529 College Savings Plan Funds

Your first step in planning when to take distributions from a 529 plan is to look at the Payment Deadline for the semester you are requesting the funds for. You should start the process of requesting funds at least five to 10 days before payment is required.

The amount of time varies to withdraw money from a 529 plan because it is not as simple as calling the plan administrator or adviser to cut a check.

1. • While some plans contain only money market or savings accounts, most accounts contain mutual funds or short-term bonds. This means there has to be a settlement period for non-cash investments to be sold or traded.
   • For example, a parent calls a plan administrator on Monday and tells them, “I need $5,000.00.” The plan administrator will place the trades. The funds won’t be available until Thursday. The check is then cut Friday. By comparison, investments that are solely in savings or money markets are available the same or next day.

If you deposit a $10,000.00 check and your average checking account balance is $2,000.00, your bank is probably not going to turn around and let you have access to that money the next day. If you deposit a check larger than your current balance, the bank is likely going to put a one, two or maybe three-day hold.

It is recommended that parents have 529 distribution checks sent directly to Montclair State University. Make all checks payable to Montclair State University. Please have student’s CWID number indicated on the check.

• • Check should be mailed to:
    Montclair State University
    Red Hawk Central
    Attn: Cashiers Office
    1 Normal Ave
    Montclair, NJ 07043

Please Note: If you chose to have 529 distribution check sent to you, after the check clears your account, you may remit payment through one of the Payment Options.

Once you complete your research of deadlines and tuition cost, it’s time to request funds. If you are enrolled in plans through an advisor you should contact him or her when ready to withdraw funds. Owners of direct 529 plans should contact the plan administrator for withdrawals.

Whether you request the check to be sent directly to Montclair State or to you, save all receipts from Montclair State and from the investment accounts. Since 529 plans have a tax benefit, you might need to prove that 529 plan money was spent on education in the event of an audit.