Early retirement disbursements are allowed if you develop a disability; pay to school yourself, spouse, or children; or buy a first home. Such withdrawals are considered taxable income.
Retirement distribution can be taken after 30 years of service. Check with your employer to see if you qualify. Always read the fine print and talk to someone that has experience with this type of situation. Find out from the employer if you plan lets you work a second job and get retirement.
You can request a total or partial distribution from your IRA or 401K, If you have a 401K you can take a loan instead of an early distribution. If you take an early distribution, it will be fully taxed as income, and unless you use the money for an IRS defined hardship, you will be accessed a ten percent penalty.
I have tried to get some retirement funds on my own and have been refused. If you go to a firm who are specialists in being able to release retirement funds then you might be successful but they do take their fee and sometimes it can work out to expensive from your pension fund you have worked your life for.
You can get your distribution by contacting the administrator of your funds. They'll make you fill out a bunch of papers. When you finally get your check the taxes and a 10% penalty for withdrawing early will be taken out. You can't avoid the penalty if you take it out before 59 ½.