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FAQ #27489

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What happens to my retirement funds if I leave work to become a caregiver for my father?

Related resource areas: Family Caregiving, Personal Finance


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If the retirement funds are employment-related, you may be able to leave them with your former employer until you qualify for retirement. The terms under which you might do this will depend on the type of retirement account, the dollar amount, and whether you are vested in the employer-sponsored plan.

If your funds are held in a 401(k) or similar tax-deferred fund, you could also roll the funds into an IRA at a financial institution such as a bank or brokerage firm. Rolling over funds from a 401(k) to an IRA can provide additional flexibility for managing both your investments and tax options. Talk with both your employer's human resources representative and your own tax adviser about the best alternative for you.

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