I left a small (15 employees) firm five weeks ago and asked for the appropriate forms to cash-out a small retirement account at the time. The office manager (plan administrator) keeps putting me off about getting the paperwork to me. Is there a law or governmental regulation regarding time-framefor distribution. I am 100% vested and they are essentially withholding the funds. Thank you in advance.

It depends on how frequently the paln is valued. Genrally disbursements occur after the plan valuation date. Smaller plans tend to be valued at longer intervals. If the plan is valued quarterly you may have missed the first quarter and have to wait for the 2nd. The funds should be deposited with a third party that is listed on your statements. Try contacting them directly.

To be honest the employee you are talking to may not even be sure how to do it exactly esp in small companies, that is why it is always best to deal directly with the investment company