[header] How to withdraw retirement money early [title] Check the types of plans you have. [step] While there are limited exceptions that enable you to withdraw retirement funds early without any tax penalty, many of these exceptions only apply to money held in particular types of accounts. [substeps] The type of plan you have also determines the earliest age at which you can withdraw retirement money without penalty, and whether you must first leave your job. 
Some plans are never subject to early withdrawal penalties, such as employee stock ownership plans. These plans often share similar features with traditional retirement plans, but dividend distributions from these plans are penalty-free.