My wife has recently had a stroke and has a heart condition which cause her to take nitroglycerine after minimal exertion. I need to buy a single story residence. I do not have enough equity in my present home to purchase something comparable in the current market. Can I get a hardship withdrawl to help purchase a different home?

Would I Get Penilized If I Took A Withdrawl For A Loan On A Home?

You don't give your age. Most 401(k) plans allow for some hardship withdrawals. Some medical expenses can be taken from 401(k) plans without the penalty. Unfortunately, unless your "substatially retired at or after age 55" you may be assesed a penalty on you withdrawl from your 401(k). I would suggest you contact the administrator of your 401(k) or possibly one of you trustees and ask them there opinion. A lot would depend on how your plan is set up. You could submit an application to your administrator and explane your situation and the trustees would have to make the final decision.

To bad about the health problems. Wish you well.

Have you considered one of the stair lifts, a lot cheaper than buying a new home. In my work with the elderly you can get one that you sit on ( seat folds down) and it takes you to the top of the stairs, They mount to the wall. Many disable and elderly use it because they don't want to leave their homes of many years