Losing your job is a catastrophic event for many folks and the people around them. While these times may seem like the lowest of lows, it is advised to refrain from making abrupt decisions that could further drive you down. Here are a few tips to consider before leaving Aetna.
1- BEFORE YOU LOSE YOUR JOB , open a line of credit at your bank or credit union. In addition, we advise you to open at least one credit card, or increase the credit limit on card(s) you already have. It is exceedingly hard to get a loan, get a line of credit or open a credit card after you lose your job. As you would expect, banks almost certainly do not want to lend money to people who are unemployed and since you don’t know how long it may take to find your next job, nor what emergencies may come up in the future, it’s wise to consider a back up plan for how you can access cash if need be. Though subtle, it is really important and wise to do, so don’t discount it. You won’t realize it probably, but many of you have never had a low credit score, or NOT been able to get a credit card, or a loan. As many of you are used to earning money your whole life, it’s something you just would never even consider. When you are unemployed, your credit rating and ability to get credit will almost certainly take a hit.
2- Build your resume and skills list using Career Path. Once your resume is polished, get on LinkedIn to pursue opportunities and connect with employers, friends, or even old coworkers. In addition, there should be some helpful posts located in the T-Space “Surplus Support” group with information on ways do this more easily
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3- Seek out and copy all Surplus Notifications. Take the extra step and print all your Surplus Notification materials, while also saving them as a PDF so you have a backup ready.
4- Keep a journal and jot down any thoughts , information, or really just anything that you want to take note of. Journal keeping is a great way to deal with these times. Not only does it help keep track of crucial information, but it helps keep tabs on discussions you have with any superiors regarding your surplus activities, and impending layoff. When stressed, it’s just good to keep good, accurate notes, with dates and times of discussions and who the participants of those discussions are.
5- Ask why and resolve anything you’re uncertain about. I’ve spoken with numerous people involved in this situation and have encountered an alarming amount of people that are STILL wondering what the criteria was that dictated their place the surplus list. Rather than letting this simmer in your mind, it’s smart and sometimes relieving to ask your supervisor or leadership team what the decision criteria was.
6- It’s also recommended to make a list of those around you whom you know are on the same boat as you, the surplus list. It is wise to remain in touch, support each other or just know who’s been cut. Get on Linkedin and connect with those close to you. You may feel upset or embarrassed, and your instinctive reaction may be to run away and hide. Confiding in positive-minded family, friends, former colleagues , and even career counselors and support groups can make a huge difference for you, and can help gain an alternative perspective on your situation. You are not alone. Many others in your company are in the same boat and they also want to discuss their frustrations.
7- Read and analyze all documents thoroughly. The ADEA sheets will list, by job title, the age of those in your universe, the population total of people in your universe with that title at that age, the number “selected” to participate in the surplus, and the number not selected. These documents convey how the universe maps by age and job title. When going through them, look out for anything that may be considered age discrimination. Typically, an excel file would be more helpful when sorting out this information.
8- Print out/download your entire corporate training history.
9- Print out/download all your previous year’s YTR (Your Total Rewards) statements.
10- Print out/download your appraisal history.
11- Print out/download your pay stubs.
12- Go through your Outlook and download any contacts you’d like to retain in your life – friends, colleagues, etc.
13- NETWORK, network, network. OR Linkedin , Linkedin, Linkedin. Whatever the source attempt to make as many connections as you can, and maintain your contacts – with peers, supervisors, vendors, etc. Despite your employment ending at Aetna, your relationship with everyone at Aetna doesn’t have to terminate as well. Some of these folks could play a huge role in helping you find your next endeavor?
How does Aetna Inc.'s frozen pension plan affect employees' eligibility for benefits, and what specific criteria must current employees meet to qualify for any benefits from the Retirement Plan for Employees of Aetna Inc.?
Eligibility for Benefits: Aetna Inc.'s pension plan has been frozen since January 1, 2011, meaning no new pension credits are accruing. Employees who were participants before this date remain eligible for benefits but cannot accrue additional pension credits. To qualify for benefits, participants need to have been vested, which generally occurs after three years of service(PensionSPD).
In what ways can employees at Aetna Inc. transition their pension benefits if they leave the company, and what implications does this have for their tax liabilities and retirement planning?
Transitioning Pension Benefits: If employees leave Aetna, they can opt for a lump-sum distribution or an annuity. Employees can roll over their lump-sum payments into an IRA or other tax-qualified plans to avoid immediate taxes. However, direct rollovers must follow the tax-qualified plan's rules. If not rolled over, employees are subject to immediate tax and potential penalties(PensionSPD).
What steps should an Aetna Inc. employee take if they become disabled and wish to continue receiving pension benefits, and how does the company's policy on disability impact their future retirement options?
Disability and Pension Benefits: Employees who become totally disabled and qualify for long-term disability can continue participating in the pension plan until their disability benefits cease or employment is terminated. No additional pension benefits accrue after December 31, 2010, but participation continues under the plan until employment formally ends(PensionSPD).
Can you explain the implications of the plan amendment rights that Aetna Inc. retains, particularly concerning any potential changes in the pension benefits and what this could mean for employee planning?
Plan Amendment Rights: Aetna reserves the right to amend or terminate the pension plan at any time. If the plan is terminated, participants will still receive benefits accrued up to the date of termination, protected by ERISA. Any future changes could impact employees' planning and retirement options(PensionSPD).
How does the IRS's annual contribution limits for pension plans in 2024 interact with the provisions of the Retirement Plan for Employees of Aetna Inc., and what considerations should employees keep in mind when planning their retirement contributions?
IRS Contribution Limits: The IRS sets annual contribution limits for pension plans, including defined benefit plans. In 2024, employees should ensure that their pension contributions and tax planning strategies align with these limits and the provisions of Aetna's pension plan(PensionSPD).
What are the options available to Aetna Inc. employees regarding pension benefit withdrawal, and how can they strategically choose between a lump-sum distribution versus an annuity option?
Withdrawal Options: Aetna employees can choose between a lump-sum distribution or various annuity options when withdrawing pension benefits. The lump-sum option allows for immediate access to funds, while annuities provide monthly payments over time, offering a more stable income stream(PensionSPD).
How does Aetna Inc. ensure compliance with ERISA regulations concerning the rights of employees in the retirement plan, and what resources are available for employees to understand their rights and claims procedures?
ERISA Compliance: Aetna complies with ERISA regulations, ensuring employees' rights are protected. Resources are available through the Plan Administrator and myHR, providing information on claims procedures, plan rights, and how to file appeals if necessary(PensionSPD).
What documentation should employees of Aetna Inc. be aware of when applying for their pension benefits, and how can they ensure that they maximize their benefits based on their years of service?
Documentation for Benefits: Employees should retain service records and review their benefit statements to ensure they receive the maximum pension benefits. They can request additional documents and assistance through myHR to verify their years of service and other relevant criteria(PensionSPD).
How do changes in interest rates throughout the years affect the annuity payments that employees at Aetna Inc. might receive upon retirement, and what strategies can they consider to optimize their retirement income?
Impact of Interest Rates on Annuities: Interest rates significantly affect annuity payments. Higher interest rates increase the monthly annuity amount. Employees should consider the timing of their retirement, especially at the end of the year, when interest rates for the following year are announced(PensionSPD).
If employees want to learn more about their pension options or have inquiries regarding the Retirement Plan for Employees of Aetna Inc., what are the best channels to contact the company, and what specific resources does Aetna provide for assistance?
Contact for Pension Inquiries: Employees can contact myHR at 1-888-MY-HR-CVS (1-888-694-7287), selecting the pension menu option for assistance. Aetna also provides detailed resources through the myHR website, helping employees understand their pension options and benefits(PensionSPD).