when a defined benefit plan is overfunded it means that the plan has more assets than it needs to meet its payout obligations to employees this provides security for the future and can help the plan be prepared for more difficult times however the money is often trapped in the plan companies cannot pay it out to shareholders without incurring huge penalties they may be able to seek a balance sheet credit for it depending on the situation however pension funds are usually not considered a full asset 
can i withdraw money from a defined benefit plan generally no you cannot withdraw money from a defined benefit plan before the allowed legal age some types of plans may have hardship withdrawals but the criteria is often extremely restrictive furthermore this is not allowed if a plan is underfunded people can however take loans against their defined benefit plan 