For Compensation and Benefits Analysts ·
What you'll accomplish
Use Claude to transform dense ERISA and insurance language from your Summary Plan Descriptions into clear, friendly employee guides. Instead of spending 2–3 hours manually editing a single SPD section, you'll get a polished plain-language draft in 10 minutes.
What you'll need
Start with the sections employees are most likely to read: enrollment instructions, eligibility rules, how to file a claim, and what happens when you leave the company (COBRA). These sections get the most questions and have the most to gain from plain-language rewrites.
Go to {{tool:Claude.url}} and click New Chat. (Or use the desktop app if your organization has it installed.)
Before pasting the SPD text, tell Claude what you need:
I'm a benefits analyst. I need to rewrite this section of our Summary Plan Description
in plain English for employees. Target reading level: 6th to 8th grade.
Rules:
- Keep all dollar amounts, dates, and plan names exactly as written
- Do not add, remove, or change any substantive benefits rules
- Use short sentences and active voice
- Replace insurance/legal jargon with everyday terms (e.g., "deductible" is fine to keep, but define it the first time)
- Format with short paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate
Here is the text to rewrite:
[paste SPD section here]
When Claude returns the plain-language version, read it alongside the original. Verify:
What you should see: Shorter paragraphs, fewer subordinate clauses, everyday vocabulary, while keeping all the substantive rules intact.
Troubleshooting: If Claude added information that wasn't in the original ("employees are also entitled to..."), ask it to remove the addition: "Remove any information not present in the original text."
The plain-language version must be reviewed by your employment attorney or benefits legal counsel before it goes to employees. Some ERISA-required language must appear verbatim. Your attorney will flag what needs to stay formal.
Once cleared by legal, use the rewritten section to replace the corresponding text in your employee-facing benefits guide, open enrollment materials, or HR portal.
For COBRA language: "Rewrite this COBRA notice section in plain English for an employee who has never heard of COBRA. Keep all deadlines, dollar amounts, and election periods exactly as written. Maximum 200 words. [paste COBRA section]"
For eligibility rules: "Rewrite this eligibility section so a new hire can quickly understand: who qualifies, when coverage starts, and what they need to do. Use a numbered list for action steps. [paste eligibility section]"
For claims process: "Rewrite this claims filing process in step-by-step format using plain English. An employee should be able to follow these steps on their own without calling HR. [paste claims section]"