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ARTICLE · 28 JUNE 2026

When ERISA Benefit Communications Become A Legal Problem

Miller Shah LLP
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ERISA mandates specific communications from plan administrators to participants about administrative matters and benefits, yet many employers unknowingly violate these requirements through delayed notices...

United StatesEmployment and HR
Nicholas K. Ono
Nicholas K. Ono
Arman Borghei
Arman Borghei
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The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requires certain communications by a plan administrator to plan participants regarding administrative matters and benefits offered under a plan. Documents and information concerning matters like fees, changes in a plan’s investments or benefits, and benefit denials may appear to be standard administrative matters, but these communications carry significant legal consequences if they are omitted or handled improperly. Employers may run the risk of violating ERISA when these documents are not timely sent, or when they contain errors or set expectations that plans do not provide. But what types of benefit communications does ERISA govern?

What Types of Employee Benefit Communications Are Governed by ERISA?

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