Can SPDs be written for different classes of participants?

In some cases, a welfare benefit plan may provide different benefits for different classes of participants and beneficiaries. In these cases, the plan administrator can elect to meet the SPD requirements by furnishing to each member of each class of participants and beneficiaries a copy of a summary plan description appropriate to that class. These SPDs must follow the format and style requirements and contain prescribed information;, however, the SPD may omit information that is not applicable to the class of participants or beneficiaries to which it is furnished.

If different SPDs are prepared, the plan administrator should clearly identify on the first page of the text the classes of participants and beneficiaries and the plan's coverage of other classes. However, if classes are too numerous to be listed on the first page, they may be listed in other pages of the SPD (and the first page should contain a reference to the page or pages in the text where the classes are listed).

If different SPDs are prepared, a copy of each SPD should be filed with the Labor Department if they are requested. A list identifying each summary plan description must be included.