The retiree works no more than 600 hours in a fiscal year. (3) For purposes of this section, "early retirement effective period" means the period beginning on January 1, 1986 and ending at midnight on January 1, 1989.At least 10 years of work history is needed for full survivor benefits. A plan may also pay early retirement benefits at 55 years of age or older to the extent of actuarially equivalent benefits not increasing the costs of the plan. You can begin using your account after you leave employment. If you retire at age 62, the earliest possible Social. Security retirement age, your benefit will be lower than if you wait. If you leave state employment after you have met the 10-year service requirement but not the age requirement, you waive your right to state paid life insurance. The employee must complete and submit the Special Retirement Form (a different Form created for special retirement situations). Your employer may also adopt early retirement benefits.