Your Eligibility for BOTH employee Deferral and Employer Match are the same. The HR folks often have wrong/outdated Benefits Package info. so don’t rely on that.
If SPD states 1 year anniversary then it’s possible they made a mistake.
You can also call the provider Fidelity, Principal, Empower and ask them about it to make sure.
If shady you can also call the DOL, and look for another job.