Younger workers may be able to make a hardship withdrawal from a 401(k).

To pick up an even bigger infusion of cash, participants can take a loan against their 401(k) or a hardship withdrawal.

An employee may also request a "financial hardship" withdrawal, which is limited to one of four specific needs:

A financial hardship withdrawal can be made only once every six months.

Some companies, awaiting detailed regulations, did not permit hardship withdrawals at all.

Experts say this interpretation will probably put hardship withdrawals out of reach for most employees.

Experts say these new rules will virtually force workers to seek loans from their 401(k) plans before they can qualify for a hardship withdrawal.

Even if you do qualify for a hardship withdrawal, the tax implications may make it unattractive compared with a loan.

There are some exceptions to that rule: disability, the purchase of a first home, hardship withdrawals for medical expenses, and a 72T.

Can that individual also apply for a participant loan or hardship withdrawal on my behalf?