You are correct that there are exceptions to the 10% additional tax on early distributions from retirement plans for individuals under age 59½. The IRS regulations allow for up to $1,000 in early distributions to be exempt from the additional tax when the funds are used for emergency personal expenses.
Here is an IRS article that lists the allowed exceptions to the 10% early withdrawal penalty:
Retirement topics - Exceptions to tax on early distributions
You can look at the list to see if any of the other categories apply, but based on the situation you described in your question, you can claim $1,000 as an exception to the additional tax due to emergency personal expenses, but the remaining $5,000 would be subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
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