When members of a pension plan terminate employment or plan membership, they have a number of options available to them for the treatment of their pension benefits and their commuted value.
Where the former member elects the direct transfer of the commuted value of the pension benefits into locked-in accounts, the Pension Benefits Act gives the individual greater control over their retirement monies. Since the money in locked-in accounts comes from pension plans, the legislation contains restrictions that are intended to preserve the money in these locked-in accounts for retirement and provide a lifetime stream of retirement income for former members and their spouse, if any. These restrictions are generally referred to as the locking-in rules. The following links provide access to detailed information on the various types of locked-in accounts.
General Requirements (PDF)
Locked-In Retirement Accounts (LIRAs) (PDF)
Life Income Funds (LIFs) (PDF)
2008 Schedule 1 LIF Maximum Annual Income Payment Amount Table (PDF)
2008 Schedule 1.1 LIF Maximum Annual Income Payment Amount Table (PDF)
Locked-In Retirement Income Funds (LRIFs) (PDF)
Changes to the Rules for Ontario Locked-In Accounts
Pension Unlocking: Non-Hardship
The money in locked-in accounts is generally available only as retirement income. However, individuals who qualify under specific circumstances of financial hardship may apply for special access to the money in these accounts.
Financial Services Commission of Ontario