VRSP in the event of disability

If you have a disability, you are entitled to the refund of the balance of your locked-in and not locked-in accounts under a voluntary retirement savings plan (VRSP).

To obtain the refund, an application must be filed with the administrator of your VRSP. You must enclose a medical certificate with your application and, if necessary, your attestation, depending on situation 1 or 2 that applies to you. The administrator of your VRSP cannot impose other conditions.

Situation 1

A physician attests that your physical or mental disability reduces your life expectancy.

Situation 2

A physician attests that you have a physical or mental disability without commenting on your life expectancy.

You state that the income you will receive in the 12 months that follow your request for a refund will not exceed an amount equal to 40% of the maximum pensionable earnings (MPE) for the year of the refund, that is $27 400 in 2024.

The refund is taxable. You could pay income taxes at a later time if the balance can be transferred directly to an RRSP or a registered retirement income fund (RRIF). For more information, consult the Canada Revenue Agency's This link will open in a new window. website.

The administrator of your VRSP has 60 days to make the refund or transfer after your request.

Different definition for the Québec Pension Plan

Even if you are entitled to the refund of the balance of your VRSP accounts, you might not be entitled to a disability pension under the Québec Pension Plan. Each plan, contract or program has its own definition of disability.

Check the conditions that apply to each one to find out what you can receive.

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