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The November interest rates, which Dow Incorporated uses to determine lump sum values for everyone who retires in 2022 will be released in mid December. Rates increased in November and if that trend holds we could see a reduction in lump-sum values for Dow Incorporated employees who retire in 2022. Dow Incorporated interest rates decreased in 2020 causing 2021 lump sums to hit record highs. However, rates are now rising which will likely reduce lump sums for those who retire in 2022. When interest rates move up or down, your pension lump sum amount will move in an inverse relationship. Through the pandemic, interest rates have dropped dramatically which has greatly increased many lump sum payments. This trend culminated in record lows for individuals who commence their benefits 2021. However, rates have increased in 2021, and larger trends show that they will likely increase further, potentially causing a significant reduction in pension lump sums in 2022.
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The Dow Incorporated Pension Plan is a great retirement benefit for Dow Incorporated employees. Your exact pension depends on your hire date, original hire company, and if you are management or not. The core pension benefit uses a calculation method looking at your years of service and final average pay or wage bands to determine your monthly annuity. From there you have the option to choose a joint annuity or a lump sum. The lump sum calculation will depend on your age and the current interest rate environment.
Dow Incorporated Pension Lump Sum Calculation:
For the lump sum calculation, Dow Incorporated uses the PPA (Pension Protection Act) segment rates. These are 3 different segment rates based on years in retirement. The first segment is used for the first 5 years of retirement. The second segment is for years 6 through 20. The third segment is for years 21 and beyond. Your age will determine how many years segment 3 is used. These segment rates are updated monthly. Dow Incorporated uses the results of the November rates to determine the interest rates used for the lump sum calculation in the following year. The segment rates are generally released about 3 weeks into the following month. Due to this, you will not know for certain what rates used for 2022 will be until late December. The best gauge is to watch the monthly rates as you get closer with the October rates being released around Thanksgiving.
In 2021 the rates moved up through the spring then came back down a bit in the summer. Since then, they have started moving back up again. As of this writing, the September rates are the most up to date which are 2 months shy of the November rates. Currently, those rates are .17% higher on the 1st segment, .24% higher on the 2nd segment, and .03% lower on the 3rd segment. Since the 2nd segment covers 15 years of retirement it has the largest weighting on the calculations. The current move of .24% will likely lead to a 2% - 3% decline in your lump sum in 2022. However, with rates rising, and the volatility we've seen lately, it's possible you could see a significant increase between now and the time the November rates are released. This would cause a larger reduction in your lump sum.
In addition to lump sum reduction in 2022, there are many other changes affecting employees, especially managers. If you would like to review your situation, we can run a complimentary detailed cash flow analysis to show you various retirement dates and how the Dow Incorporated benefits may change. Click here to schedule a Cashflow Analysis.
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The annuity is discounted based on mortality as well as interest rates, meaning 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 of birth.
How Do Rate Changes Affect Your Dow Incorporated Pension?
Pension pricing is based on interest calculations, which means a slight adjustment in your retirement date may have a significant financial impact on your pension due to changing rates each year.
Everything else held equal, a higher interest rate will produce a lower 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%.
The current changes discussed above of .24% will likely mean a decline of 2-3% in your lump sum. For someone with a $500,000 lump sum, which could mean a move of as much as $15,000. For a $1,000,000 lump sum, it would be roughly $30,000. It is very likely we will see rates move even higher in 2022 which will lead to a further drop in lump sums for 2023. Should they go up by 1%, then changes could be 10%. That could mean a $50,000 decrease on a current $500,000 lump sum or $100,000 on a $1,000,000 lump sum.
Example:
John is a manager who is 61 years old and has reached Mod-75. He is a manager and is considering going early in 2021 so he does not lose the Dow Incorporated paid portion on his retiree medical prior to age 65. His current lump sum is $800,000. After consulting Dow Incorporated HR, he learns he could be giving up $600/mo. in benefits for the next 4 years which is a total of $28,800. He also sees that his lump sum will be going down by roughly $24,000 given the current interest rates and understands it may even go lower. His original plan was to work to age 62, however by working into 2022, he could potentially be giving up $52,800 in benefits. He will effectively be working for reduced pay or even for free in 2022 given this scenario. Due to this, it may be better for him to retire in December 2021 to capture these benefits or review working longer to recoup them.
Review:
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. To schedule a cashflow analysis please click the button below:
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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