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Taking Lump-Sum Withdrawals

Log in to take a lump-sum cash withdrawal from a Retirement or Group Retirement Annuity, Supplemental Retirement or Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity, Investment Solutions IRA and 457(b) plans.

Things to consider: 

  • We have a team of retirement specialists who can help you explore all of your withdrawal options.  Please call us at
    1 888 556-2917 for assistance Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET).

  • Withdrawals from all plans except private 457(b) can be rolled over into another eligible retirement plan. Review the IRS information (PDF) about available tax-favored options online.
    • You can roll over the withdrawal to your existing TIAA-CREF IRA.
    • If you need to open a new TIAA-CREF IRA, you can do so when you request your withdrawal.

  • The maximum online withdrawal request is $50,000 per calendar year.  The minimum withdrawal is $1,000 or 100 percent if the account balance is less than $1,000.

  • To receive your payment by direct deposit EFT to another financial institution, click I Disagree instead of submitting your request online.  You'll need to print and fax us the payment destination form along with the prefilled withdrawal form.

  • You can elect to use a withdrawal to satisfy the required minimum distribution.

  • If additional signatures are needed, you will not be able to submit the request online.  Instead, you will be provided with a prefilled withdrawal form to print and fax to us with the necessary signed authorizations.  
    • If you're married, your spouse must sign this request before a notary public or plan representative on the same or later date than when you sign it.
    • Some plans require your employer's written approval.

  • Some private 457(b) plans are subject to the employer's rules about cash withdrawals.  If you are unsure about your plan, call us now.

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The tax information contained herein is not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. It was written to support the promotion of the products and services addressed herein. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

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