Chevron Employees & RMDs: What You Need to Know Before Age 73
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information for Chevron
Chevron, a prominent energy corporation, generally offers health insurance plans through various providers to its employees, one of the major ones being Aetna. Aetna provides comprehensive healthcare benefits, covering medical, dental, and vision options tailored to meet the diverse needs of Chevron's workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to soar, driven primarily by record premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With several states reporting proposed increases of over 60%, consumers could see their out-of-pocket premiums rise by more than 75% if enhanced federal subsidies are not extended. Factors contributing to these surges include soaring medical expenses, projected annual "medical trend" increases of 7-10%, and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem. This situation heralds a significant financial challenge for many consumers as they navigate a complex landscape of escalating healthcare costs.
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'Chevron employees can stay ahead of required minimum distributions by planning early and thoughtfully coordinating withdrawals with their broader retirement income goals.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Chevron employees can benefit from understanding RMD rules early so they can thoughtfully incorporate withdrawals into a long-term income plan that fits their personal goals and timing.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
When and how required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken.
Which retirement accounts are subject to RMD rules.
Strategies to thoughtfully use RMD withdrawals in retirement.
Under IRS rules, required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 for those born between 1951 and 1959. Under these rules, you must take out a specific amount of money annually from tax-deferred retirement plans, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s, once you turn 73. Answers to common questions are provided below to help you move forward confidently.
What is a required minimum distribution (RMD)?
A required minimum distribution (RMD) is a set amount of money that the IRS mandates you withdraw each year from your tax-deferred retirement accounts beginning at age 73, including accounts you may have contributed to while working for Chevron.
When do I have to take my RMD?
Every year on December 31, your RMD must be taken. You can wait until April 1 of the year after your 73rd birthday to take your first RMD—but only your first. Delaying may result in taking two RMDs in the same year, which could increase your taxable income.
If I keep working, do I still need to take an RMD?
If you continue working past age 73 and remain in an employer-sponsored plan with your current employer, you may be able to delay RMDs from that account if:
- You are still actively employed
- You own no more than 5% of the company
- The employer plan permits delayed RMDs
This applies only to the plan with your current employer—not to IRAs or plans from former employers.
How is my RMD calculated?
Your RMD is generally calculated by dividing your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by a life-expectancy factor published by the IRS. The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table is typically used unless a spouse more than 10 years younger is the sole beneficiary.
What can I do with my RMD once I take it?
It helps to think through your options before withdrawing your RMD. For example, Chevron professionals may:
Invest it: Place funds into a taxable investment account or contribute to a 529 plan (if eligible)
Spend it: Apply funds to retirement lifestyle needs
Gift it: Use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from an IRA, which can satisfy RMD rules starting at age 70½ and is excluded from taxable income. For 2025, QCDs may reach up to
$108,000 per person
1
Which accounts require RMDs?
RMDs generally apply to:
- Most 401(k) and 403(b) plans
- Traditional, rollover, SIMPLE, and SEP IRAs
- Certain small business retirement accounts
Roth accounts in workplace plans—like a Roth 401(k)—do not require RMDs for the original owner starting in 2024. Beneficiaries of inherited Roth accounts may still need to withdraw funds.
What if I inherit an IRA?
Many general RMD rules still apply to inherited accounts. Your required withdrawal schedule depends on your relationship to the original account owner and applicable IRS inheritance rules.
Can I take all my RMDs from one account?
It depends on the account type:
IRAs: Can be aggregated and withdrawn from one or multiple IRA accounts
403(b)s: May be aggregated but calculated separately
401(k)s: Must be calculated
and
withdrawn from each account individually—including any Chevron balance still held
Extra withdrawals do not count toward future years’ RMDs.
Are RMDs taxed?
Yes. RMDs are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to both federal and state income taxes. Taking two RMDs in one year, often caused by delaying the first, can increase your taxable income.
Need help creating your RMD strategy?
Understanding RMDs can influence how you structure your retirement income—especially for Chevron employees shifting from workplace plans to personal withdrawal strategies. The Retirement Group can help you build an approach that aligns with your situation. Call us at
(800) 900-5867
to get started.
5. Myers, Elizabeth A.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules for Original Owners of Retirement Accounts.
Congressional Research Service, 29 Aug. 2024,
www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12750
.
How does Chevron Phillips Chemical determine an employee's eligibility for retirement benefits, and what factors contribute to this determination? In your response, consider aspects such as age, years of service, and any specific milestones that the company factors into its retirement policy.
Eligibility for Retirement Benefits: Employees of Chevron Phillips Chemical become eligible for retirement benefits if they are regular employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week. Eligibility starts from the first day of employment. Retirement benefits accrue based on factors including age, years of service, and specific milestones like reaching Normal Retirement Age, which is age 65 or completion of three years of Vesting Service, whichever is later.
What are the various payment options available to employees when they retire from Chevron Phillips Chemical, and how do these options cater to different financial needs? Discuss the implications of choosing an annuity versus a lump-sum payment and the impact these decisions may have on an employee's financial planning during retirement.
Payment Options Available at Retirement: Chevron Phillips Chemical offers various payment options for retirement benefits, including lifetime monthly annuities and lump-sum payments. The choice between these options affects financial planning, as annuities provide a steady income while a lump-sum can be invested differently but comes with different tax implications and management responsibilities.
In the event of untimely death before retirement, what retirement benefits are available to the surviving spouse or beneficiaries of a Chevron Phillips Chemical employee? Explain the conditions under which these benefits are payable and how they align with the company’s policy objectives for retirement planning.
Benefits for Surviving Spouses or Beneficiaries: In the event of an employee's untimely death before retirement, the surviving spouse or beneficiaries are eligible for benefits under the terms of the plan. The company provides options for continued income for a spouse or other beneficiary, ensuring financial support aligns with the company’s policy objectives for family protection and retirement planning.
Chevron Phillips Chemical employees often face questions regarding early retirement. What criteria must be met to qualify for early retirement benefits, and how does the early retirement factor affect the overall benefit amount? Delve into the calculations and adjustments made for employees who opt for early retirement.
Early Retirement Criteria and Benefits: To qualify for early retirement, Chevron Phillips Chemical employees must be at least 55 years old with 10 years of Vesting Service or have completed 25 years of Vesting Service regardless of age. Early retirement benefits are adjusted based on the age at retirement and the distance from Normal Retirement Age, with specific reductions applied for each year benefits are taken before age 62.
As employees approach retirement age, understanding the process and necessary steps to receive retirement benefits is crucial. Can you outline the application process for claiming retirement benefits at Chevron Phillips Chemical, including key timelines and documentation required from employees?
Application Process for Retirement Benefits: The process for claiming retirement benefits involves contacting the Chevron Phillips Pension and Savings Service Center or accessing the Fidelity NetBenefits website. Key timelines include submitting an application 30 to 180 days before the desired retirement date, with required documentation such as employment verification and personal identification.
The retirement benefits at Chevron Phillips Chemical appear complex and multifaceted. How does the company ensure employees understand their retirement planning options, and what resources are available for employees to seek assistance or clarification about their retirement plans?
Understanding Retirement Planning Options: Chevron Phillips Chemical ensures that employees understand their retirement planning options through resources like the company’s benefits website, informational sessions, and one-on-one consultations with benefits advisors. This support helps employees make informed decisions about their retirement options.
How does the Chevron Phillips Chemical retirement plan integrate with Social Security benefits, and what considerations should employees bear in mind when planning their overall retirement income strategy? Discuss any supplemental benefits or adjustments available for employees who want to maximize their retirement income.
Integration with Social Security Benefits: The retirement plan is designed to complement Social Security benefits, which employees need to consider in their overall retirement income strategy. The plan may include supplemental benefits that adjust based on Social Security payouts, offering a coordinated approach to maximize retirement income.
Considering the varying forms of benefits accrued over years of service, how does Chevron Phillips Chemical calculate final retirement benefits? Focus on the role of eligible compensation and service time in determining the overall benefit, including specific formulas or examples that illustrate this processing.
Calculation of Final Retirement Benefits: Final retirement benefits at Chevron Phillips Chemical are calculated based on eligible compensation and years of Benefit Service. The plan includes formulas like the Stable Value Formula and the Traditional Retirement Plan Formula, which consider different elements of compensation and service duration.
What is the policy of Chevron Phillips Chemical regarding vesting service, and how does it impact employees' rights to their retirement benefits? Elaborate on the significance of vesting service in the broader context of employee retention and long-term planning.
Policy on Vesting Service: Vesting Service at Chevron Phillips Chemical is crucial for establishing an employee’s right to retirement benefits. Employees are vested after three years of service, which grants them a nonforfeitable right to benefits accrued up to that point, enhancing retention and long-term financial security.
For employees seeking additional information about their retirement plans or benefits, what is the most effective way to contact Chevron Phillips Chemical? Identify the channels through which employees can obtain further assistance and clarify whom they should reach out to for specific queries related to their retirement planning documentation.
Contact Channels for Further Information: Employees seeking more information about their retirement plans or needing specific assistance can contact the Chevron Phillips Pension and Savings Service Center. This center provides detailed support and access to personal benefit information, facilitating effective retirement planning.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Chevron provides a traditional defined benefit pension plan calculated based on years of service and highest average earnings. The plan does not include a cash balance component. Employees receive a stable monthly income upon retirement.
Layoffs and Restructuring: Chevron is undergoing significant restructuring, which includes asking employees to reapply for their jobs. This process is expected to cut up to 15% of the workforce, affecting around 700 employees in Houston (Sources: Reuters, S&P Global). Financial Performance: Despite operational setbacks, Chevron maintains a strong balance sheet and expects to incur charges of up to $4 billion in Q4 2023 (Sources: Yahoo Finance, Houston Business Journal). Strategic Adjustments: The layoffs are part of Chevron’s broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and maintain competitiveness (Sources: Reuters, S&P Global).
Chevron provides stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation packages. Stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a set price post-vesting, while RSUs are awarded with vesting conditions such as tenure or performance. In 2022, Chevron enhanced its equity programs with performance-based RSUs. This approach continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU programs and performance metrics for stock options. Executives and middle management are the main recipients, ensuring alignment with long-term company goals. [Source: Chevron Annual Reports 2022-2024, p. 100]
In 2022, Chevron enhanced its healthcare benefits with improved mental health services and expanded access to preventive care. The company continued to update its offerings in 2023 with new telehealth options and wellness initiatives. For 2024, Chevron’s strategy emphasized maintaining strong benefits and integrating innovative solutions to support employee health. The company aimed to address evolving needs with comprehensive care and digital health tools. Chevron’s updates reflected a commitment to effective healthcare coverage and employee satisfaction.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Chevron at 6001 bollinger canyon road San Ramon, CA 94583; or by calling them at 713-372-4335.