An increase in the minimum retirement age from age 55 to 60 (Group 1 only). Instructions. • Members must complete pages 2, 3, 4, and 5 and sign on page 6.You can withdraw your contributions (that's the original money you put into the account) tax and penaltyfree. Public employees can request a refund when they leave public service if they do not plan on collecting a retirement benefit. You can begin drawing money from your 401(k) plan penalty free at age 59 ½. You can choose to have your 401(k) plan transfer a distribution directly to another eligible plan or to an IRA. Under this option, no taxes are withheld. Terms of less than 12 months come with a penalty equal to three months' interest on the amount that you withdraw.