Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and wellness programs, with some employees eligible for full premium reimbursement 3. As ACA subsidies phase out, H.B. Fullers premium support and wellness incentives provide financial protection against rising healthcare costs. Click here to learn more
How H.B. Fuller employees can navigate federal student loan repayment: This article provides a framework for H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller employees: How the current repayment environment affects both personal and Parent PLUS Loans.
New employer benefits and available programs: What H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller employees with federal student loans.
H.B. Fuller 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. H.B. Fuller 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. H.B. Fuller 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. H.B. Fuller 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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H.B. Fuller 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. H.B. Fuller 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:
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U.S. Department of Education. 'Federal Student Loan Payment Restart.' StudentAid.gov, 2023, studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19 .
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U.S. Department of Education. 'Repayment Plans.' StudentAid.gov, 2025, studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans .
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NPR. 'Federal student loans are changing. Here’s what to expect in 2026.' NPR, December 2025, www.npr.org .
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U.S. Congress. One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Signed July 2025.
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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 H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
The H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck for retirement.
How can I enroll in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does H.B. Fuller match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, H.B. Fuller offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution I can make to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.
When can I start contributing to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can start contributing to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan after they have completed the eligibility requirements set by the company.
How does H.B. Fuller’s matching contribution work?
H.B. Fuller typically matches a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit, which is outlined in the plan documents. Employees should refer to these documents for specific details.
Can I change my contribution amount to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
What investment options are available in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
The H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Is there a vesting schedule for H.B. Fuller’s matching contributions?
Yes, H.B. Fuller has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer contributions.
Can I take a loan from my H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan from their H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.



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