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Grocery Benefit Pays Monday, Oct. 5: What You'll Actually Get — and Who Gets $0

  The second Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) payment lands Monday, Oct. 5, and it's the last one of 2026. Some households will see $222.50. Others will see nothing. Here's how to tell which group you're in. At a glance Payment date: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 (tax-free) Maximum per payment: $169.75 single, $222.50 couple, plus $58.50 per child under 19 Based on: your 2025 tax return Next payments: January and April 2027 Check which number you're reading: yearly or per payment A lot of coverage this week quotes $679 for singles and $890 for couples. Those are the yearly maximums for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, paid in four quarterly instalments. What arrives Monday is one quarter of that. Household Max per year Max per payment Single, no children $679 $169.75 Married or common-law $890 $222.50 Each child under 19 (added on) $234 $58.50 First child in a single-parent family $445 $111.25 Most households get less than the maximum The CGEB is incom...
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Navigating Retirement: Converting RRSPs to RRIFs and LIRAs to LIFs

 


As you approach retirement, understanding how to convert your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) and your Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) to a Life Income Fund (LIF) becomes crucial. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate these transitions smoothly.

Converting RRSP to RRIF

By the end of the year you turn 71, you must convert your RRSP into a RRIF. This conversion is mandatory and ensures that your retirement savings start providing you with a steady income. Here are the steps:

  1. Choose a Financial Institution: Select a bank or financial institution to hold your RRIF.
  2. Transfer Funds: Move your RRSP funds into the RRIF. This process is straightforward and can be done with the help of your financial advisor.
  3. Set Withdrawal Schedule: Decide on the frequency of your withdrawals—monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Note that there is a minimum amount you must withdraw each year, but no maximum limit.

Converting LIRA to LIF

Similar to RRSPs, LIRAs must be converted by the end of the year you turn 71. LIRAs are typically created from employer pension plans and have restrictions on withdrawals until retirement. Here’s how to convert a LIRA to a LIF:

  1. Select an Insurer or Financial Institution: Choose where you want to hold your LIF.
  2. Transfer Funds: Move your LIRA funds into the LIF. This can be done with the assistance of your financial advisor.
  3. Determine Payment Options: Decide on your payment schedule. Unlike RRIFs, LIFs have both minimum and maximum withdrawal limits to ensure the funds last throughout your retirement.

Key Considerations

  • Tax Implications: Withdrawals from both RRIFs and LIFs are taxable. Plan your withdrawals to manage your tax liabilities effectively.
  • Investment Choices: You can continue to hold investments within your RRIF or LIF, similar to how you managed them in your RRSP or LIRA.
  • Financial Advice: Consulting with a financial advisor can help tailor these conversions to your specific retirement goals and needs.

By understanding these processes and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth transition into retirement, securing a steady income stream for your golden years.


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