---
title: "Plan instrument and booklet comparison"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/superannuation/us-spd-comparison"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a27-us-spd-comparison"
area_id: "A27"
kind: "checklist"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
task_ids: ["A27-A20260923-1", "A27-T1-R2"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-22"
---

# Plan instrument and booklet comparison

> A side-by-side review of an ERISA plan instrument and its summary plan description. The booklet has to track the instrument. This list does not calculate a benefit.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/superannuation/us-spd-comparison  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

- Kind: Checklist. Steps or checks to work through and tick off.
- Practice area: [Superannuation](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/superannuation.md)
- Jurisdictions: United States
- AI level: Yellow. You and the tool draft together, with you directing. You check every statement you rely on.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-22
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-22 against the 3 authorities it cites, for United States.

## When to use it

Use when a lawyer has both the plan instrument and a booklet and needs a comparison table. Do not use it to amend either document or to answer a participant's claim.

## Used for these tasks

- [Compare a member booklet or product disclosure to the deed](https://ailawframework.com/practice/superannuation/compare-a-member-booklet-or-product-disclosure-to-the-deed.md)
- [Compare a self-managed retirement-fund deed to a current-law checklist](https://ailawframework.com/practice/superannuation/compare-a-self-managed-retirement-fund-deed-to-a-current-law-checklist.md)

## How AI may be used

Yellow: the lawyer fills every row from the two documents and decides whether the booklet is accurate.

**AI may:**

- Set up a comparison table with blank rows for eligibility, amendment, payments, and claims.
- Remind the reviewer of the accuracy standard in 29 U.S.C. § 1022(a).
- Flag a booklet statement that the instrument does not support.

**AI must not:**

- Do not amend the plan or furnish a new booklet.
- Do not calculate a benefit, a vesting percentage, or a contribution.
- Do not decide a claim for benefits.
- Do not state a furnishing deadline.

**The lawyer checks:**

- Use the instrument as the source of rights. Use the booklet as the summary.
- Apply the section 1022(a) standard of accuracy and of being understood by the average plan participant.
- Send any mismatch back to the plan's amendment procedure in section 1102(b)(3).
- Do not treat an Australian fund rule as the comparison standard.

## Authorities

- [29 U.S.C. § 1102](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/1102)
- [29 U.S.C. § 1022](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/1022)
- [29 CFR § 2520.102-3](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/29/2520.102-3)

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/superannuation/us-spd-comparison and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*