Trust me on this one-- there are 7 reasons to take out a loan from your 401k- ranging from education to purchasing a home- NOT hardship- that's different. But as far as the loans go- for whatever reason you use- they don't check your documentation. You can make 2 loans a year up to half of your current balance. To pay back it comes out of your check and you choose the terms..3 or 4 years to pay back.