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

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

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

Xilinx 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. Xilinx 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. Xilinx 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. Xilinx 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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Xilinx 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. Xilinx 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 401(k) plan offered by Xilinx?

The 401(k) plan offered by Xilinx is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

Does Xilinx match contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Xilinx offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Xilinx's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Xilinx's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS regulations, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the specific limit.

Can employees at Xilinx choose how their 401(k) funds are invested?

Yes, employees at Xilinx can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their financial goals.

When can Xilinx employees start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Xilinx employees can typically start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, often within the first few months.

What types of contributions can Xilinx employees make to their 401(k) plan?

Employees at Xilinx can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and potentially catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Xilinx's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Xilinx has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

How can Xilinx employees access their 401(k) account information?

Xilinx employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Xilinx?

If you leave Xilinx, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Xilinx plan if eligible.

Are there any fees associated with Xilinx's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Xilinx's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.