How to obtain and decode a Summary Plan Description

This page is one of the links on HPAA's Retirement Plan Menu -- which includes "How to investigate a retirement benefit plan" and "Lump-sum or pension?"

The key document for a US employee retirement or health plan is the legal Summary Plan Description (SPD). It includes plan details and an address at the employer for appeals. The current SPD takes precedence over any other written, online, or verbal information you may have been given -- but is still subject to change. The employer's plan administrator is required by law to provide the SPD upon request. Log into the plan administrator's website or call.

(Updated Jul 29, 2025)  Click to join the HPAA   Question? Email us: info@hpalumni.org

What is an SPD?

"Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) describe key features of the benefits... also include a directory of benefit resources, information about what happens when you experience certain changes in your life, and information about your rights under the programs. In the event of any inconsistency between the SPDs and the terms of the plans or programs, the terms of the plans or programs will control." --HP

Succinct article: What is in an SPD? How do SPDs work? Investopedia on SPDs 

The first two segments of a plan number are the "EIN" -- IRS Employer Identification Number. For example, 94-1081436 for HP.

How to obtain SPDs.

HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company) 

- Directory of HPE SPDs on public Retiree Benefits Toolkit: https://myhperewards.com/retiree/index.html

- HPAA's copy of the HPE Retiree Medical Benefits SPD: https://www.hpalumni.org/hpe-spd-retiree-medical.pdf  Document date Sep 2022. File date 8/4/22.

Much easier to use an SPD if you have an online copy.

Even if you have a paper copy, download the pdf file and use Adobe Reader's search feature to find specific words or phrases (Ctrl-F, F3, or Command-F.)

Start reading at the end. 

There is usually a section -- located a page or two in from the last age -- entitled "Plan Administrative Information" that gives vital info:

- Formal plan name, Employer Identification Number, and plan number

- Plan type, plan year, and how the plan is funded and administered

- Legally-required postal addresses for claims, appeals, and the plan trustee.

Addresses in SPDs are often out of date.

HPE headquarters 1701 E Mossy Oaks Rd, Spring, TX 77389. (At a US Post Office window, you can specify Certified Mail combined with Return Receipt.) 

2. Administrator postal addresses.

Qualified Domestic Relations Order administrator: QDRO Consultants -- 1-800-527-8481. 3071 Pearl Road, Medina, OH 44256

Fidelity -- which runs the HP and HPE Retirement Services Centers: PO Box 770003, Cincinnati, OH 45277-0070

ERISA disability claims address in San Marcos, TX is invalid. Contact the HP or HPE Benefits Center.

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