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American Water Works Employees Should be Aware that the Student Loan Payment Pause was Extended Through January 2022

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How American Water Works employees can navigate federal student loan repayment: This article provides a framework for American Water Works 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 American Water Works 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 American Water Works employees: How the current repayment environment affects both personal and Parent PLUS Loans.

New employer benefits and available programs: What American Water Works 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 American Water Works employees with federal student loans.

American Water Works 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. American Water Works 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. American Water Works 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. American Water Works 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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American Water Works 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. American Water Works 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 American Water Works offer to its employees?

American Water Works offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of American Water Works enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of American Water Works can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does American Water Works match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Water Works provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plan contributions, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the American Water Works 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the American Water Works 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Can employees of American Water Works take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, American Water Works allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the American Water Works 401(k) plan?

The American Water Works 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

When can employees of American Water Works start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts?

Employees of American Water Works can start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts at age 59½, or earlier under certain circumstances.

Is there a vesting schedule for employer contributions in the American Water Works 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Water Works has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which determines how much of the employer match employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

How often can employees of American Water Works change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees of American Water Works can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

Does American Water Works provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Water Works provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.

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

American Water Works announced a significant restructuring that includes layoffs and a reorganization of its pension plan. This is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for American Water Works at 1025 Laurel Oak Road Voorhees, NJ 8043; or by calling them at (856) 346-8200.