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How to Submit a 50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta) Request

Learn how to submit a 50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta) request to release a portion of funds from a locked-in account, following the pension regulations of provinces Alberta.

Applies To: 

  • All Portfolio Managers, Advisors, Wealth Planners, and support staff.
  • Eligible account types: LIF accounts.

You can submit a 50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta) request from a client’s CRM Contact Record. Follow the instructions below to ensure all eligibility requirements, and legislation information are accurately completed.

When to Submit a 50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta) request:

  • The client is a resident of a province or jurisdiction outside Alberta and meets the eligibility criteria for 50% Unlocking under the applicable provincial pension legislation.
  • The client’s locked-in account is governed by a provincial LIF (Life Income Fund) or LIRA (Locked-In Retirement Account), excluding Alberta.
  • The client has submitted the required supporting documentation, including proof of eligibility for unlocking under the relevant provincial laws.

How to Submit a 50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta) Request

To submit a 50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta) request, you'll use the Service Extension on the client's CRM Contact Record. When submitting the request, there are two distinct submission methods and workflows: Manual Submission, which involves upload a scanned or physically signed document, and Straight-Through Processing (STP), which automatically generates the required forms and sends it to the client through DocuSign.

Although both methods are valid, we strongly recommend using Straight Through Processing whenever possible for real-time tracking, reduced errors, and faster turnaround times.

Learn more about Straight-Through Processing.

How to Submit a 50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta) Request using Manual Submission

Choose this method if your client has already completed and signed the required authorization forms.

  1. Navigate to the Client's CRM Contact Record
  2. Go to the Servicing Tab
  3. Select "Account Administration →Special Account Requests

  4. Select "50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta)" as your request type
  5. Select the "From Account"
  6. Select the "To Account"
  7. Select Manual Submission
  8. Enter the Unlocking Amount
  9. Upload Required Documents:
    • You'll need to attach a signed Unlocking form specific to the province. To add an attachment, click +Add file and upload the file from your computer.
  10. Review and Submit
    • Once you confirm the details, click Submit to create the service request ticket.

Tip: Ensure that the Unlocking Form is signed and properly filled out to avoid processing delays or rejections.

Learn more about completing Unlocking Forms

How to Submit a 50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta) Request  using STP

With STP, Optimize automatically generates and emails the necessary forms to your client for electronic signing through DocuSign.

  1. Navigate to the Client's CRM Contact Record
  2. Go to the Servicing Tab
  3. Select "Account Administration → Special Account Requests

  4. Select "50% Unlocking (Non-Alberta)" as your request type
  5. Select the "From Account"
  6. Select the "To Account"
  7. Select Straight-Through Processing
  8. Enter the Unlocking details that apply to the client

    • Depending on your responses, the subsequent questions will appear based on the answers you provided earlier. Please answer each question accordingly to proceed.

  9. Review and Submit
    • Once you confirm the details, click Submit to create the service request ticket

Please note: Once you submit the request, the ticket will be created and the client will be automatically sent the paperwork by DocuSign. The ticket cannot progress further until the client reviews the paperwork and electronically signs through DocuSign.

After Submitting the Request

A new service request ticket will be created. You can locate it:

  • In the Right-Side Panel of the client's CRM Contact Record under Tickets.
  • In the Account Administration Pipeline, where you can track the progress and confirm when the request is completed.

Processing Times

  • Typically 5-7 business days after the ticket has been submitted and completed any applicable review. 

Important: Please note, to process a 50% unlocking from a locked-in account (Non-Alberta) you must first submit a Transfer request under the Cash and Security Management tab to rollover the entire account to another investment account.