A lawyer may be able to help you in identifying ERISA restrictions and limitations in Virginia and maximizing your benefits. ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for voluntarily established pension and health plans.Contact a skilled ERISA lawyer to learn about your rights under ERISA in Virginia and the factors surrounding the application process. What Is the ERISA Law? It governs how employers must handle all employee's benefits, from the front line worker all the way up to the CEO. ERISA protects participants and their beneficiaries in employee benefit plans. In 1974, Congress passed a law that was designed to protect workers who participate in their employers' employee benefit plans. Salary is also defined in the policy and may or may not include bonuses.