401(k) Hardship Withdrawals – What You Need to Know

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A record number of Americans are taking hardship withdrawals and tapping into their 401(k)s.

According to Fidelity, “Participants taking hardship withdrawals from their accounts rose to 2.4% last year, up from 1.9% in 2021.”

Vanguard also recorded a rise in hardship withdrawals in 2022.

While alarming, it isn’t surprising as last year saw record high inflation, rising interest rates, and a 15% year-over-year increase in credit card balances.

Whether 401(k) investors need the money to cover medical bills, to stay off eviction, or to pay tuition expenses, it’s clear they’re hurting for extra cash right now.

Before you dip into your retirement savings, it’s critical to understand the implications of doing so.

From taxes to losing more money than you planned, there’s a lot to consider before making the move.

Defining the Hardship Withdrawal

Hardship withdrawals are defined by the IRS as taking money out of your 401(k) because of an immediate financial need that’s limited to the amount to satisfy the hardship need – not the amount you want.

The need of the employee also covers the employee’s spouse or dependents.

With a 401(k) hardship withdrawal, you pull money from your savings, and you cannot pay it back like you do a 401(k) loan.

If you qualify for a hardship withdrawal, the money you take out will be taxed as ordinary income if you are under age 59½, but you won’t have to pay the 10% penalty.

Key Factors to Consider before Pulling Money from Your 401(k)

#1 First things first – not all plans allow for the hardship withdrawal.

If your plan does allow for it, you will likely have to provide proof of the hardship and get approval that it meets the criteria.

#2 The money may not be immediately available. Each plan has a different set of rules it must follow so it may take weeks to get the money from your 401(k). If you need cash ASAP, you need to look for other alternatives.

#3 Taxes are another thing to consider.

Whether you qualify for a hardship withdrawal or not, you must pay taxes on the amount withdrawn – and it’s considered ordinary income.

The last thing you want to do is get cash for a short-term need, only to find out it’s bumped you up to the next tax bracket.

If you’re willing to take the tax hit, we still recommend you speak with your CPA or tax professional to find out the real cost of cashing out. When all is said and done, the cost may outweigh the need.

#4 Lastly – and this is a big one – you should avoid taking out money from your 401(k) when the market is down.

Remember, you only lose money if you cash out at the bottom of the market. Taking a 401(k) withdrawal when the market is low means you have to withdraw a larger percentage of your account.

Alternatives to a 401(k) Hardship Withdrawal
In an ideal world, you wouldn’t touch your 401(k) until retirement.
Here are a few alternative options to the 401(k) hardship withdrawal should you need money to cover an emergency.

Medical Expenses: There are numerous companies that provide financing options, such as CareCredit or accessone.

Housing and Living Expenses:
Tap into other non-retirement savings, such as brokerage accounts.
Take money from your Roth IRA.
Take out a home equity line of credit. Because you use your home as collateral, you may get a better interest rate and a longer payback.
Take out an unsecured personal loan to get you through.
Apply for a 0% credit card, put the money on that card, and then pay off interest-free before the interest-free promotional period expires.

Another option is to take out a 401(k) loan.
With a 401(k) loan, you borrow from yourself, and you have to pay it back with interest, typically within 5 years of taking the loan.
A 401(k) loan is not a distribution like the hardship withdrawal.
The benefit here is that you do not have to pay penalties and taxes should you pay it back on time. And, the interest you pay on the loan goes back into your retirement savings.

There is a downside: In the event you lose your job or quit, you will be forced to pay back the loan in full before tax day the following year.

If you can’t pay it back on time, the loan will be treated as an early withdrawal, and the unpaid loan balance will be considered a taxable distribution.

Also, if you are under age 59½, you will have to pay a 10% federal tax penalty on the unpaid balance along with income taxes on the balance of the loan.

Final Thoughts

Should you need money for a hardship, whatever you decide to do, we recommend speaking with a tax professional, as well as a financial advisor.

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401(k) Hardship Withdrawals: What You Need To Know

Saving for retirement is an important financial goal for many individuals. One of the most popular ways to save for retirement is through a 401(k) plan, which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary on a pretax basis, ensuring substantial savings over time. While contributing to a 401(k) account is beneficial for long-term financial security, there may be circumstances where individuals require access to these funds before retirement. In such cases, a 401(k) hardship withdrawal can be a viable option, but it is important to understand the implications and requirements before considering this step.

What is a 401(k) Hardship Withdrawal?
A 401(k) hardship withdrawal is the early withdrawal of funds from a 401(k) account due to an immediate and significant financial need. Generally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows such withdrawals for specified reasons, including medical expenses, purchase of a primary residence, college tuition, payments to prevent eviction or foreclosure, and funeral expenses. However, it is essential to note that while eligible, hardship withdrawals should be seen as a last resort, as they come with potential drawbacks.

Understanding the Requirements:
To qualify for a 401(k) hardship withdrawal, an employee must demonstrate the need for immediate funds and exhaustion of all available alternatives. Additionally, the employee must show that the withdrawal amount is necessary only to meet the hardship and that they have no other way to access the funds required.

Limitations and Considerations:
There are several limitations and considerations to be aware of before pursuing a 401(k) hardship withdrawal. Firstly, not all employers offer hardship withdrawal options, so employees should check with their human resources department or plan administrator to determine if it is available within their specific plan. Additionally, even if available, each employer may have their own set of rules and restrictions for withdrawing funds, so it is important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines.

Furthermore, hardship withdrawals are subject to income tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty if withdrawn before the age of 59.5. These taxes and penalties can significantly reduce the amount received, making it much less beneficial than leaving the funds to grow with compound interest until retirement.

Alternatives to Consider:
Before deciding to take a 401(k) hardship withdrawal, individuals should explore other potential options. For example, some plans may offer participant loans, which allow individuals to borrow against their 401(k) savings without incurring taxes or early withdrawal penalties, as long as certain rules are followed. Alternatively, individuals may consider seeking assistance from financial advisors to explore other avenues, such as budgeting, debt management, or emergency savings, which could alleviate their immediate financial burdens without tapping into retirement savings.

In conclusion, while a 401(k) hardship withdrawal can be a lifeline during times of financial hardship, it is crucial to weigh the long-term consequences and explore other alternatives before taking this step. Saving for retirement is an ongoing journey that requires patience and commitment. Therefore, individuals must carefully consider their options and make informed decisions to protect their future financial well-being.