Get Calstrs Hardship Withdrawal

Eligibility for a Hardship Withdrawal Immediate and heavy expenses include the following: Certain medical expenses. Home-buying expenses for a principal residence. Up to 12 months' worth of tuition and fees.

If you're younger than 59½ and suffering financial hardship, you may be able to withdraw funds from your retirement accounts without incurring the usual 10% penalty. Not all hardships qualify, however, and you're still responsible for paying income tax on the withdrawal.

To be eligible for a hardship withdrawal, you must have an immediate and heavy financial need that cannot be fulfilled by any other reasonably available assets. This includes other liquid investments, savings, and other distributions you are eligible to take from your 401(k) plan.

If you no longer work in a CalSTRS-covered position, you can leave your money in CalSTRS until you reach 70½ or request a refund.

401(k) plans A hardship withdrawal allows the owner of a 401(k) plan or a similar retirement plan (such as a 403(b)) to withdraw money from the account to meet a dire financial need. Hardship withdrawals are treated as taxable income and may be subject to an additional 10 percent tax (and usually are).

A retirement plan may, but is not required to, provide for hardship distributions. Many plans that provide for elective deferrals provide for hardship distributions. Thus, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and 457(b) plans may permit hardship distributions.

Reasons for a 401(k) Hardship Withdrawal A 401(k) hardship withdrawal is allowed by the IRS if you have an "immediate and heavy financial need." The IRS lists the following as situations that might qualify for a 401(k) hardship withdrawal: Certain medical expenses. Burial or funeral costs.