Which of the following qualifies as a 401(k) distribution?

The correct choice is the option referring to distributions made after age 59½. This specific age is significant because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows participants in a 401(k) plan to begin taking distributions without incurring an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty once they reach this age.

This rule is integral to retirement planning, as it aligns with the idea that individuals should begin accessing their retirement funds when they are closer to retirement age, thus encouraging the intended use of the funds for that purpose. Additionally, regular income tax will still apply to these distributions, but avoiding the early withdrawal penalty helps maximize the participant's savings for retirement.

The other options, while they may contain elements of distribution rules, do not specifically align with the established regulations for penalty-free withdrawals. For instance, withdrawals made anytime can incur penalties if taken before age 59½. Similarly, distributions made following voluntary resignation are not automatically qualified for penalty-free treatment unless they adhere to other criteria. Lastly, while any withdrawal after five years of participation may seem appealing, it does not exempt participants from penalties or taxes in the same way reaching the age of 59½ does. Thus, the age threshold is the clear marker for qualifying distributions without penalties.