Some severance arrangements are considered "welfare plans" under ERISA and, are therefore, subject to ERISA's reporting and disclosure requirements. ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for retirement plans in private industry.In this month's issue, our authors address severance benefit claims and ERISA disclosure requirements. In short, yes, severance can affect your longterm disability benefits. But there are many facets to this issue of which you should be aware. What Happens After the Deal is Done? • Assumption of benefit plans. The purpose of the Plan is to provide an "eligible employee" (as hereinafter defined) with severance pay for a specified period of time.