This blog post will give an overview of how ERISA can impact your severance agreement. An employer that maintains a severance plan that is subject to ERISA but fails to follow ERISA's requirements may be subject to potential penalties.Compare the best ERISA lawyers near Nassau County, NY today. Use our free directory to instantly connect with verified ERISA attorneys. ERISA governs only a severance plan that requires an "ongoing administrative program," requiring "complex administrative activities." This ERISA procedure describes the general procedures of the department in issuing information letters and advisory opinions under the Act. An "employee pension benefit plan" is defined as a plan that provides retirement income or income deferral. Receive pension paperwork to fill out to begin collecting your RAP benefit. ERISA does not apply to all forms of severance pay and severance benefits.