One of the events or situations that, under IRC Section 409A, can allow unscheduled distributions from a nonqualified plan without triggering taxes and penalties. The permitted circumstances include a severe financial hardship from illness, an accident involving you or a family member, a casualty loss, or another similarly extraordinary financial situation. The rules for these are somewhat similar to those for a hardship withdrawal from a 401(k) plan. For more details, see the related FAQ.