New state laws allow some retirees to return to work up to 1,040 hours without affecting pension benefits. See the new exceptions.Public employees in Washington State can take comfort in the security of their retirement funds. Life Certificate ; 1. Jay Inslee (D) is scheduled to sign into law legislation that will create Washington Saves, a state-run auto-IRA program. Washington is set to create a staterun automatic retirement savings system for workers who don't already have access to an employerbased retirement system. ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for retirement plans in private industry. You are eligible to retire with a full benefit if you have at least five years of service credit when you meet the age requirement.