COVID-19: You Can Now Take $100,000 From Your 401(k) or IRA, but Should You?
On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, this act is designed to bring economic relief to individuals and businesses who’ve been affected by the resulting economic downturn. Section 2202 of the act, titled “Special Rules For Use of Retirement Funds,” now allows those affected by COVID-19 to withdraw up to $100,000 penalty-free from their 401(k) or IRA. 1 What does it mean to be "impacted by COVID-19?" Congress defines this broadly to include those who: Have been diagnosed with COVID-19; Have a spouse or dependent who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; Experience adverse financial consequences as a result of being quarantined, furloughed, being laid off, or having work hours reduced because of the disease; Are unable to work because they lack childcare as a result of the disease; Own a business that has closed or operate under reduced hours because of the