Definition
A withdrawal (distribution) which is made from a qualified plan or 403(b) account while the account owner is still working for the plan sponsor (the employer that sponsors the plan). Generally, distributions cannot be made from a qualified plan or 403(b) account unless the participant experiences a triggering event (distributable event) such as reaching retirement age ( though still employed by the plan sponsor) or reaching age 59 ½ (even if still employed by the plan sponsor). However, some plans allow participants who have not experienced a triggering event to make withdrawals; these are referred to as In-service withdrawals.
Key Considerations
- Participants cannot make withdrawals from pension plans unless a triggering event has occurred
- Some inservice withdrawals are permitted only from 403(b) plans, 401(k) plans and profit sharing plans
- Some plans that permit in-service withdrawals limit such withdrawals to hardship
- Hardship withdrawals are not rollover eligible.
- In-service withdrawals; cannot be made from salary deferral contributions, unless the participant is at least age 59 ½, or the withdrawal is due to hardship
More Information
For more information about in-service withdrawals see:
In-service Withdrawal (definition)
