Which criteria is NOT related to determining a participant's benefit amount?

The age at the start of employment is not typically a criterion that influences the determination of a participant's benefit amount. Instead, benefit calculations often focus on factors such as years of service, the type of benefit selected, and the pension rate at retirement.

Years of service with covered employers are critical because they often determine the accrual of benefits and the final calculation of the pension. The type of benefit selected affects the structure of payments, such as opting for a lump sum versus a monthly annuity. Finally, the pension rate at retirement is crucial, as it is based on the economic conditions and the plan's provisions at that time, which ultimately sets the payout levels.

In contrast, the specific age when an individual begins their employment does not have a direct impact on their benefit amount; it is more about the duration of service and the conditions at retirement that matter for the calculation of benefits.