Preparing an Effective Summary Plan Description

The primary means of communicating pension plan benefits information is often through a summary plan description (SPD). Many public employee retirement systems (PERS), in a shared responsibility with the plan sponsor, provide their participants with an SPD, either voluntarily or as a requirement of state law. An SPD is an important document that tells participants what the pension plan provides and how it operates and describes all the significant features of the plan. It might be the primary material participants rely on for information about their retirement plan benefits. The practice of creating an SPD demonstrates a commitment to communicate and ensures that a broad-based level of plan information is made available to all participants. 

1. Preparing the SPD: When preparing the SPD, plan sponsors and administrators should follow a comprehensive process that includes the following:
   1. Assessing the informational needs and interests of participants. 
   2. Thoroughly analyzing the terms of the pension plan, its administration, and application to members and beneficiaries. 
   3. Preparing the initial draft of the SPD, which includes gathering information from relevant individuals and groups, including technical personnel and the plan's administrative staff. 
   4. Having the retirement system attorney and actuary review the SPD for completeness and accuracy before finalizing the document. This review is important because courts might rely on the SPD as the most accurate description of the plan and might enforce the terms of an SPD, even if they are not included in an underlying plan document. 
   5. Carefully considering the level of detail in the SPD. A thorough understanding of the plan's features is needed, but the information should not overwhelm participants. The best level of detail usually can be achieved by involving many individuals in the drafting process. 
   6. Including charts, tables, and graphs to increase readability and understanding. Most SPDs include examples showing benefits payable at various ages and years of service. 
2. Components of the SPD: At a minimum, an SPD should provide the basic information summarizing the following elements of the plan (in addition to complying with all applicable requirements of state and local law): 
   1. Central Plan Elements 
      1. A description of the type of plan (i.e., defined benefit, defined contribution, hybrid) and references to the governing law of the retirement system. 
      2. How the plan is administered, including the plan year, a description of the board of trustees and the plan administrator, and the plan administrator's contact information. 
      3. Where and how to obtain a copy of the actual plan provisions (e.g., statutes, administrative rules or separate plan document). 
      4. When an employee can begin to participate in the plan. 
      5. An explanation of contributions and issues related to withdrawals. 
      6. Service rules, which include service definitions such as periods of service, service credits, and purchase of additional service credits, if permitted by the plan. 
   2. Benefit Calculations 
      1. How benefits are calculated. Benefits might include those received in retirement and upon disability, death, or termination of employment. 
      2. Benefit changes, rules, and funding requirements.  
      3. When benefits become vested. 
      4. When and in what form benefits may be paid. 
      5. A description of the rules relating to qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs). 
   3. Other Considerations, Rules and Responsibilities 
      1. A statement that the plan provisions are subject to change, pursuant to applicable law. 
      2. Circumstances that might result in disqualification, ineligibility, or denial or loss of benefits. 
      3. How to file a claim for benefits and how to appeal a denial of benefits. 
      4. Issues related to loans (for defined contribution plans). 
      5. Tax considerations related to benefit distributions. 
      6. A statement about the participant’s responsibility to review Social Security benefits or applicable offset. 
      7. Investment alternatives and fees for defined contribution plans (See GFOA Best Practices, Participant Education - Guidance for Defined Contribution Plans (2009) and Monitoring and Disclosure of Fees for Defined Contribution Plans (2012)). 
      8. Conversion rules and calculation of benefits and service when transferring from a defined benefit to defined contribution or hybrid plan, from a hybrid to a defined benefit plan, and combinations thereof. 
      9. A description of the participants’ responsibilities under the plan. 
      10. An explanation that the terms of the plan documents and governing statutes prevail if descriptions in the SPD should conflict with the provisions of the plan. 
3. Distribution and Review: Plan sponsors and administrators should distribute the SPD to participants either at work, through the mail, or via electronic media such as e-mail. New employees should receive a copy of SPD during the onboarding process. Plan sponsors should also emphasize that participants have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with the document to help them make informed decisions. In addition, the SPD should be: 
   1. Available for review in the office of the retirement system or on its website. 
   2. Reviewed and updated at least annually and when the plan is modified or when legal or legislative changes would affect participants. When a plan is significantly modified, an updated SPD that reflects these changes should be distributed to participants. 

Updated: July 2025