Does making a mortgage payment after a job loss qualify as an exception for early IRA withdrawal? What records do I need to keep?

There is not an exception to the early withdraw penalty for mortgage payments.   There are a few listed below and click here to see the full list of exceptions.   The IRA exceptions are listed in the middle column.   

• One distribution per calendar year for personal or family emergency expenses, up to the lesser of $1,000 or vested account balance over $1,000 (made after 12/31/2023).
• Health insurance premiums paid while unemployed
• Up to $22,000 to qualified individuals who sustain an economic loss by reason of a federally declared disaster where they live

Only $1,000 can escape the penalty. 

• You can now withdraw up to $1,000 per year from your retirement account without paying the 10% early withdrawal penalty. 

   
• Emergency Expenses:

  This withdrawal is specifically intended for unexpected and immediate financial needs, such as personal or family emergency expenses. 

   
• Repayment:

  The money must be repaid into the retirement account within three years. If not, it's treated as a loan and subject to taxes and penalties. 

   
• Self-Certification:

  You don't need to provide detailed documentation to justify the withdrawal, but you do need to certify that it's for an emergency. 

   
• Annual Limit:

  You can only make one such $1,000 withdrawal per calendar year, unless you repay the first withdrawal within three years. 

   
• Tax Implications:

  While the withdrawal is penalty-free, it's still subject to ordinary income tax.