Blackout/blackout notice

A blackout occurs when 401(k) plan participants are unable to access their accounts. While plan participants cannot change their retirement plans during this time, the money in the account remains invested (except for a short period of time when investments are liquidated in order to transfer the plan to a new recordkeeper). Employers are required to notify all plan participants before a blackout period. Typically, this notice must be sent 30 days before the blackout period begins.