Summary plan descriptions-what are the current filing requirements?

The requirement that employee benefit plan administrators are required to file a summary plan description (SPD) with the Labor Department has been eliminated. However, an SPD (and any other relevant documents) must be provided to the Labor Department upon request. If these documents are not filed with the Labor Department within 30 days of the request, the Labor Department may assess a civil penalty of up to $110 per day (up to $1,100 per request). No penalty will be imposed if the failure to provide the SPD results from matters reasonably beyond the plan administrator's control.

Any rules requiring the administrator to furnish the SPD to participants are unaffected by this change.