Dug a little deeper.
Your problem may be that you are still working for the employer that sponsors your 401K.
You can get your money if you no longer work for the sponsoring employer.
What about my current 401(k)? Can I access that money at any time?
You
cannot take a cash 401(k) withdrawal while you are currently working for the employer that sponsors the 401(k) unless you have a major hardship. That being said, you can cash out your 401(k) before age 59 ½ without paying the 10 percent penalty if:
- You become completely and permanently disabled
- You incur medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your gross income
- A court of law orders you to give the funds to your divorced spouse, a child, or a dependent
- You retire early in the same year you turn 55 or later
- You are permanently laid off or terminated, you quit, or you retire and have established a payment schedule of regular withdrawals in equal amounts for the rest of your expected natural life.
Additionally, you can cash out your 401(k) and pay the 10 percent penalty if you need funds for certain financial hardships and have
no other source of funds. These hardships include:
- The purchase of your primary home
- Higher education tuition, room and board, and fees for the next twelve months for you, your spouse, or your dependents or children
- To prevent eviction from your home or foreclosure on your primary residence
- Tax-deductible medical expenses that are not reimbursed for you, your spouse, or your dependents
- Other severe financial hardship