Cash Withdrawals and Loans

Overview

The ability to take a cash withdrawal or loan from your U-M retirement savings plans depends on a number of factors including the plan type, your age, the reason for withdrawal, and if you are a current employee, a former employee or U-M retiree. In some cases you may be subject to taxes and penalties. Talk with a tax professional or financial advisor and ask questions so that you understand the limitations, requirements and consequences before you take any action.

How to Initiate a Cash Withdrawal

1. Call TIAA or Fidelity to determine if you are eligible for a withdrawal.

  • TIAA: 800-842-2252, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m - 10 p.m. (ET)
  • Fidelity: (800) 343-0860, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - midnight (ET)

2. A telephone representative will review your account and determine the amount available for a withdrawal, if you are eligible for one. 

3. Provide verbal instructions over a recorded line to initiate the withdrawal. This is faster and more efficient than completing and mailing a paper form to TIAA or Fidelity. 

4. If needed, TIAA or Fidelity will contact U-M directly for authorization to process the withdrawal. 

Compare Your Options for Cash Withdrawals and Loans

Following are overviews of your options for making withdrawals or receiving loans from each plan type. For details, see Eligibility and Procedures for Cash Withdrawals and Loans.

Work Status Cash Withdrawals Loans
Basic Retirement Savings Plan
Current Employee Your 5% 403(b) contributions and earnings may be cashed out or rolled over at age 59½ or older; hardship (currently only available through TIAA); disability. Not Available
Former Employee Employee contributions and earnings at any age, university contributions and earnings at age 55 or older Not Available
U-M Retiree At any age Not Available
Rehired Retiree or Rehired Former Faculty or Staff Member

At age 59½ or older.

Not Available
Work Status Cash Withdrawals Loans
403(b) Supplemental Retirement Account (SRA)
Current Employee

At age 59½ or older; hardship; disability

At any age
Former Employee At any age Fidelity 403(b) SRA only
U-M Retiree At any age Fidelity 403(b) SRA only
Rehired Retiree or Rehired Former Faculty or Staff Member At age 59½ or older; hardship; disability At any age
Work Status Cash Withdrawals Loans
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
Current Employee At age 59½ or older; one-time withdrawal if account is less than $5,000 when specific conditions are met. See below for details. At any age
Former Employee At any age Fidelity 457(b) only
U-M Retiree At any age Fidelity 457(b) only
Rehired Retiree or Rehired Former Faculty or Staff Member At age 59½ or older; one-time withdrawal if account is less than $5,000 when specific conditions are met, regardless of age. See below for details. At any age