Hardship from SIMPLE match

[R. Butler]

Can hardship distributions be taken from the SIMPLE match source in a SIMPLE 401(k) plan? I don't see anything that specifically prohibits it, but it seems that that source is akin to a safe harbor contribution or QNEC.

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

[masteff]

Nothing would seem to prohibit it in the model amendment to switch a 401(k) to a SIMPLE 401(k). http://benefitslink.com/src/irs/401ksimple.html