Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation ensuring retirement plan options for private sector employees. For the full retirement benefit, you must be 62 years old at retirement or, if you have 30 years of credited service, you may retire as early as age 55.King County, as plan administrator, has the sole discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits and to construe the terms of the plans. Missing Participants Program. PBGC has a program called the Missing Participants Program, which connects people to their retirement benefit. Complete a retirement application at least 5 weeks from the date you intend to retire(once you receive your official estimate). EBSA can help you with your employee benefit plans, including retirement, healthcare, and disability benefits.