You can’t usually access funds in a pension plan in the United States until reaching the retirement age specified by your plan, usually 62 or 65. But many small pension plans allow the option to receive a lump-sum distribution instead of lifetime payments. These plans can be, in effect, cashed out for their benefit no matter what age you are. Other retirement plans such as 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans may provide for hardship distributions for unexpected life events. This varies by plan, so discuss your options with your plan administrator.