New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for EQT EQT's latest acquisition of CareNet, Japan's leading digital healthcare platform, illustrates its strategic interest in the healthcare sector. CareNet enhances EQT's presence within the Asia-Pacific healthcare technology landscape, focusing on integrating advanced data analytics and AI-driven solutions. Healthcare Cost Increases Expected in 2026 As the healthcare landscape evolves, significant cost increases loom for 2026. Record hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are anticipated, with some states seeing increases surpassing 60%. This surge is spurred by factors such as rising medical expenses and the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies, resulting in drastic out-of-pocket costs for many consumers-potentially up to 75%. With major insurers reporting substantial revenues, the pressure on enrollees intensifies, highlighting a critical juncture for managing healthcare finances. Click here to learn more

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

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

EQT 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. EQT 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. EQT 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. EQT 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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EQT 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. EQT 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 is the purpose of EQT's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The purpose of EQT's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

How can EQT employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

EQT employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the employee benefits website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can EQT employees make to their 401(k) account?

EQT employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and possibly catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does EQT offer a company match on 401(k) contributions?

Yes, EQT offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for EQT employees in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for EQT employees is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.

When can EQT employees start withdrawing funds from their 401(k) Savings Plan?

EQT employees can start withdrawing funds from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½, though they may have options for loans or hardship withdrawals before that age.

Are there any fees associated with EQT's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, EQT's 401(k) Savings Plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

How often can EQT employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

EQT employees can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's rules and procedures.

Can EQT employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, EQT allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to certain limits and repayment terms outlined in the plan.

What investment options are available in EQT's 401(k) Savings Plan?

EQT's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

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

EQT Corporation provides a comprehensive retirement plan for its employees, including a 401(k) plan and a defined benefit pension plan. The 401(k) plan is notable for offering up to a 9% employer contribution, which includes a 6% company contribution regardless of employee contributions, plus an additional 3% company match (50 cents to every dollar contributed by the employee). In 2023, EQT introduced a Roth 401(k) option to offer employees more flexibility and tax advantages in their retirement savings strategies. The defined benefit pension plan at EQT requires employees to meet specific years of service and age qualifications, though detailed specifics such as the pension formula and the exact name of the pension plan were not disclosed in the sources reviewed. However, EQT emphasizes its commitment to providing robust retirement benefits as part of its broader employee engagement and retention strategy. This plan is managed by an independent administrator who offers online resources and personalized advice to help employees navigate their retirement options.

Restructuring Layoffs and Operational Changes: In 2024, EQT Corporation announced significant restructuring efforts, including layoffs primarily resulting from their acquisition of Tug Hill and XcL Midstream. These efforts were part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. The company also adjusted its capital expenditures and production forecasts, emphasizing operational efficiency. Importance: It is crucial to address this news due to the current economic uncertainties, fluctuating investment environments, and evolving tax and political landscapes, which can significantly impact employee job security and financial planning.

Stock Options and RSUs at EQT: EQT Corporation offers its employees stock options under its Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). These stock options are granted with a specific exercise price, typically equivalent to the market price on the grant date. Employees can exercise these options after a vesting period, usually over three years, allowing them to purchase company shares at the predetermined price. RSUs are also a significant component of EQT's compensation strategy. RSUs represent the right to receive shares upon vesting, usually over three years. They are awarded under EQT's equity-for-all program, which began in 2021, ensuring that all permanent employees are eligible for these equity awards. The fair market value of these RSUs is determined on the grant date, and the employees must remain with the company throughout the vesting period to receive the shares.

EQT Corporation offers a comprehensive set of health benefits designed to support its employees’ well-being, particularly through robust safety and wellness programs. The company has emphasized health and safety through extensive employee training and emergency preparedness initiatives, especially in high-risk areas like their field operations. Their training programs include safety protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment, and specific guidance on chemical handling, crucial for their operations in the oil and gas industry. EQT also provides a variety of health management programs that include wellness information and health education sessions conducted by medical professionals. These programs are part of their broader strategy to minimize health risks and enhance employee engagement, especially during the remote working conditions that many employees experienced in 2023. Additionally, EQT’s health benefits include support for employees nearing retirement, helping them transition smoothly by providing resources such as financial planning and retirement options, along with assistance in navigating the digital health insurance marketplace

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for EQT at , ; or by calling them at .

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