An oldie but goodie.
I'm just seeing this topic and don't have time to catch up on my own. I'm a native Texas/Houston and Suburbian.
Is everyone implying this is something new? I did some digging after the shooting that killed five in this area and learned it is a well established area for illegal immigrants.
There is a lot of fact and opinion mixed up in these posts and I think it is possibly misleading.
*NOT A TAX ANON, I'm a been there done that anon. Like everything else, there is a form for that, when you file your taxes next year.
They make it easy for you to get your money now, but you need to realize you will be taxed at a much higher rated, on the money you receive, and it might possibly trigger penalties and interest, for the quarter of the year you in which you withdraw it.
Sometimes it's necessary but proceed with caution, it can easily hurt you more that help you. A 401K loan might be a better option. You can, within some limits, decide how much your payments will be, and you pay yourself back. I am assuming you are still working, and if that is the case, which is my scenario, you will also not be able to contribute to your 401K for a period of time.
Clear your calendar for the day, and be prepared for long wait times, being transferred, and having to hang up and call another department. Although some of people are very nice people, some are not, and no one really does anything. Standard protocol for them to refer to their website or another department.
For me, it was an exercise in futility, your miles may vary.