ERISA provides that a person who is an alternate payee under a QDRO generally shall be considered a beneficiary under the plan for purposes of. ERISA. Our ERISA attorneys at the Peace Law Firm describe some issues involving ERISA plans and beneficiaries.Contact us for help today. The Summary Plan Description (SPD) should include your plan's claims procedures. Usually, you fill out the required paperwork and submit it to the plan. Sign in to Retirement Online, go to the 'My Account Summary' area of your Account Homepage and click "View and Update My Beneficiaries." Qualified Retirement Plan. The Plan's benefits are fulfilled, every Participant in the Plan is entitled under the law (ERISA) to receive the following summary of rights and protections. A beneficiary becomes entitled to plan benefits because of the participant's death or a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO).