Segment Rate Newsletter

Q: What are the different types of interest rates?

Interest rates can be categorized into: Segment rates (used for pension calculations) Federal Reserve rates (impacting overall borrowing costs) Corporate bond rates (affecting investment returns) Fixed and variable rates (common in loans and mortgages)

Segment Rate Update - January 2026 Numbers

IRS Rates

The IRS has posted updated Min Present Value Segment Rates for the month of January 2026. They are as follows:

First Segment
4.03

Second Segment
5.20

Third Segment
6.12

First Segment
Flat

Second Segment
Increase of 0.030

Third Segment
Increase of 0.010

Source: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/minimum-present-value-segment-rates

Chevron Rates

Based on the 3-month average that the CRP uses (November, December, January) the Segment Rates for April 2026 retirement are:

First Segment
4.043

Second Segment
5.173

Third Segment
6.080

First Segment
Increase of 0.007

Second Segment
Increase of 0.053

Third Segment
Increase of 0.097

The newly published IRS rates will be factored into the 3-month average used for the CRP lump sum calculation for Chevron employees who wish to take the CRP lump sum in April 2026

The following table demonstrates the hypothetical* impact of recent IRS segment rate updates to the lump sum value for a 65-year-old Chevron employee with an estimated single-life annuity payment of $7,500 month:

If a Chevron employee is debating March 2026 or April 2026 as their benefit commencement date, based solely on the lump sum value of the CRP, March would be the better of the 2 months. The approximate decrease in the CRP value for a April retirement in this hypothetical scenario would be about -0.49%

While your CRP Lump Sum or your pension is not only based on interest rates, looking at recent rates over time can give you an idea of how your lump sum will be affected, and help you when you are choosing the best retirement date. Remember that interest rates have an inverse relationship with a lump sum pension, so as interest rates increase, lump sum pension value decreases.

*Due to the individual nature of the actual CRP lump sum calculation, you would need to run the estimator to determine the true impact to your value.

Note: Guidance for Standard Deduction, Earned Income Credit, and Reduced Refunds can be found on the IRS website.

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Understanding Segment Rates: "Am I working for free?"

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Understanding Segment Rates: "Am I working for free?"

With interest rates on the rise, many Chevron employees are asking themselves “Am I working for free?”.

If retirement is on the horizon for you, choosing the right month to commence benefits could be trickier than it seems.

We break down how segment rates work, how they affect your lump-sum payment and why the timing of your retirement is so important.

Our Chevron financial planners have over 20 years of experience helping Chevron employees navigate their retirement and get the most out of their benefits package.

Segment Rate FAQs

What is a segment rate?

A segment rate is an interest rate used by the IRS to determine the present value of future pension payments. These rates are divided into short-term, mid-term, and long-term segments, each applying to different time periods of expected payments.

What is a segmented pension?

A segmented pension refers to a pension plan that uses segment rates to calculate lump-sum distributions. The pension’s value is determined using different interest rates for different time periods, influencing how much a retiree receives in a lump-sum payout versus annuity payments.

How are IRS minimum present value segment rates determined?

The IRS determines minimum present value segment rates based on corporate bond yields. These rates are published monthly and help define the discount rates used to calculate pension liabilities and lump-sum payouts.

When are IRS segment rates published?

The IRS publishes segment rates on a monthly basis, typically around the middle of each month. These rates are released in IRS notices and are used to calculate pension funding obligations and lump-sum distributions.

What are the different types of interest rates?

Interest rates can be categorized into:

Segment rates (used for pension calculations)
Federal Reserve rates (impacting overall borrowing costs)
Corporate bond rates (affecting investment returns)
Fixed and variable rates (common in loans and mortgages)

How do segment rates affect pensions?

Segment rates directly impact the lump-sum value of a pension. When rates increase, the present value of future pension payments decreases, leading to lower lump-sum payouts. Conversely, lower rates result in higher values.

If you would like to speak with a Financial Advisor in San Ramon, CA or Houston, TX about how segment rates can affect your unique situation, please fill out the form below and a team member will be in touch shortly.

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