29 C.F.R. Subpart F—Disclosure Requirements
Title 29 - Labor
(The information collection requirements contained in subpart F were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1210–0016) (a) General disclosure requirements. The administrator of an employee benefit plan covered by Title I of the Act must disclose certain material, including reports, statements, notices, and other documents, to participants, beneficiaries and other specified individuals. Disclosure under Title I of the Act generally takes three forms. First, the plan administrator must, by direct operation of law, furnish certain material to all participants covered under the plan and beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan (other than beneficiaries under a welfare plan) at stated times or if certain events occur. Second, the plan administrator must furnish certain material to individual participants and beneficiaries upon their request. Third, the plan administrator must make certain material available to participants and beneficiaries for inspection at reasonable times and places. (b) Fulfilling the disclosure obligation. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, where certain material, including reports, statements, notices and other documents, is required under Title I of the Act, or regulations issued thereunder, to be furnished either by direct operation of law or on individual request, the plan administrator shall use measures reasonably calculated to ensure actual receipt of the material by plan participants, beneficiaries and other specified individuals. Material which is required to be furnished to all participants covered under the plan and beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan (other than beneficiaries under a welfare plan) must be sent by a method or methods of delivery likely to result in full distribution. For example, in-hand delivery to an employee at his or her worksite is acceptable. However, in no case is it acceptable merely to place copies of the material in a location frequented by participants. It is also acceptable to furnish such material as a special insert in a periodical distributed to employees such as a union newspaper or a company publication if the distribution list for the periodical is comprehensive and up-to-date and a prominent notice on the front page of the periodical advises readers that the issue contains an insert with important information about rights under the plan and the Act which should be read and retained for future reference. If some participants and beneficiaries are not on the mailing list, a periodical must be used in conjunction with other methods of distribution such that the methods taken together are reasonably calculated to ensure actual receipt. Material distributed through the mail may be sent by first, second, or third-class mail. However, distribution by second or third-class mail is acceptable only if return and forwarding postage is guaranteed and address correction is requested. Any material sent by second or third-class mail which is returned with an address correction shall be sent again by first-class mail or personally delivered to the participant at his or her worksite. (2) For purposes of section 104(b)(4) of the Act, materials furnished upon written request shall be mailed to an address provided by the requesting participant or beneficiary or personally delivered to the participant or beneficiary. (3) For purposes of section 104(b)(2) of the Act, where certain documents are required to be made available for examination by participants and beneficiaries in the principal office of the plan administrator and in such other places as may be necessary to make available all pertinent information to all participants and beneficiaries, disclosure shall be made pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph. Such documents must be current, readily accessible, and clearly identified, and copies must be available in sufficient number to accommodate the expected volume of inquiries. Plan administrators shall make copies of the latest annual report, and the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract, or other instruments under which the plan is established or operated available at all times in their principal offices. They are not required to maintain these plan documents at all times at each employer establishment or union hall or office as described in paragraphs (b)(3)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this section, but the documents must be made available at any such location within ten calendar days following the day on which a request for disclosure at that location is made. Plan administrators shall make plan documents available at the appropriate employer establishment or union meeting hall or office within the required ten day period when a request is made directly to the plan administrator or through a procedure establishing reasonable rules governing the making of requests for examination of plan documents. If a plan administrator prescribes such a procedure and communicates it to plan participants and beneficiaries, a plan administrator will not be required to comply with a request made in a manner which does not conform to the established procedure. In order to comply with the requirements of this section, a procedure for making requests to examine plan documents must permit requests to be made in a reasonably convenient manner both directly to the plan administrator and at each employer establishment, or union meeting hall or office where documents must be made available in accordance with this paragraph. If no such reasonable procedure is established, a good faith effort by a participant or beneficiary to request examination of plan documents will be deemed a request to the plan administrator for purposes of this paragraph. (i) In the case of a plan not maintained according to a collective bargaining agreement, including a plan maintained by a single employer with more than one establishment, a multiple employer plan, and a plan maintained by a controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 1563(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (the Code)), determined without regard to section 1563(a)(4) and (e)(3)(C) of the Code), documents shall be made available for examination in the principal office of the employer and at each employer establishment in which at least 50 participants covered under a plan are customarily working. “Establishment” means a single physical location where business is conducted or where services or industrial operations are performed. Where employees are engaged in activities which are physically dispersed, such as agriculture, construction, transportation and communications, the “establishment” shall be the place to which employees report each day. When employees do not usually work at, or report to, a single establishment—for example, traveling salesmen, technicians, and engineers—the establishment shall be the location from which the employees customarily carry out their activities—for example the field office of an engineering firm servicing at least 50 participants covered under the plan. (ii) In the case of a plan maintained solely by an employee organization, the plan administrator shall take measures to ensure that documents are available for examination at the meeting hall or office of each union local in which there are at least 50 participants covered under the plan. Such measures shall include distributing copies of the documents to each union local in which there are at least 50 participants covered under the plan. (iii) In the case of a plan maintained according to a collective bargaining agreement, including a collectively bargained single employer plan with more than one establishment, a collectively bargained multiple employer plan, and a multiemployer plan which meets the definition of section 3(37) of the Act, §2510.3–37 of this chapter, and section 414(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and 26 CFR 1.414(f) (40 FR 43034), documents shall be made available for examination in the principal office of the employee organization and at each employer establishment in which at least 50 participants covered under the plan are customarily working. In employment situations where employees do not usually work at, or report to, a single establishment, the plan administrator shall take measures to ensure that plan documents are available for examination at the meeting hall or office of each union local in which there are at least 50 participants covered under the plan. (c) Disclosure through electronic media. (1) Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, rule or regulation, the administrator of an employee benefit plan furnishing documents through electronic media is deemed to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section with respect to an individual described in paragraph (c)(2) if: (i) The administrator takes appropriate and necessary measures reasonably calculated to ensure that the system for furnishing documents— (A) Results in actual receipt of transmitted information (e.g., using return-receipt or notice of undelivered electronic mail features, conducting periodic reviews or surveys to confirm receipt of the transmitted information); and (B) Protects the confidentiality of personal information relating to the individual's accounts and benefits (e.g., incorporating into the system measures designed to preclude unauthorized receipt of or access to such information by individuals other than the individual for whom the information is intended); (ii) The electronically delivered documents are prepared and furnished in a manner that is consistent with the style, format and content requirements applicable to the particular document; (iii) Notice is provided to each participant, beneficiary or other individual, in electronic or non-electronic form, at the time a document is furnished electronically, that apprises the individual of the significance of the document when it is not otherwise reasonably evident as transmitted (e.g., the attached document describes changes in the benefits provided by your plan) and of the right to request and obtain a paper version of such document; and (iv) Upon request, the participant, beneficiary or other individual is furnished a paper version of the electronically furnished documents. (2) Paragraph (c)(1) shall only apply with respect to the following individuals: (i) A participant who— (A) Has the ability to effectively access documents furnished in electronic form at any location where the participant is reasonably expected to perform his or her duties as an employee; and (B) With respect to whom access to the employer's or plan sponsor's electronic information system is an integral part of those duties; or (ii) A participant, beneficiary or any other person entitled to documents under Title I of the Act or regulations issued thereunder (including, but not limited to, an “alternate payee” within the meaning of section 206(d)(3) of the Act and a “qualified beneficiary” within the meaning of section 607(3) of the Act) who— (A) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) (B) of this section, has affirmatively consented, in electronic or non-electronic form, to receiving documents through electronic media and has not withdrawn such consent; (B) In the case of documents to be furnished through the Internet or other electronic communication network, has affirmatively consented or confirmed consent electronically, in a manner that reasonably demonstrates the individual's ability to access information in the electronic form that will be used to provide the information that is the subject of the consent, and has provided an address for the receipt of electronically furnished documents; (C) Prior to consenting, is provided, in electronic or non-electronic form, a clear and conspicuous statement indicating: (1) The types of documents to which the consent would apply; (2) That consent can be withdrawn at any time without charge; (3) The procedures for withdrawing consent and for updating the participant's, beneficiary's or other individual's address for receipt of electronically furnished documents or other information; (4) The right to request and obtain a paper version of an electronically furnished document, including whether the paper version will be provided free of charge; and (5) Any hardware and software requirements for accessing and retaining the documents; and (D) Following consent, if a change in hardware or software requirements needed to access or retain electronic documents creates a material risk that the individual will be unable to access or retain electronically furnished documents: (1) Is provided with a statement of the revised hardware or software requirements for access to and retention of electronically furnished documents; (2) Is given the right to withdraw consent without charge and without the imposition of any condition or consequence that was not disclosed at the time of the initial consent; and (3) Again consents, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(A) or paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, as applicable, to the receipt of documents through electronic media. (d) Participant and beneficiary status for purposes of section 101(a) and 104(b)(1) of the Act and subpart F of this part. See §§2510.3–3(d)(1), 2510.3–3(d)(2) and 2520.3–3(d)(3) of this chapter. (e) Limitations. This section does not apply to disclosures required under provisions of part 2 and part 3 of the Act over which the Secretary of the Treasury has interpretative and regulatory authority pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978. [42 FR 37186, July 19, 1977, as amended at 62 FR 16985, Apr. 8, 1997; 62 FR 36205, July 7, 1997; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002; 67 FR 17275, Apr. 9, 2002] (a) Obligation to furnish. Under the authority of sections 104(b)(1) and 104(c) of the Act, the plan administrator of an employee benefit plan subject to the provisions of part 1 of title I shall furnish a copy of the summary plan description and a statement of ERISA rights as provided in §2520.102–3(t), to each participant covered under the plan (as defined in §2510.3–3(d)), and each beneficiary receiving benefits under a pension plan on or before the later of: (1) The date which is 90 days after the employee becomes a participant, or (in the case of a beneficiary receiving benefits under a pension plan) within 90 days after he or she first receives benefits, except as provided in §2520.104b–4(a), or, (2) Within 120 days after the plan becomes subject to part 1 of title I. (3)(i) A plan becomes subject to part 1 of title I on the first day on which an employee is credited with an hour of service under §2530.200b–2 or §2530.200b–3. Where a plan is made prospectively effective to take effect after a certain date or after a condition is satisfied, the day upon which the plan becomes subject to part 1 of title I is the day after such date or condition is satisfied. Where a plan is adopted with a retroactive effective date, the 120 day period begins on the day after the plan is adopted. Where a plan is made retroactively effective dependent on a condition, the day on which the plan becomes subject to part 1 of title I is the day after the day on which the condition is satisfied. Where a plan is made retroactively effective subject to a contingency which may or may not occur in the future, the day on which the plan becomes subject to part 1, title I is the day after the day on which the contingency occurs. (ii) Examples: Company A is negotiating the purchase of Company B. On September 1, 1978, as part of the negotiations, Company A adopts a pension plan covering the employees of Company B, contingent on the successful conclusion of its negotiations to purchase Company B. The plan provides that it shall take effect on the first day of the calendar year in which the purchase is concluded. On February 1, 1979, the negotiations conclude with Company A's purchase of Company B. The plan therefore becomes effective on February 1, 1979, retroactive to January 1, 1979. The summary plan description must be filed and disclosed no later than 120 days after February 1, 1979. (b) Periods for furnishing updated summary plan description. (1) For purposes of the requirement to furnish the updated summary plan description to each participant and each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan (other than beneficiaries receiving benefits under a welfare plan) required by section 104(b)(1) of the Act, the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall furnish such updated summary plan description no later than 210 days following the end of the plan year which occurs five years after the last date a change in the information required to be disclosed by section 102 or 29 CFR 2520.102–3 would have been reflected in the most recently distributed summary plan description (or updated summary plan description) as described in section 102 of the Act. (2) In the case of a plan to which no amendments have been made between the end of the time period covered by the last distributed summary plan description (or updated summary plan description), described in section 102 of the Act, and the next occurring applicable date described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, for purposes of the requirement to furnish the updated summary plan description to each participant, and to each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan (other than beneficiaries receiving benefits under a welfare plan), required by section 104(b)(1) of the Act, the administrator of an employee benefit plan shall furnish such updated summary plan description no later than 210 days following the end of the plan year which occurs ten years after the last date a change in the information required to be disclosed by section 102 or 29 CFR 2520.102–3 would have been reflected in the most recently distributed summary plan description (or updated summary plan description), as described in section 102 of the Act. (c)–(f) [Reserved] (g) Terminated plans. (1) If, on or before the date by which a plan is required to furnish a summary plan description or updated summary plan description to participants and pension plan beneficiaries under this section, the plan has terminated within the meaning of paragraph (g)(2) of this section, the administrator of such plan is not required to furnish to participants covered under the plan or to beneficiaries receiving benefits under the plan a summary plan description. (2) For purposes of this section, a plan shall be considered terminated if: (i) In the case of an employee pension benefit plan, all distributions to participants and beneficiaries have been completed; and (ii) In the case of an employee welfare benefit plan, no claims can be incurred which will result in a liability of the plan to pay benefits. A claim is incurred upon the occurrence of the event or condition from which the claim arises (whether or not discovered). (h) [Reserved] (i) Style and format of the summary plan description. See §2520.102–2. (j) Contents of the summary plan description. See §2520.102–3. (k) Option for different summary plan descriptions. See §2520.102–4; §2520.104–26; and §2520.104–27. (l) Employee benefit plan—participant covered under a plan. See §2510.3–3(d). [42 FR 37187, July 19, 1977, as amended at 45 FR 14032, Mar. 4, 1980; 48 FR 1714, Jan. 14, 1983; 61 FR 33849, 33850, July 1, 1996; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002] (a) The administrator of an employee benefit plan subject to the provisions of part 1 of title I of the Act shall, in accordance with §2520.104b–1(b), furnish a summary description of any material modification to the plan and any change in the information required by section 102(b) of the Act and §2520.102–3 of these regulations to be included in the summary plan description to each participant covered under the plan and each beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the plan administrator shall furnish this summary, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant, not later than 210 days after the close of the plan year in which the modification or change was adopted. This disclosure date is not affected by retroactive application to a prior plan year of an amendment which makes a material modification to the plan; a modification does not occur before it is adopted. For example, a calendar year plan adopts a modification in April, 1978. The modification, by its terms, applies retroactively to the 1977 plan year. A summary description of the material modification is furnished on or before July 29, 1979. A plan which adopts an amendment which makes a material modification to the plan which takes effect on a date in the future must disclose a summary of that modification within 210 days after the close of the plan year in which the modification or change is adopted. Under the authority of sections 104(a)(3) and 110 of the Act, a summary description of a material modification or change is not required to be disclosed if it is rescinded or otherwise does not take effect. For example, a calendar year plan adopts a modification in June, 1978. The modification, by its terms, becomes effective beginning in plan year 1979. Before the beginning of plan year 1979, the prospective modification is withdrawn. No summary of the material modification is required to be disclosed. (b) The summary of material modifications to the plan or changes in information required to be included in the summary plan description need not be furnished separately if the changes or modifications are described in a timely summary plan description. For example, a calendar year plan adopts a material modification on June 3, 1976. The modification is incorporated in a summary plan description furnished on July 15, 1977. No separate summary of the material modification is furnished. The plan adopts another material modification September 15, 1977. A separate summary of the modification is furnished on or before July 29, 1978. (c) The copy of the summary plan description furnished in accordance with §§2520.104b–2(a)(1)(i) and 2520.104b–4 shall be acompanied by all summaries of material modifications or changes in information required to be included in the summary plan description which have not been incorporated into that summary plan description. (d) Special rule for group health plans—(1) General. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the administrator of a group health plan, as defined in section 733(a)(1) of the Act, shall furnish to each participant covered under the plan a summary, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average plan participant, of any modification to the plan or change in the information required to be included in the summary plan description, within the meaning of paragraph (a) of this section, that is a material reduction in covered services or benefits not later than 60 days after the date of adoption of the modification or change. (2) 90-day alternative rule. The administrator of a group health plan shall not be required to furnish a summary of any material reduction in covered services or benefits within the 60-day period described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section to any participant covered under the plan who would reasonably be expected to be furnished such summary in connection with a system of communication maintained by the plan sponsor or administrator, with respect to which plan participants are provided information concerning their plan, including modifications and changes thereto, at regular intervals of not more than 90 days and such communication otherwise meets the disclosure requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104b–1. (3) “Material reduction”. (i) For purposes of this paragraph (d), a “material reduction in covered services or benefits” means any modification to the plan or change in the information required to be included in the summary plan description that, independently or in conjunction with other contemporaneous modifications or changes, would be considered by the average plan participant to be an important reduction in covered services or benefits under the plan. (ii) A “reduction in covered services or benefits” generally would include any plan modification or change that: eliminates benefits payable under the plan; reduces benefits payable under the plan, including a reduction that occurs as a result of a change in formulas, methodologies or schedules that serve as the basis for making benefit determinations; increases premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or other amounts to be paid by a participant or beneficiary; reduces the service area covered by a health maintenance organization; establishes new conditions or requirements (e.g., preauthorization requirements) to obtaining services or benefits under the plan. (e) Applicability date. Paragraph (d) of this section is applicable as of the first day of the first plan year beginning after June 30, 1997. (f)–(g) [Reserved] [42 FR 37188, July 19, 1977, as amended at 62 FR 16985, Apr. 8, 1997; 62 FR 36205, July 7, 1997; 65 FR 70243, Nov. 21, 2000; 66 FR 34994, July 2, 2001; 67 FR 777, Jan. 7, 2002] Under the authority of section 110 of the Act, in the case of an employee pension benefit plan— (a) Summary plan descriptions. A plan administrator will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of section 104(b)(1) of the Act and §2520.104b–2(a) to furnish a copy of the initial summary plan description to a retired participant, a beneficiary receiving benefits, or a separated participant with vested benefits (“vested separated participant”) if, no earlier than the date stated in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, (1) In the case of a retired participant or a beneficiary receiving benefits, a document is furnished which— (i) Meets the requirements of §§2520.102–2 and 2520.102–3 except paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(4), (j), (k), (l), (n), (o) and (p); (ii) Contains a statement that the benefit payment presently being received by the retired participant or beneficiary receiving benefits will continue in the same amount and for the period provided in the mode of settlement selected at retirement, and will not be changed except as described in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section; and (iii) Contains a statement describing any plan provision under which the present benefit payment may be reduced, changed, terminated, forfeited or suspended; (2) In the case of a vested separated participant, a document is furnished which— (i) Meets the requirements of §§2520.102–2 and 2520.102–3 except paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(4), (j), (l), (n), (o), (p) and (r); (ii)(A) If at or after separation, a separated vested participant was furnished a statement of the dollar amount of the vested benefit or the method of computation of the benefit, includes a statement that the dollar amount of the vested benefit was previously furnished and that a copy of the previously furnished statement of the dollar amount of such vested benefit or method of computation of the benefit may be obtained from the plan upon request; (B) If the vested separated participant was not furnished a statement of the dollar amount of the vested benefit or the method of computation of the benefit, the plan furnishes either a statement of the dollar amount of the vested benefit, or a statement of the formula used to determine the dollar amount of the vested benefit; (iii) Includes a statement of the form in which the benefits will be paid and duration of the payment period or a description of the optional modes of payment available under the plan; and (iv) Includes a statement describing any plan provision under which a benefit may be reduced, changed, terminated, forfeited or suspended; or (3)(i) Such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits was furnished with a copy of a document which— (A) Satisfies the requirements of section 102(a)(1) of the Act and §2520.102–2 (relating to the style and format of the summary plan description) and §2520.102–3 (relating to the content of the summary plan description); (B) Describes the rights and obligations under the plan of such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits as of the date stated in subparagraph (4); (ii) In the case of a person who retired, became a beneficiary, or separated with vested benefits before November 16, 1977, a document will be deemed to comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section if the document omitted only information described in one or more of the provisions of §2520.102–3 listed below, provided that a supplement containing such information, which meets the requirements of §2520.102–2, is furnished to the retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits by November 16, 1977. (A) Employer identification number (EIN), as required by §2520.102–3(c); (B) Type of administration, as required by §2520.102–3(e); (C) Name of agent for service of legal process, as required by §2520.102–3(g); (D) Names and addresses of trustees, as required by §2520.102–3(h); (E) Statement regarding plan termination insurance as required by §2520.102–3(m); (F) Date of the end of the fiscal year, as required by §2520.102–3(r); or (G) Statement of ERISA rights, as required by §2520.102–3(t). (4) For purposes of this paragraph the dates are: For a vested separated participant, the date of separation; for a beneficiary, the date on which payment of benefits commences; and for a retired participant, the date of retirement. (b) Updated summary plan descriptions. A copy of an updated summary plan description need not be furnished as prescribed in section 104(b)(1) of the Act and §2520.104b–2(b) to a retired participant, vested separated participant, or a beneficiary receiving benefits if— (1)(i) On or after the date stated in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary is furnished with a copy of the most recent summary plan description and a copy of any summaries of material modifications not incorporated in such summary plan description; (ii) For purposes of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section the dates are: for a retired participant, the date of retirement; for a vested separated participant, the date of separation; and for a beneficiary, the date on which payment of benefits commences; (2) No latter than the date on which an updated summary plan description is furnished to participants and beneficiaries as prescribed by section 104(b)(1) of the Act and §2520.104b–2(b), a retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits is furnished a notice containing the following: (i) A statement that the benefit rights of such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits are set forth in the earlier summary plan description and any subsequently furnished summaries of material modifications (see paragraph (c)), and (ii) A statement that such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary receiving benefits may obtain a copy of the earlier summary plan description and summaries of material modifications described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, and the updated summary plan description, without charge, upon request, from the plan administrator; and (3) The plan administrator furnishes a copy of the documents described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section to such retired participant, vested separated participant or beneficiary, without charge, upon request. (c) Summary of material modifications or changes. A summary description of a material modification to the plan or a change in the information required to be included in the summary plan description need not be furnished to a retired participant, a vested separated participant or a beneficiary receiving benefits under the plan, within the time prescribed in section 104(b)(1) of the Act and §2520.104b–3 for furnishing summary descriptions of such modifications and changes, if the material modification or change in no way affects such retired participant's, vested separated participant's, or beneficiary's rights under the plan. For example, a change in trustees is information which such a person may need to know in order to make inquiries about his or her rights expeditiously, and hence must be furnished. On the other hand, a modification in benefits under the plan to which such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary had not at any time been entitled (and would not in the future be entitled) would not affect his or her rights and hence need not be furnished. If such retired participant, vested separated participant, or beneficiary requests a copy of a summary description of a material modification or a change which was not furnished, the plan administrator shall furnish the copy, without charge. [45 FR 14032, Mar. 4, 1980, as amended at 61 FR 33850, July 1, 1996] (a) Obligation to furnish. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (g) of this section, the administrator of any employee benefit plan shall furnish annually to each participant of such plan and to each beneficiary receiving benefits under such plan (other than beneficiaries under a welfare plan) a summary annual report conforming to the requirements of this section. Such furnishing of the summary annual report shall take place in accordance with the requirements of §2520.104b–1 of this part. (b) [Reserved] (c) When to furnish. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (c), the summary annual report required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be furnished within nine months after the close of the plan year. (1) In the case of a welfare plan described in §2520.104–43 of this part, such furnishing shall take place within 9 months after the close of the fiscal year of the trust or other entity which files the annual report under §2520.104a–6 of this part. (2) When an extension of time in which to file an annual report has been granted by the Internal Revenue Service, such furnishing shall take place within 2 months after the close of the period for which the extension was granted. (d) Contents, style and format. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (d), the summary annual report furnished to participants and beneficiaries of an employee pension benefit plan pursuant to this section shall consist of a completed copy of the form prescribed in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and the summary annual report furnished to participants and beneficiaries of an employee welfare benefit plan pursuant to this section shall consist of a completed copy of the form prescribed in paragraph (d)(4) of this section. The information used to complete the form shall be based upon information contained in the most recent annual report of the plan which is required to be filed in accordance with section 104(a)(1) of the Act. (1) Any portion of the forms set forth in this paragraph (d) which is not applicable to the plan to which the summary annual report relates, or which would require information which is not required to be reported on the annual report of that plan, may be omitted. (2) Where the plan administrator determines that additional explanation of any information furnished pursuant to this paragraph (d) is necessary to fairly summarize the annual report, such explanation shall be set forth following the completed form required by this paragraph (d) and shall be headed, “Additional Explanation.” (3) Form for Summary Annual Report Relating to Pension Plans.
Summary Annual Report for (name of plan) This is a summary of the annual report for (name of plan and EIN) for (period covered by this report). The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by (indicate funding arrangements). Plan expenses were ($ ). These expenses included ($ ) in administrative expenses and ($ ) in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and ($ ) in other expenses. A total of ( ) persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. [If the plan is funded other than solely by allocated insurance contracts:] The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was ($ ) as of (the end of the plan year), compared to ($ ) as of (the beginning of the plan year). During the plan year the plan experienced an (increase) (decrease) in its net assets of ($ ) This (increase) (decrease) includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of ($ ), including employer contributions of ($ ), employee contributions of ($ ), (gains) (losses) of ($ ), from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of ($ ). [If any funds are used to purchase allocated insurance contracts:] The plan has (a) contract(s) with (name of insurance carrier(s)) which allocate(s) funds toward (state whether individual policies, group deferred annuities or other). The total premiums paid for the plan year ending (date) were ($ ). Minimum Funding Standards [If the plan is a defined benefit plan:] An actuary's statement shows that (enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA) (not enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the mimimum funding standards of ERISA. The amount of the deficit was $ ). [If the plan is a defined contribution plan covered by funding requirements:] (Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA) (Not enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. The amount of the deficit was $ ). Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: [Note—list only those items which are actually included in the latest annual report] 1. an accountant's report; 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. fiduciary information, including non-exempt transactions between the plan and parties-in-interest (that is, persons who have certain relationships with the plan); 5. loans or other obligations in default or classified as uncollectible; 6. leases in default or classified as uncollectible; 7. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 8. insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; 9. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103–12 investment entities in which the plan participates, and 10. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of (name), who is (state title: e.g., the plan administrator), (business address and telephone number). The charge to cover copying costs will be ($ ) for the full annual report, or ($ ) per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan ( address ), (at any other location where the report is available for examination), and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N–1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. (4) Form for Summary Annual Report Relating to Welfare Plans.
Summary Annual Report for (name of plan) This is a summary of the annual report of the (name of plan, EIN and type of welfare plan) for (period covered by this report). The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). [If any benefits under the plan are provided on an uninsured basis:] (Name of sponsor) has committed itself to pay (all, certain) (state type of) claims incurred under the terms of the plan. [If any of the funds are used to purchase insurance contracts:] Insurance Information The plan has (a) contract(s) with (name of insurance carrier(s)) to pay (all, certain) (state type of) claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending (date) were ($_____). [If applicable add:] Because (it is a) (they are) so called “experience-rated” contract(s), the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year ending (date), the premiums paid under such “experience-rated” contract(s) were ($ ) and the total of all benefit claims paid under the(se) experience-rated contract(s) during the plan year was ($ ). [If any funds of the plan are held in trust or in a separately maintained fund:] Basic financial statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was ($ ) as of (the end of plan year), compared to ($ ) as of (the beginning of the plan year). During the plan year the plan experienced an (increase) (decrease) in its net assets of ($ ). This (increase) (decrease) includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of ($ ) including employer contributions of ($ ), employee contributions of ($ ), realized (gains) (losses) of ($ ) from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of ($ ). Plan expenses were ($ ). These expenses included ($ ) in administrative expenses, ($ ) in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and ($ ) in other expenses. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: [Note—list only those items which are actually included in the latest annual report]. 1. an accountant's report; 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. fiduciary information, including non-exempt transactions between the plan and parties-in-interest (that is, persons who have certain relationships with the plan); 5. loans or other obligations in default or classified as uncollectible; 6. leases in default or classified as uncollectible; 7. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 8. insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 9. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103–12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of (name), who is (state title: e.g., the plan administrator), (business address and telephone number). The charge to cover copying costs will be ($ ) for the full annual report, or ($ ) per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (address), (at any other location where the report is available for examination), and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N–1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. (e) Foreign languages. In the case of either— (1) A plan which covers fewer than 100 participants at the beginning of a plan year in which 25 percent or more of all plan participants are literate only in the same non-English language; or (2) A plan which covers 100 or more participants in which 500 or more participants or 10 percent or more of all plan participants, whichever is less, are literate only in the same non-English language— The plan administrator for such plan shall provide these participants with an English-language summary annual report which prominently displays a notice, in the non-English language common to these participants, offering them assistance. The assistance provided need not involve written materials, but shall be given in the non-English language common to these participants. The notice offering assistance shall clearly set forth any procedures participants must follow to obtain such assistance. (f) Furnishing of additional documents to participants and beneficiaries. A plan administrator shall promptly comply with any request by a participant or beneficiary for additional documents made in accordance with the procedures or rights described in paragraph (d) of this section. (g) Exemptions. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a summary annual report is not required to be furnished with respect to the following: (1) A totally unfunded welfare plan described in 29 CFR 2520.104–44(b)(1)(i); (2) A welfare plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–20(b); (3) An apprenticeship or other training plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–22; (4) A pension plan for selected employees which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–23; (5) A welfare plan for selected employees which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–24; (6) A day care center referred to in 29 CFR 2520.104–25; (7) A dues financed welfare plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–26; and (8) A dues financed pension plan which meets the requirements of 29 CFR 2520.104–27. [44 FR 19403, Apr. 3, 1979, as amended at 44 FR 31640, June 1, 1979; 47 FR 31873, July 23, 1982; 54 FR 8629, Mar. 1, 1989; 65 FR 21085, Apr. 19, 2000; 65 FR 35568, June 5, 2000; 68 FR 16400, Apr. 3, 2003] (a) Application. The plan administrator of an employee benefit plan may impose a reasonable charge to cover the cost of furnishing to participants and beneficiaries upon their written request as required under section 104(b)(4) of the Act, copies of the following information, statements or documents: The latest updated summary plan description, and the latest annual report, any terminal report, the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract, or other instruments under which the plan is established or operated. No charge may be assessed for furnishing information, statements or documents as required by other provisions of the Act, which include, in part 1 of title I, sections 104(b)(1), (2), (3) and (c) and 105(a) and (c). (b) Reasonableness. The charge assessed by the plan administrator to cover the costs of furnishing documents is reasonable if it is equal to the actual cost per page to the plan for the least expensive means of acceptable reproduction, but in no event may such charge exceed 25 cents per page. For example, if a plan printed a large number of pamphlets at $1.00 per 50-page pamphlet, the actual cost of reproduction for the entire pamphlet ($1.00) would be equal to 2 cents per page. If only one page of such a pamphlet were requested, the actual cost of providing that page from the printed copy would be $1.00, since the copy would no longer be complete. In such a case, the least expensive means of acceptable reproduction would be individually reproducing the page requested at a charge of no more than 25 cents. On the other hand, if six pages of the same plan document were requested and each page cost 20 cents to be reproduced, the actual cost of providing those pages would be $1.20. In such a case, if a printed copy is available, the least expensive means of acceptable reproduction would be to use pages from the printed copy at a charge of no more than $1.00. No other charge for furnishing documents, such as handling or postage charges, will be deemed reasonable. The plan administrator shall provide information to a plan participant or beneficiary, upon request, about the charge that would be made to provide a copy of material described in this paragraph. [41 FR 16964, Apr. 23, 1976, as amended at 41 FR 37575, Sept. 7, 1976]
Title 29: Labor
PART 2520—RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE
Subpart F—Disclosure Requirements
§ 2520.104b-1 Disclosure.
§ 2520.104b-2 Summary plan description.
§ 2520.104b-3 Summary of material modifications to the plan and changes in the information required to be included in the summary plan description.
§ 2520.104b-4 Alternative methods of compliance for furnishing the summary plan description and summaries of material modifications of a pension plan to a retired participant, a separated participant with vested benefits, and a beneficiary receiving benefits.
§ 2520.104b-10 Summary Annual Report.
Appendix to § 2520.104b-10_The Summary Annual Report (SAR) Under ERISA: A Cross-Reference to the Annual Report------------------------------------------------------------------------ Form 5500 Large Plan Form 5500 Small Plan SAR Item Filer Line Items Filer Line Items------------------------------------------------------------------------ A. PENSION PLAN1. Funding arrangement...... Form 5500_9a........ Same.2. Total plan expenses...... Sch. H_2j........... Sch. I_2i.3. Administrative expenses.. Sch. H_2i(5)........ Not applicable.4. Benefits paid............ Sch. H_2e(4)........ Sch. I_2e.5. Other expenses........... Sch. H_Subtract the Sch. I_2h. sum of 2e(4) & 2i(5) from 2j.6. Total participants....... Form 5500_7f........ Same.7. Value of plan assets (net): a. End of plan year..... Sch. H_1l [Col. (b)] Sch. I_1c [Col. (b)]. b. Beginning of plan Sch. H_1l [Col. (a)] Sch. I_1c [Col. year. (a)].8. Change in net assets..... Sch. H_Subtract 1l Sch. I_Subtract 1c [Col. (a)] from [Col. (a) from 1c 1l[Col. (b)]. [Col. (b)].9. Total income............. Sch. H_2d........... Sch. I_2d. a. Employer Sch. H_2a(1)(A) Sch. I_2a(1) & contributions. & 2a(2) if 2b if applicable. applicable. b. Employee Sch. H_2a(1)(B) Sch. I_2a(2) & contributions. & 2a(2) if 2b if applicable. applicable. c. Gains (losses) from Sch. H_2b(4)(C)..... Not applicable. sale of assets. d. Earnings from Sch. H_Subtract the Sch. I -2c. investments. sum of 2a(3), 2b(4)(C) and 2c from 2d.10. Total insurance premiums Total of all Schs. A Total of all Schs. -5b. A_5b.11. Funding deficiency: a. Defined benefit plans Sch. B_10........... Same. b. Defined contribution Sch. R_6c, if more Same. plans. than zero. B. WELFARE PLAN1. Name of insurance carrier All Schs. A_1(a).... Same.2. Total (experience rated All Schs. A_Sum of Same. and non-experienced rated) 8a(4) and 9(a). insurance premiums.3. Experience rated premiums All Schs. A_8a(4)... Same.4. Experience rated claims.. All Schs. A_8b(4)... Same.5. Value of plan assets (net): a. End of plan year..... Sch. H_1l [Col. (b)] Sch. I_1c [Col. (b)]. b. Beginning of plan Sch. H_1l [Col. (a)] Sch. I_1c [Col. year. (a)].6. Change in net assets..... Sch. H_Subtract 1l Sch. I_Subtract 1c [Col. (a)] from 1l [Col. (a)] from 1c [Col. (b)]. [Col. (b)].7. Total income............. Sch. H_2d........... Sch. I_2d. a. Employer Sch. H_2a(1)(A) Sch. I_2a(1) & contributions. & 2a(2) if 2b if applicable. applicable. b. Employee Sch. H_2a(1)(B) Sch. I_2a(2) & contributions. & 2a(2) if 2b if applicable. applicable. c. Gains (losses) from Sch. H_2b(4)(C)..... Not applicable. sale of assets. d. Earnings from Sch. H_Subtract the Sch. I -2c. investments. sum of 2a(3), 2b(4)(C) and 2c from 2d. 8. Total plan expenses..... Sch. H_2j........... Sch. I_2i.9. Administrative expenses.. Sch. H_2i(5)........ Not applicable.10. Benefits paid........... Sch. H_2e(4)........ Sch. I_2e.11. Other expenses.......... Sch. H_Subtract the Sch. I_2h. sum of 2e(4) & 2i(5) from 2j.------------------------------------------------------------------------
§ 2520.104b-30 Charges for documents.
