Life Income Funds (LIFs)

A type of registered retirement income fund

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LIFs at a glance

What is a Life Income Fund (LIF)?

A LIF1 is a registered fund that acts as an extension of your locked-in retirement account (LIRA) or supplemental pension plan. Funds transferred to a LIF are sheltered from tax and can be withdrawn to provide retirement income.

Useful if you’re looking to:

  • Access funds in a LIRA as you approach retirement
  • Withdraw regular amounts each year
  • Choose your payment frequency
  • Let your investments grow tax-free ahead of your retirement

Age limit

71 years

You must transfer the funds from your LIRA to a LIF no later than December 31 of the year you turn 71.

Minimum annual withdrawal

Varies depending on your age

The government requires you to make a minimum withdrawal each year. The percentage used to calculate the amount increases with your age. Withdrawals that exceed the minimum amount are taxed as income.

Maximum annual withdrawal

Varies depending on the province2

The maximum withdrawal you can make is calculated based on your age, the balance of your LIF, and the LIF reference rate that is set each year. There is an annual limit on how much you can withdraw from your LIF, unlike a RRIF.

How to open a LIF account at National Bank

If you’d like to start investing, there are two solutions available to you.

Visit a branch

If you need support, speak with one of our advisors to find the solution that best suits your needs.

Open an online brokerage account

Are you a self-directed investor? Fill out the secure online form to start contributing to your LIF account.

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Tip

Approaching retirement? It's time to max out your RRSP and use up any remaining contribution room!

Our investment products for your LIF

Grow your LIF by investing your money in investment products that match your goals.

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

Ideal if you’re looking for a secure investment that offers a pre-determined return.

Discover our GIC

Portfolio Solutions

Ideal for investing in a full, diverse ronge of mutual funds.

Discover our portfolios

Funds

Ideal for selecting one or more funds based on your investment strategy and targeted returns.

Discover our funds

Another great option

TFSA

Earn tax-free interest on your savings and access your funds any time.

See our TFSAs

See all our solutions

Ready to talk about retirement?

Speak to an Investment and Retirement Specialist to find the solution that's right for you.

Make an appointment
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1-888-270-3941
Monday to Thursday,8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET)
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET)

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