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| Company Name | For plan years beginning in | Year | Month | First Segment | Second Segment | Third Segment | Plan Type |
| Dow Incorporated | All | 2024 | May | 5.18% | 5.41% | 5.62% | |
| Dow Incorporated | All | 2023 | May | 4.91% | 5.15% | 5.34% |
Interest rates are heading in the wrong direction for Dow Incorporated employees who are considering the lump sum option on their pension payment. Interest rates hit a record low for individuals that commence their benefits in October of 2020 but have ticked up for those commencing their benefits in November. Over the last year, interest rates have dropped dramatically which has greatly increased many lump sum payments. However, if interest rates begin to climb many people's lump-sum payments could decrease. Should you desire to take your pension as a lump sum, Dow Incorporated will use interest rates and your age to calculate your lump sum payment. When interest rates move up or down, your pension lump sum amount will move in an inverse relationship.
Your pension is calculated based on your last date of employment and benefit start date. The benefit calculation is a defined benefit based on your years of service and final average pay. These are used to determine your single life annuity. All other forms of pension payments are based on this figure.
Dow Incorporated Pension Lump Sum Calculation:
When Dow Incorporated employees elect the month they would like to begin their pension, Dow Incorporated looks back two months to calculate the rate used for the pension disbursement.
For example, if you are planning to retire and start your pension in November 2020, Dow Incorporated would use the rates available in September 2020 (two months prior to your month of retirement). This table shows each month and their rates as they stand today:
Dow Incorporated Segment Rates for December 2020:
September-20
0.51
For a December 2020 pension commencement date, you will use the October segmented rates.
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For lump-sum conversions, the annuity is discounted to a present value using the first segment rate for the first five years of expected payments, the second segment rate for the next 15 years of expected payments and the third segment rate for all years of expected payments over 20.
Because the annuity is discounted based on mortality as well as interest rates, the present value of each monthly payment reduces as the probability of living to receive each payment reduces. The older you are when you commence your pension benefit, the fewer the number of years that will be valued using the third segment rate (20+ years) and, conversely, the younger you are, the greater the number of years that will be valued using the third segment rate.
This methodology essentially means that there will be a unique monthly interest rate (lump-sum
conversion factor) for each year and month of birth.
How Do Rate Changes Affect Your Dow Incorporated Pension?
Because pension pricing is based on interest calculations, making a slight adjustment in your retirement date may have a significant financial impact on your pension due to changing rates each month.
Everything else held equal, a lower interest rate will produce a higher lump sum. The exact changes depend on your specific age, but on average a 1% change in rates can equate to an 8% to 12% change in lump sums. So, on average, a 1% change could increase or decrease your pension lump sum by roughly 10%.
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The changes from just June 2020 to September 2020 may account for a 1% - 3% increase in lump sums. However, if you look at where rates were in September 2019, they have come down quite a bit. For September 2019, the blended rates were 2.13 / 3.07 / 3.65. That is a drop of 0.76% in the 2nd segment which tends to have the strongest effect. A drop of 0.76% from September 2019 to September 2020 may have caused your pension to rise by 7% - 9%. For someone with a $500,000 lump sum, that could mean a move of as much as $45,000. For a $1,000,000 lump sum, it would be roughly $70,000 to $90,000. Going forward, if rates start to move back up, you could see your pension lump sum start to drop. The rates are updated monthly, so you have month to month options to commence your pension once you have retired. You do not have to commence your pension as soon as you retire. You have the option to defer it. That may be beneficial if rates are dropping and/or you are under 60 years old. If you take your pension prior to age 60 there are age penalties and you will not receive 100% of your pension benefit.
Given the current interest rate environment, it is highly suggested you discuss your options with
The Retirement Group and allow us to monitor the rates and keep you up to date on the monthly
changes. We can provide a complimentary cash flow analysis to show you how various retirement
dates may play out.
It is important to remember the pension annuity may be a better fit no matter how attractive the
pension lump sum may be. Every situation is unique, and a cash flow analysis will allow you to
compare all pension options.
How does The Dow Chemical Company’s pension plan structure impact an employee's retirement benefits when considering different retirement ages? The Dow Chemical Company offers various options in its pension plan, and understanding these can significantly affect financial planning for retirement. An employee must weigh the benefits of retiring earlier with potentially lower monthly payments against the advantages of working longer and how this aligns with personal retirement goals and expectations.
The Dow Chemical Company’s pension plan and retirement ages: The Dow Chemical Company’s pension plan structure impacts employees' retirement benefits based on their retirement age. Retiring earlier results in lower monthly payments due to reduced service time and potential early commencement penalties, while working longer allows for more service accrual and higher monthly benefits. Employees must evaluate how these factors align with personal retirement goals, as choosing to retire early might not provide as much financial security as delaying retirement(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
What are the implications of the 20% mandatory withholding tax on lump-sum distributions from The Dow Chemical Company's pension plan, and how does the option to roll over affect an employee’s tax situation? Employees taking lump-sum distributions need to be cautious about this withholding rule as it can impact their immediate financial needs. Additionally, the rollover option provides a strategy to defer taxes, which can be crucial for long-term financial health. Employees should consider how to best utilize these rules in their personal financial planning.
20% mandatory withholding tax on lump-sum distributions: Lump-sum distributions from The Dow Chemical Company’s pension plan are subject to a 20% mandatory withholding tax if not directly rolled over into another qualified retirement plan. This tax can significantly impact an employee's immediate finances. However, opting to roll over the lump sum to a qualified plan defers taxation until funds are withdrawn, allowing employees to manage their tax liabilities better while continuing to grow their retirement savings(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
How does The Dow Chemical Company ensure that employees understand their eligibility for retirement benefits based on various service and age criteria? Eligibility considerations based on service years and age can significantly influence the retirement timeline for employees. Moreover, it’s essential for employees to be well-informed about these factors to make educated decisions pertaining to their retirement and whether adjustments to their career plans are needed for maximizing benefits.
Eligibility for retirement benefits: The Dow Chemical Company outlines eligibility for pension benefits based on a combination of service years and age. Typically, employees become vested after three years of service or upon reaching age 65 while still employed. The company ensures that employees are informed about these eligibility criteria through various resources, such as the Dow Benefits Service Center, enabling them to make informed retirement decisions(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
In what ways can employees of The Dow Chemical Company appeal decisions regarding their pension benefits, and what processes are in place to facilitate these appeals? The appeal process is critical for employees who might feel that their benefits have not been administered correctly. Understanding the correct procedures and having access to the right resources can empower employees to effectively advocate for themselves in the face of administrative decisions.
Appealing pension benefit decisions: If employees believe there has been an error in the administration of their pension benefits, The Dow Chemical Company provides a formal appeal process. Employees can file a claim, and if denied, they have the right to appeal the decision. The Retirement Board oversees these appeals, and employees must follow the outlined procedures for their appeal to be considered(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
What strategies can employees of The Dow Chemical Company employ to maximize their pension benefits while transitioning to retirement? Employees must navigate complexities such as contribution limits, benefit formulas, and personal retirement savings. A strategic approach, which includes understanding the timing of retirement and how it interacts with pension claims, can lead to more favorable financial outcomes in their retirement years.
Maximizing pension benefits: Employees at The Dow Chemical Company can maximize their pension benefits by carefully planning their retirement timing. Key strategies include working longer to accrue more service years, reviewing contribution limits, and understanding the benefit formula used. Aligning personal savings and pension claims with the optimal retirement age can result in more favorable financial outcomes(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
How can retirees from The Dow Chemical Company navigate survivor benefits, and what are the eligibility criteria for spouses or domestic partners? Survivor benefits are an essential aspect of retirement planning, especially for employees concerned about providing for their loved ones after death. It’s vital for employees to understand both eligibility and what benefits their partners might receive, fostering peace of mind during retirement planning endeavors.
Survivor benefits for retirees: Retirees from The Dow Chemical Company can opt for survivor benefits to provide financial security for their spouses or domestic partners. Eligibility for these benefits depends on the plan's structure, and employees should understand the options available to ensure their loved ones are covered after their death. These benefits include continued monthly payments or lump-sum options depending on the election made at retirement(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
How does The Dow Chemical Company’s defined benefit pension plan differ from other retirement plans, and what should employees know when comparing their options? Employees need to understand the distinctions between defined benefit plans and other types such as defined contribution plans for effective retirement planning. This understanding will help them better appreciate the benefits and risks associated with their choices and aid with decision-making processes.
Comparing defined benefit pension plan: The Dow Chemical Company offers a defined benefit pension plan, which differs from defined contribution plans like 401(k)s. In a defined benefit plan, the company guarantees a specific monthly benefit upon retirement, typically based on years of service and salary, whereas defined contribution plans depend on employee contributions and investment performance(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
What resources does The Dow Chemical Company provide to employees seeking detailed information about their retirement options, and how can they effectively utilize these? Accessing the right resources can bridge knowledge gaps regarding pension plans. Employees should know about dedicated pathways to assistance, such as benefit service centers and consultation avenues, to fully leverage their benefits package.
Resources for retirement information: The Dow Chemical Company provides several resources for employees to access detailed information about their retirement options. The Dow Benefits Service Center and My HR Connection are key tools where employees can request pension estimates, understand payment options, and clarify eligibility criteria. These resources help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
With changes in IRS rules becoming increasingly relevant, how do employees of The Dow Chemical Company stay informed about updates that may impact their retirement savings? Employees need to be active participants in their retirement planning by staying abreast of legal and regulatory changes that can influence their financial strategies. Having a clear understanding of these regulations can help ensure compliance while maximizing possible financial benefits under updated laws.
Staying informed about IRS rules: Employees of The Dow Chemical Company must stay informed about IRS rules that may affect their retirement savings. Changes in tax laws, contribution limits, or distribution rules can significantly impact financial planning. The company provides updates and resources to ensure employees are aware of relevant regulatory changes that might affect their retirement strategies(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
How can employees of The Dow Chemical Company reach the benefits service center for additional inquiries regarding their pension plan, and what information should they prepare beforehand? Knowing how to contact the benefits service center is crucial for employees seeking clarity on their pension plan benefits. Preparing relevant information ahead of time can streamline the process, allowing for a more productive engagement with benefits specialists and ensuring that employees receive precise guidance tailored to their situations.
Contacting the benefits service center: Employees seeking clarification about their pension benefits can reach the Dow Benefits Service Center via phone or online through the Message Center. It is recommended to have personal identification and details of the pension plan ready to streamline the inquiry process. Proper preparation ensures a productive conversation with benefits specialists(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
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