Which component is typically associated with retirement benefits?

Defined benefit plans are a type of retirement plan that provides a predetermined monthly benefit at retirement, which is typically based on factors such as salary history and duration of employment. These plans are designed to give employees financial security in their retirement years by ensuring that they receive a consistent income after they stop working. The employer is responsible for the investment and management of the funds, and the benefit amounts are guaranteed, making them a key component of retirement planning for many workers.

In contrast, health savings accounts are used primarily for medical expenses and are not specifically tied to retirement benefits. Life insurance policies provide financial protection to beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's death, which is unrelated to retirement benefits. Short-term disability benefits assist employees who are temporarily unable to work due to medical issues, again not directly linked to retirement. Therefore, the nature and purpose of defined benefit plans align specifically with the goal of providing retirement benefits, making it the correct choice.