Once you reach age 59.5, you may withdraw money from your 401(k) penaltyfree. Typically, it is taxable.The rule of 55, or the 401k 55 rule, lets you withdraw penaltyfree from your 401(k) or 403(b) before you reach 59.5, in certain situations. 457 Plan withdrawals are not subject to any early withdrawal penalty, unless you roll your 457 assets to a 401(k),. Early Withdrawal Penalties. While you are employed in a TRS covered position, as stated in Georgia law, you cannot make withdrawals or borrow funds from your account. In general, you're not supposed to take money out of your IRA or 401(k) before age 59½. However, when you take an early withdrawal from a 401(k), you could lose a significant portion of your retirement money right from the start. Provides for special distribution options and rollover rules for retirement plans and IRAs and expands permissible loans from certain retirement plans. You can take money out before you reach that age.