RRIF minimum withdrawal changes in response to COVID-19

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and retirees concerned about withdrawing from their portfolios during the market sell-off, the federal government recently announced a 25% reduction in the minimum withdrawal rate for Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) for 2020. This reduction only applies to funds that have not yet been withdrawn.  

If your client chooses to leave the payment at the current minimum payment for the 2020 calendar year, no further action is required.

If your client has already received the unreduced payment for the year, your client cannot return the excess amount.

If your client would like to reduce the minimum, you can contact our Advisor Services Team at 1.866.884.7427, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET or email savingsretirement@equitable.ca to advise us of the change. Taxes will not be withheld on the payment.