Every ERISA-covered benefit plan reported on Form 5500 must have a Plan Number, also known as the Plan ID. This is a three-digit number assigned by the employer and used consistently across filings.
Guidelines for assigning a Plan Number:
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Welfare benefit plans (e.g., health, dental, disability) typically start at 501.
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Pension or retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)s) usually start at 001.
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Each distinct ERISA plan must have its own unique number.
Best practices:
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If multiple benefits are combined into one Wrap plan, assign one number (e.g., 501) and use it across the SPD, Form 5500, and related documents.
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Once assigned, don’t change the number in future years—it stays the same for the life of the plan.
The Plan Number helps the Department of Labor track filings and connect them to specific plans across multiple years.