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Resolute Forest Products Employees and the Changing Future of Social Security

“Given the potential for Social Security reforms to reshape retirement income, Resolute Forest Products employees should regularly revisit their savings strategies and consider a broader range of planning tools to adapt to evolving benefits trends.” – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“Resolute Forest Products employees can strengthen their retirement outlook by staying updated on Social Security developments and by integrating flexible planning strategies that account for possible changes to future benefits.” – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

The possible insolvency of the Social Security Trust Fund and its potential impact on future retirement benefits
Proposed legislative reforms, including raising the full retirement age and alternative funding strategies
Retirement planning actions Resolute Forest Products employees can consider to prepare for potentially reduced Social Security support

The financial situation facing Social Security continues to worsen. Without major reforms—such as raising the full retirement age (FRA), adjusting taxes, or implementing corrective policies—the program is expected to become insolvent within the next decade. ¹ The following five data-driven insights highlight the urgency for Resolute Forest Products employees and others to reconsider their retirement outlook:

Trust Fund Insolvency by 2034

According to the Social Security Administration’s 2024 Trustees Report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund is anticipated to be depleted by 2034. ² At that point, only about 77% of scheduled benefits would be available using existing payroll tax revenue. ³ This development means those at Resolute Forest Products nearing retirement should review income expectations and long-term planning.

Shrinking Workforce-to-Retiree Ratio

In 1960, 5.1 workers supported each retiree. ⁴ By 2025, the ratio is expected to drop to 2.7 and further decrease to 2.1 by 2035. ⁴ This demographic trend places additional pressure on the system, meaning current employees at Resolute Forest Products may experience increased unpredictability in their retirement timelines.

Persistent Annual Deficits Since 2021

Since 2021, Social Security has paid out more in benefits than it has received in tax revenue, ⁵ causing the ongoing depletion of Trust Fund reserves. Resolute Forest Products professionals should be aware that without reforms, these annual shortfalls are likely to increase.

Life Expectancy Outpaces Retirement Age

When the program started in 1940, average life expectancy at age 65 was 13 years. As of 2025, it is over 18 years. ² However, adjustments to the FRA have not kept pace, adding long-term financial pressures. Resolute Forest Products retirees should consider this trend when reviewing how their pension and Social Security benefits may work together.

Automatic 23% Benefit Cuts in 2034 Without Reform

If no legislative action occurs, federal law requires that all Social Security benefits be reduced by 23% beginning in 2034. ² These changes would affect millions—including many Resolute Forest Products employees—making it necessary to plan for potential reductions in retirement income.

Reform Proposals from Policymakers

Multiple proposals to address Social Security are being discussed, with the most debated change involving adjustments to the FRA. The House Republican Study Committee recommends gradually increasing the FRA from 67 to 69 by 2033. ⁶ For a typical Resolute Forest Products worker, this could translate to $3,500 less in annual benefits over a 30-year retirement—approximately a 13% overall reduction.

Senator Rand Paul has proposed a more aggressive plan, calling for an FRA of 70 or 71, arguing that this aligns with longer life expectancies and addresses long-term fiscal demands.

Impact on Physically Demanding Jobs

If these proposals move forward, up to 257 million Americans could be affected. ⁷ Resolute Forest Products team members in operational or field-based roles may find it difficult to work into their late 60s or 70s due to health limitations. In such cases, some may turn to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which could further strain the system.

Even though increasing the FRA to 69 would reduce benefits, it would only delay insolvency by one year—from 2034 to 2035—according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Arguments Supporting an FRA Increase

Proponents point to:

- Demographic strain: With fewer workers supporting more retirees, the program timeline needs to be reviewed.
- Extended longevity: Aligning FRA with life expectancy could help maintain balance in the program.
- Fiscal restraint: A higher FRA may lower overall outflows and reduce future tax increases or benefit reductions.

Critics Raise Equity and Health Concerns

Opponents note the regressive impact of these reforms:

- Occupational health disparities: Many physical laborers or lower-income workers—including some at Resolute Forest Products—face health challenges that make extended work lives difficult.
- Income-based longevity gaps: Delaying the FRA disproportionately affects those with shorter life expectancies and poorer health.
- Alternative funding ideas: Proposals include increasing payroll taxes for high earners or removing the wage cap on Social Security taxes.

Implications for Retirement Planning

Resolute Forest Products employees may benefit from adopting a cautious retirement approach:

- Increase contributions: Build additional savings in IRAs or Resolute Forest Products 401k plans to help decrease reliance on Social Security.
- Diversify accounts: Roth IRAs and HSAs may provide added flexibility if Social Security payments are reduced.
- Plan conservatively: Expecting lower future benefits can help form a more robust retirement plan.

Key Takeaways for Resolute Forest Products Employees

Fact or Proposal	Principal Implication
OASI Trust Fund depletion by 2034	Only 77% of benefits may be paid through payroll tax revenue.
Worker-to-retiree ratio falling to 2.1	Higher financial pressure on active workers to support retirees.
Annual deficits since 2021	Trust Fund reserves are being used to cover shortfalls.
Lifespan at 65 now about 18 years	Benefit duration is 50% longer than when the program began.
23% benefit cuts by 2034 without reform	Legally required reductions unless funding changes are made.
Raising FRA to 69–70	May reduce benefits by ~13%, only delays insolvency by one year.
Additional ideas	Raising wage cap, increasing payroll taxes, revising formulas.

Final Thoughts

Social Security’s future is uncertain, and workers at Resolute Forest Products should remain attentive as reforms progress. Raising the full retirement age remains a point of debate; while it may help stabilize the system, those most impacted may be the least prepared for change. A broader solution will likely include some combination of tax adjustments, changes to the FRA, and new benefit structures.

On January 5, 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, raising benefits for nearly 3 million public employees—including teachers, firefighters, and police officers—by $360 to $1,190 per month. While this provided meaningful relief, it also increased demands on the Social Security Administration’s processing capacity.

For Resolute Forest Products employees, staying informed about these proposed changes is as important as monitoring industry developments. Taking proactive steps—such as diversifying savings, setting realistic expectations, and engaging in thoughtful retirement planning—can help individuals better navigate the uncertain horizon.

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Sources:

1. CBS News. ' Social Security's insolvency date is now a year earlier ,' by Aimee Picchi. June 19, 2025.

2. Social Security Board of Trustees. “The 2024 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds.” Social Security Administration, May 2024, pp. 7–21, 28–32, https://www.ssa.gov/oact/tr/2024/tr2024.pdf .

3. Social Security. ' Status of the Social Security and Medicare Programs .' 2025.

4. Huntington. ' What Does the Future Hold for Social Security and Medicare? ' 2024.

5. Pew Research Center. ' What the data says about Social Security ,' by Drew Desilver. May 20, 2025.

6. MSN. ' New Social Security rule proposal would raise retirement age to 69 for millions of Americans ,' by Andrea Arlett Nabor Herrera. 2025.

7. House Committee on the Budget. ' House Republican Budget Plans Would Cut Social Security Benefits .' 2025.

Other Resources:

1. Van de Water, Paul N. “What the 2024 Trustees’ Report Shows About Social Security.” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 7 May 2024, https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/what-the-2024-trustees-report-shows-about-social-security .

2. Anderson, Julia. “How Would Raising the Social Security Retirement Age to 69 Affect Your Benefits?” Kiplinger, 8 Apr. 2024, https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/raising-the-social-security-retirement-age .

3. Congressional Budget Office. “Raising the Full Retirement Age for Social Security.” Congressional Budget Office, Nov. 2024, pp. 1–5, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/58905 .

4. Noguchi, Yuki. “If Social Security Not Fixed, Retirees Face Automatic Cut in 2033.” NPR, 6 May 2024, https://www.npr.org/2024/05/06/1249406440/social-security-medicare-congress-fix-boomers-benefits .

How does the Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan interact with other retirement savings options that employees may have? Employees at the Pulp and Paper Industry are encouraged to understand the implications of their pension benefits when considering their overall retirement strategy. Given the complexity of retirement planning, how should one factor in the Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan alongside personal savings, employer-matched contributions, and other investment accounts?

Pension Plan Interaction with Other Retirement Savings: Employees in the Pulp and Paper Industry should consider the Pension Plan as a foundational part of their overall retirement strategy. When planning for retirement, it's crucial to balance the pension benefits alongside personal savings, employer-matched contributions, and other investment accounts such as RRSPs or TFSAs. The Pension Plan, contributing a stable retirement income, can complement more flexible savings vehicles that provide additional liquidity and growth potential, especially considering tax implications and withdrawal strategies for an efficient retirement portfolio.

What are the key factors that determine the monthly pension payment upon retirement for employees in the Pulp and Paper Industry? Understanding the formula that calculates the pension benefits based on earnings, years of service, and the applicable rates is crucial for employees planning their retirement. Can you elaborate on how these elements work together to produce an individual's retirement income?

Key Factors Determining Pension Payments: The monthly pension payment for employees in the Pulp and Paper Industry is primarily calculated based on credited service, eligible earnings, and the applicable pension benefit rate. The formula integrates years of service with the employee's average earnings and the benefit accrual rate of 1.55%. This means the longer the employee's service and the higher their eligible earnings, the larger the pension payout. The calculation is also influenced by early retirement reductions or post-65 service, ensuring that employees' retirement income reflects their contribution history(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

In what circumstances can employees of the Pulp and Paper Industry expect a reduction in their pension benefits, and what specific actions can be taken to mitigate this reduction? An in-depth examination of early retirement options, the choices available at different ages, and the financial implications is vital for long-term planning. What steps should an employee take before deciding to retire early?

Circumstances Affecting Pension Reductions: Employees of the Pulp and Paper Industry may face pension reductions if they retire before the age of 65. Early retirement between 55 and 65 incurs a reduction in pension benefits, ranging from 3% to 18%, depending on the age of retirement. To mitigate this reduction, employees can consider working longer or maximizing other retirement savings before electing early retirement. It's essential to review the pension reduction tables and consult the Plan Administrator to understand the financial implications of early retirement(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

How are employee contributions structured under the Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan, and what is the impact of these contributions on overall retirement savings? Employees need to understand how their contributions, along with the employer's match, affect their future pension benefits. Could you detail the contribution rates and how they relate to the final pension payout?

Employee Contributions and Pension Benefits: Employees contribute 8% of their earnings to the Plan, while employers contribute 10%. These contributions directly impact the pension benefits, with higher contributions resulting in more substantial retirement payouts. Contributions stop once 2080 hours are paid within a plan year. Understanding how both employee and employer contributions accumulate is crucial for estimating future benefits and integrating them into overall retirement savings(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

What is the process for employees of the Pulp and Paper Industry who experience a significant life event, such as marriage breakdown or disability, to adjust their pension plan? Employees need to be aware of the rights and options available to adjust their benefits in light of personal circumstances. What documentation is needed, and how does the process work?

Adjusting Pension Plan for Life Events: Significant life events such as marriage breakdown or disability allow employees to adjust their pension benefits. In the event of a marriage breakdown, 50% of the pension earned during the marriage may be split with the spouse, and specific forms and legal agreements are required for this process. Disability provisions may allow the employee to continue earning credited service without contributing. Employees should submit medical evidence or legal documents as necessary to the Plan Administrator to process adjustments(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

How can employees in the Pulp and Paper Industry ensure that their personal information remains secure while accessing their pension benefits? Given the sensitive nature of financial information, it is crucial for employees to understand the privacy measures in place. What steps are taken to protect personal data, and what should employees do if they have concerns regarding their privacy?

Securing Personal Information: The Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan takes employee privacy seriously by using appropriate safeguards to protect personal information. Data is only shared with pension professionals for plan administration purposes. Employees can access their personal information and correct inaccuracies by contacting the Plan Administrator. If employees have concerns about data security, they should report them immediately to ensure their privacy is maintained(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

What resources are available for employees of the Pulp and Paper Industry to access more detailed information about their pension benefit calculations and options? Seeking information through the right channels is essential for making informed decisions about retirement planning. Can you provide an overview of the tools and resources available to employees for understanding their benefit entitlements?

Resources for Pension Information: Employees have access to a variety of resources to help them understand their pension benefits. These include the Plan’s official web portal, personalized pension statements, and direct assistance from the Plan Administrator. For more detailed information, employees can consult their collective agreement and Plan documents, or they may contact the Administrator for personalized pension projections and guidance(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

In terms of the Pulp and Paper Industry's collective agreements with the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) or Unifor, how do those agreements affect pension benefits? Understanding these agreements is critical for employees as they directly influence the terms of the pension plan. Can you explain how these agreements shape the benefits structure and payout options?

Impact of Collective Agreements: Collective agreements between the Pulp and Paper Industry and unions like PPWC or Unifor directly influence pension plan provisions. These agreements determine contribution rates, eligibility, and benefit structures. Changes in collective agreements may lead to adjustments in pension benefits, so employees should stay informed about any updates to their collective agreement terms(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

What implications does the Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan have for employeesâ€™ beneficiaries, and what should employees know about designating a beneficiary? It is imperative for individuals to understand the importance of beneficiary designations. What processes should employees follow to ensure that their beneficiaries are appropriately designated and informed?

Pension Plan for Beneficiaries: Employees must ensure they appropriately designate a beneficiary for their pension benefits. In the event of death before retirement, the spouse or designated beneficiary will receive the pension benefits. If no beneficiary is designated, benefits are paid to the estate. Employees should complete and update their beneficiary designation form regularly to reflect their wishes and avoid legal complications(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

How can an employee in the Pulp and Paper Industry contact the Plan Administrator for assistance regarding their pension benefits? Knowing the proper contact information and support channels is essential for employees navigating their retirement benefits. What are the best ways to reach out for help, and what types of inquiries can the Plan Administrator assist with?

Contacting the Plan Administrator: Employees can contact the Plan Administrator, LifeWorks, for assistance with their pension benefits. They can reach out by phone, email, or mail for inquiries about retirement estimates, pension adjustments, or general benefit calculations. The Administrator provides essential support for processing retirement, termination, and death benefits(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).