Laid off (401k and Unemployment claim question)

[hahahamush]

Hi all,

Hope everyone is doing fine here.

2 weeks ago, I got laid off from a Detroit, MI based company after working more than 16 years. I was on TN work status and I was a cross border worker from Windsor, ON, Canada to Detroit almost every day. My primary home is in Windsor, ON and I've also a place that I live in Farmington Hills, MI where I stay on during some work days..

The following are my question and I'd appreciate if someone is able to answer it please.
1) Even as a cross border worker, I contributed to my company's 401k plan(as they do matching) and helped me with tax deduction all these years.
Should I withdraw the amount with penalty(I'm under 59.5 years) since, I no longer work with the company?
Or Can I ask my 401k provider to keep the amount on my account until I turn 59.5 years?
Please excuse me if this is a naive question and has been answered before.

2)My former company told that I can file for unemployment claim.,
I filed for Michigan unemployment online and it got approved for upto 20 weeks(or upto the point i find a new job, whichever is earlier)

However, I've been learning from online forums etc that I cannot request unemployment claim since I was on a TN and the TN status is valid for 60 grace days if I continue staying in the US or IF i cross the border to Canada before that, I lose my status on the day , I crossed and therefore making my TN status invalid as i won't be able to search for jobs with an expired TN(as we have to do a job search every 2 weeks in Michigan)
Has anyone here, had a similar situation after moving back to CAnada and filing unemployment claim in the US and if so, How did you go about that issue. ?

Please advise for the above 2 questions and thanks again..

Have a great day!!

[nelsona]

1. You can leave your 401(k) in US. It is recognized in Canada as a tax deferred pension.
2. You can collect UI, but it needs to be coordinated with Services Canada, and you must be living in Canada to collect.

[hahahamush]

Thanks a bunch, Nelsona!!
On a lighter note, Just wondering, do you ever sleep? I'm seeing your posts all these many years..

Thanks again!!

[nelsona]

Yes. I am asleep right now.