Select your state

Employment law

retirement benefits

Many employers provide employees with various retirement benefits in the form of retirement and investment accounts or plans—including 401k plans, pension plans, and thrift savings plans (for federal employees)—sometimes with employer-matching of employee contributions.

Retirement benefits are generally discretionary and private employers are not obligated to provide them—or any other employee benefits. Most employees are also covered by Social Security—a retirement benefit administered by by the federal government—with eligibility for benefits beginning at age 62.

In Rhode Island, as in other states, employers may offer retirement benefits such as 401k plans, pension plans, and for federal employees, thrift savings plans. These benefits, often including employer-matching contributions, are discretionary and not mandated by law for private employers. However, employers who do offer these plans must comply with federal regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which sets minimum standards to ensure that employee benefits are protected and provided fairly. Additionally, most employees in Rhode Island, as elsewhere in the United States, contribute to and are covered by Social Security, a federal program that provides retirement benefits. Eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits begins at age 62, although the full retirement age varies depending on the year of birth.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

Individual & Family Legal Plan

As a LegalFix member, you'll get expert legal services from a local law firm that treats you like an important client. Don't wait—be prepared for life's inevitable legal challenges starting today. And ask your employer, credit union, or membership group about preferred pricing opportunities.

Employment law

retirement benefits

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Rhode-Island State Code

Rhode-Island State Code

Articles

Employment law

retirement benefits