### Question
What does earliest retirement age mean?


### Answer
**Earliest retirement age** has the following meaning in *29 U.S.C. § 1056*:

> the earlier of—


(I) the date on which the participant is entitled to a distribution under the plan, or


(II) the later of the date of the participant attains age 50 or the earliest date on which the participant could begin receiving benefits under the plan if the participant separated from service

#### Citation:
  - *29 U.S.C. § 1056*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 17-COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS > SUBCHAPTER I-PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS > Subtitle B-Regulatory Provisions > part 2-participation and vesting**

