IRS Broadens Eligibility for COVID-19 In-Service Distributions and Participant Loans Under DC Plans

Edward A. Wodarczyk, Esq., ewodarczyk@tuckerlaw.com, (412) 594-3920

On June 19, the IRS issued Notice 2020-50.  It expounds on the rules for in-service withdrawals and participant loans for defined contribution (DC) plans for participants adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Notice also broadens the category of eligible participants to include those who experience adverse financial consequences as a result of:

1. the individual having a reduction in pay (or self-employment income) due to COVID-19 or having a job offer rescinded or start date for a job delayed due to COVID-19;
2. the individual’s spouse or a member of the individual’s household being quarantined, being furloughed or laid off, or having work hours reduced due to COVID-19, being unable to work due to lack of childcare due to COVID-19, having a reduction in pay (or self-employment income) due to COVID-19, or having a job offer rescinded or start date for a job delayed due to COVID-19; or
3. closing or reducing hours of a business owned or operated by the individual’s spouse or a member of the individual’s household due to COVID-19.