Requirement to Provide Paper Statements in Certain Cases

Defined contribution plans will be required to send a paper benefit statement no less than once per year. (For ERISA-covered plans, the other three required quarterly statements can be delivered electronically.) For defined benefit plans, a paper benefit statement must be delivered once every 3 years. Participants may choose to opt out and obtain statements electronically only.

The Labor Secretary must update the relevant sections of their regulations and corresponding guidance by December 31, 2024, and the annual paper statement is effective for plan years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Applicable plans: ERISA 401(a), 401(k), and 403(b) defined contribution plans, and 401(a) defined benefit plans.

Effective 1/1/2026.