Payment Pause was Extended Through January 2022

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How AMC Networks employees can navigate federal student loan repayment: This article provides a framework for AMC Networks employees to understand the current federal student loan landscape and make the most of available repayment options and employer benefits, suggests Tyson Mavar, a representative from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, advises AMC Networks employees with federal student loans to take stock of their current repayment plan and explore the updated options available now that the pandemic-era payment pause has ended.

In this article, we will cover:

The end of the federal student loan payment pause: A summary of the pandemic-era moratorium and what happened when repayment resumed.

The effects on AMC Networks employees: How the current repayment environment affects both personal and Parent PLUS Loans.

New employer benefits and available programs: What AMC Networks employees can take advantage of under current law.

Background: The student loan payment pause has ended.

Federal student loan repayment resumed on September 1, 2023, after more than three years of pandemic-era relief. The COVID-19 payment pause, which began in March 2020 under the CARES Act, was extended multiple times. After the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2023 ruling blocked broad student loan cancellation, the final pause ended and repayment restarted. The Department of Education implemented a one-year on-ramp period through October 2024, during which missed payments did not trigger credit reporting -- but interest continued to accrue. As of late 2024, standard monthly repayment is fully in effect for all AMC Networks employees with federal student loans.

AMC Networks employees nearing retirement should be aware that Parent PLUS Loans -- federal loans that parents can take out to help pay for their children's education -- resumed repayment along with all other federal loans in 2023. Income-driven repayment (IDR) options remain available for eligible borrowers. AMC Networks employees should note, however, that the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan -- introduced in 2023 as the most generous IDR option -- was blocked by federal courts in 2024 and is currently in administrative forbearance while legal challenges are resolved. Time spent in SAVE forbearance does not count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and borrowers cannot make qualifying PSLF payments while in the plan. Two other IDR plans -- Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) -- are being phased out and will end in mid-2028. The standard 10-year repayment plan and Income-Based Repayment (IBR) remain fully available.

Does interest accrue during current forbearance periods?

Yes. Unlike the pandemic-era pause, the SAVE administrative forbearance does accrue interest. AMC Networks employees enrolled in SAVE who are in administrative forbearance may wish to consider voluntary payments to prevent interest buildup.

Do private student loans qualify for income-driven repayment?

No. AMC Networks employees should remember that private student loans are not eligible for federal IDR plans, PSLF, or federal forbearance protections. Only federal government-held loans -- including Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and FFEL Program loans held by the Department of Education -- are eligible.

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AMC Networks employees whose employer offers student loan repayment assistance should be aware of a significant development: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, permanently extended the employer benefit allowing companies to contribute up to $5,250 per year toward an employee's student loan repayment on a tax-free basis. This benefit was originally a temporary CARES Act provision. AMC Networks employees are encouraged to check with their HR department to determine whether this benefit is available and to contact their loan servicer to review their current repayment plan status.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Education. 'Federal Student Loan Payment Restart.' StudentAid.gov, 2023, studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19 .
U.S. Department of Education. 'Repayment Plans.' StudentAid.gov, 2025, studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans .
NPR. 'Federal student loans are changing. Here’s what to expect in 2026.' NPR, December 2025, www.npr.org .
U.S. Congress. One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Signed July 2025.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York. 'Household Debt and Credit Report.' Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Q4 2025, www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc .

What type of retirement savings plan does AMC Networks offer to its employees?

AMC Networks offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does AMC Networks provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, AMC Networks provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees at AMC Networks enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at AMC Networks can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in AMC Networks' 401(k) plan?

Employees at AMC Networks are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documentation.

Can employees at AMC Networks change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at AMC Networks can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.

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

AMC Networks' 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

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

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in AMC Networks' 401(k) plan, which determines when employees gain full ownership of the matched funds.

How often can employees at AMC Networks review their 401(k) account statements?

Employees at AMC Networks can review their 401(k) account statements quarterly, and they may also access their account online anytime.

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

If an employee leaves AMC Networks, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to tax implications.

Are loans available against the 401(k) balance at AMC Networks?

Yes, AMC Networks allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

AMC Networks recently announced a major restructuring effort, including layoffs affecting approximately 10% of its workforce. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and cut costs amid declining ad revenues and increased competition in the media sector. The company is also reviewing its benefit offerings and pension plans as part of this restructuring.