ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for retirement plans in private industry. This type of plan promises an exact dollar amount upon your retirement.It calculates according to a specific formula such as amount times years of service. As an "employer," a group or association, as well as a PEO, can sponsor a defined contribution retirement plan for its members. , long-term disability insurance). There are minimum requirements for qualifying ERISA plans, including reporting, recordkeeping, and fiduciary compliance. A defined benefit plan is sometimes called a pension. This type of retirement account guarantees the account holder a specific sum of money upon retirement. IRAs (Roth, SIMPLE, and SEP);; Money purchase plans;; Defined benefit plans; and; Profit-sharing plans.