27 Miss. Code. R. 220-VII-7.11

Current through October 31, 2024
Section 27-220-VII-7.11 - UNFORESEEABLE EMERGENCY WITHDRAWALS
a. A Participant may request a lump sum distribution in the form of an Unforeseeable Emergency withdrawal subject to the following requirements:
(i) The request for an Unforeseeable Emergency withdrawal will be subject to review and approval based on the Participant's relevant facts and circumstances.
(ii) The request for an Unforeseeable Emergency may be made only to the extent that such emergency is or may not be relieved through:

* reimbursement or compensation from insurance or otherwise;

* liquidation of the Participant's assets, to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship; or

* cessation of the Participant's deferrals under the Plan.

(iii) Distributions due to an Unforeseeable Emergency must be limited to the amount reasonably necessary to satisfy the emergency need (which may include any amounts necessary to pay any federal, state, or local income taxes or penalties reasonably anticipated to result from the distribution).
b. An unforeseeable emergency is a severe financial hardship resulting from:
(i) an illness or accident of the Participant or Beneficiary, the Participant's or Beneficiary's spouse or of a Participant's or Beneficiary's dependent [as defined in Code Section 152(a)];
(ii) loss of the Participant's or Beneficiary's property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by homeowner's insurance (e.g., as a result of a natural disaster));
(iii) other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant or the Beneficiary.
c. A Participant may request an Unforeseeable Emergency withdrawal by submitting that request in writing on the Plan's approved form(s) to the Board, or committee appointed by the Board, who will review the request. The Board may rely on the Participant's written self-certification that i) the circumstances for the Unforeseeable Emergency exist, (ii) the amount requested is not in excess of the amount reasonably necessary to satisfy the emergency need, and (iii) the participant has no alternative reasonably available means to satisfy such need, unless the Board has actual knowledge that is contrary to the Participant's certification. If the request is denied, a request for review of the determination may be made in writing. If a request of an Unforeseeable Emergency withdrawal is approved, a lump sum distribution from the Participant's Account will be made in an amount as approved to meet the Unforeseeable Emergency.
d. Upon the application of a Participant for an Unforeseeable Emergency withdrawal of funds prior to termination of employment, the Participant shall be required to cease deferrals in the Plan for six (6) calendar months after the Unforeseeable Emergency request. Should a Participant request a subsequent Unforeseeable Emergency withdrawal within three years from the date of such original request, the Participant shall be required to cease deferrals in the Plan for a period of twelve (12) months beginning with the month following the date in which the Unforeseeable Emergency withdrawal was requested.
e. In no event shall the amount of a withdrawal for an Unforeseeable Emergency exceed the amount of benefits that would have been available to the Participant at the time of such withdrawal. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, if a Participant makes a withdrawal hereunder, the value of benefits under the Plan shall be appropriately reduced to reflect such withdrawal, and the remainder of any benefits shall be payable in accordance with otherwise applicable provisions of the Plan.

27 Miss. Code. R. 220-VII-7.11

Amended 10/1/2015
Amended 8/1/2016
Amended 4/1/2017
Amended 1/1/2021
Amended 4/1/2022
Amended 7/1/2023
Amended 12/1/2023