The liquidator and benefits under pension plans, LIRAs and LIFs

Supplemental Pension Plans

• To find out what benefits may be payable and who is entitled to them, check to see whether the deceased was a member of a defined contribution plan, defined benefit plan or a simplified pension plan (SIPP).
• Consult the statement of benefits for details on the type of plan. If the statement indicates a pension amount, the plan is probably a defined benefit plan. If no pension amount is indicated and there is no indication that the plan is a SIPP, than the plan is probably a defined contribution plan.

LIRAs and LIFs

• The balance of a locked-in retirement account (LIRA) or a life income fund (LIF) is paid to the surviving spouse of the deceased. If the surviving spouse renounces the payment or if the deceased did not have a spouse, the balance is paid to the deceased's heirs.
• Any amounts received are taxable, unless they can be transferred tax-free, for example, by a direct transfer from the deceased's LIRA to the surviving spouse's RRSP.

Other useful links

• Consult a notary  for assistance in settling an estate.
• The section "What to do in the event of death " on the Québec government portal has a list of the steps to take to settle an estate.