TIAA-CREF - Financial Services for The Greater Good™ : Plan Details Distributions

When it's time to decide how to take income from your Drexel University Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity Plan, you have a variety of options*:

Fixed Period — You can choose to receive income for a set period of two to 30 years, depending on the terms of our contract and your plan's rules (and not to exceed your life expectancy). Payments stop at the end of the period, during which you will have received all your principal and earnings. Talk to your benefits office for details.
Hardship Distribution — If your plan permits, you can withdraw your elective deferrals (but not earnings) due to financial hardship while still employed. Generally, you must show an immediate, significant need that cannot be met with other resources, including loans from your retirement plan.
Interest Only — You can receive the current interest earned on your TIAA Traditional Account in monthly payments. Your principal remains intact while you receive the interest. (Note: These payments are generally available to individuals between ages 55 and 70½ when minimum distributions are required.)
Lifetime Retirement Income
- One-life annuity — provides income for as long as you live.
- Two-life annuity — provides lifetime income for you and an annuity partner (your spouse or someone else you name) for as long as either of you live.
- One- or two-life annuity with guaranteed period — guarantees income for up to 20 years, as long as the period you choose does not exceed your life expectancy. It ensures that income continues to go to your beneficiaries for the remainder of the guaranteed period if you (one-life annuity) or both you and your annuity partner (two-life annuity) die before the end of that period.
Lump Sum — You can withdraw all or part of your account in a single cash payment, depending on your plan rules and the terms of your contracts. (Your right to a lump-sum distribution from your TIAA Traditional Account may be restricted to taking 10 annual payments under those terms). Talk to your benefits office for details.
Minimum Distribution Option — Generally, you must begin taking minimum withdrawals from your account by April 1 following the year in which you turn age 70½ or retire, whichever is later. This can help you defer the minimum required distribution while keeping you in compliance with federal regulations.
Retirement Transition Benefit — If your contract allows, you can withdraw, in cash, up to 10% of your accumulation at the beginning of a conversion to lifetime annuity income. The amount you withdraw will reduce your lifetime annuity income accordingly.
Single-Sum Death Benefit — A set amount your beneficiary(ies) will receive from your retirement account if you die before taking income.
Small-Sum Distribution — If your plan doesn't otherwise allow cash distributions, upon separation from service you can withdraw your entire retirement savings if your TIAA Traditional Account value does not exceed $2,000 and your overall account balance is below a limit set by your employer's plan (typically $4,000). If your plan does allow cash distributions, upon separation you may be able to withdraw your TIAA Traditional accumulation if the value does not exceed $2,000. Talk to your benefits office for details.
Systematic Withdrawals — If your plan allows, you can choose to receive regular income payments (minimum $100) on a semimonthly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. You can increase, decrease or suspend the payments at any time. (Note: These withdrawals are not available from TIAA Traditional Account balances.)
TPA to Cash — If your plan allows, you can withdraw your TIAA Traditional Account accumulation through a Transfer Payout Annuity (TPA) in 10 approximately equal annual payments. A lump-sum payment, subject to a surrender fee, may be available depending on your plan rules and the terms of your contract. Talk to your benefits office for details.

* The availability of certain distributions may depend on the type of contract underlying your plan. Also, if you're married, your right to choose an option may be subject to your spouse's right to survivor benefits. Talk to your benefits office for details.