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Arch Resources Employees Should be Aware that the Student Loan Payment Pause was Extended Through January 2022

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

New employer benefits and available programs: What Arch Resources 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 Arch Resources employees with federal student loans.

Arch Resources 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. Arch Resources 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. Arch Resources 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. Arch Resources 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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Arch Resources 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. Arch Resources 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 Arch Resources offer?

Arch Resources offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Arch Resources match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Arch Resources provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Arch Resources 401(k) plan?

Employees of Arch Resources are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

How can employees at Arch Resources enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Arch Resources 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What investment options are available in the Arch Resources 401(k) plan?

The Arch Resources 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

Can employees at Arch Resources take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Arch Resources allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits.

What is the vesting schedule for the Arch Resources 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Arch Resources’ matching contributions typically follows a graded schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents.

How often can employees at Arch Resources change their 401(k) contribution amount?

Employees at Arch Resources can change their 401(k) contribution amount at specified times throughout the year, as outlined in the plan guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Arch Resources?

If an employee leaves Arch Resources, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account or take a distribution, subject to tax implications.

Are there any fees associated with the Arch Resources 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Arch Resources 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

Arch Resources announced a restructuring plan aimed at reducing operational costs and focusing on higher-margin assets. This restructuring includes potential layoffs and shifts in focus from certain coal operations. Given the current economic climate and potential impact on energy markets, it is crucial to follow these changes as they could influence investment strategies and regulatory adjustments.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Arch Resources at One CityPlace Dr Suite 300 Creve Coeur, MO 63141; or by calling them at (314) 994-2700.