Summary Plan Descriptions

Let’s be honest: Most summary plan descriptions (SPDs) are long and dense, making them hard to get through. Employees scroll, skim or skip entirely. And when they need the information? They’re not always sure where to look.

We help you turn the page, literally and figuratively. At PartnerComm, we turn SPDs into communication people can rely upon and use — clear, compliant and human. Still technically accurate. Still thorough. Just easier to consume.

SPDs should inform — not overwhelm.

The approach

Here’s how to make your SPDs a little more digestible.

Write to ERISA first.

But compliance doesn’t have to mean complexity. We approach SPDs with a clear goal: Meet regulatory needs and help employees understand what they’re reading.

Why does that matter? Because the SPD plays an important role in how plans are interpreted and relied upon. When language is unclear or inconsistent, it can create confusion — for employees and for the organization. We help reduce that risk by focusing on accuracy, consistency and intent.

Make it a reliable source employees can trust.

Employees need to reference an SPD for clarity, especially with a very technical question. If it’s unclear or misaligned with other materials, that can create issues down the line. It’s important to:

Ensure alignment between the SPD, plan document, summaries of material modifications (SMMs) and enrollment materials
Explicitly state what controls if there is a conflict — and ensure that statement is accurate
Update SPDs promptly when plans change

Organize content naturally.

No one sits down with an SPD and reads it from start to finish. People scan. They jump around. They look for answers. ERISA requires SPDs to be written so the “average plan participant” can understand them. Courts look at structure, not just words. So write SPDs with that reality in mind — a clear hierarchy, meaningful headers and a logical flow.

Use plain language on purpose.

Clear writing isn’t casual writing — it’s careful writing. Translate complex benefit concepts into plain, respectful language that employees can understand without rereading a paragraph three times. The goal isn’t to oversimplify. It’s to make information accessible.

What sets us apart

We think beyond the document.

We consider how it connects to other benefits communication, like enrollment materials, websites, guides and other tools — so employees aren’t seeing conflicting language or disconnected explanations.

We work well with others.

SPDs sit at the intersection of multiple audiences — legal teams, HR partners, vendors and employees. We know how to navigate these dynamics and work with these groups to create appropriate content.

We're good editors, not just good writers.

A lot of SPD work is about what not to include. We know how to streamline without cutting corners by removing duplication, tightening language and clarifying intent while preserving accuracy.

We are HR and employee communication experts. We understand the subject matter and the stakes — especially when it comes to HR content. No jargon. No filler. Just content employees can understand and use.

And, while we don’t provide legal advice, we do have an on-site ERISA attorney, and we know that SPDs have real requirements. We take those seriously.