The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) is a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) program that allows eligible individuals to withdraw money from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to finance full-time education or training for themselves or their spouse or common-law partner.
Unlike a regular RRSP withdrawal, qualifying LLP withdrawals are not immediately taxable, provided the funds are repaid to the RRSP within the required repayment period.
What Is the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP)?
The LLP helps Canadians invest in education by allowing them to temporarily use their RRSP savings to pay for eligible education expenses.
Under the plan, you can withdraw:
| Withdrawal Limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum per calendar year | $10,000 |
| Maximum lifetime withdrawal | $20,000 |
The LLP can only be used to finance education for yourself or your spouse/common-law partner. It cannot be used to pay for your children's education.
Who Can Use the LLP?
To qualify for the Lifelong Learning Plan, the student must be enrolled in a qualifying educational program at a designated educational institution.
If the student is not yet enrolled when the withdrawal is made, they must receive a written offer of admission before March of the following year and generally begin the program by April of that year.
What Is a Qualifying Educational Program?
A qualifying educational program must:
- Last at least three consecutive months.
- Require at least 10 hours per week of lectures, practical training, laboratory work, or research (excluding personal study time).
The program must be offered by a designated educational institution, such as an eligible university, college, or other recognized post-secondary institution.
Full-Time and Part-Time Students
Whether a student is considered full-time or part-time is determined by the educational institution.
Generally, LLP participants must be enrolled as full-time students.
However, individuals with a qualifying mental or physical disability may participate while studying part-time if they meet CRA disability requirements.
Students Eligible for Part-Time Enrollment
A student may qualify for LLP while studying part-time if:
- A qualified medical professional certifies that the student can only attend part-time because of a disability; or
- The student qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit.
How LLP Withdrawals Work
Eligible individuals can withdraw up to $10,000 per year, to a lifetime maximum of $20,000.
If the annual withdrawal exceeds $10,000, or the lifetime total exceeds $20,000, the excess amount is generally included in taxable income.
Withdrawals under the LLP do not affect your RRSP contribution room, and you may continue contributing to your RRSP while participating in the program.
How to Withdraw Money Under the LLP
To make an LLP withdrawal, complete:
Form RC96 – Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) – Request to Withdraw Funds from an RRSP
The completed form must be submitted to the financial institution that administers your RRSP.
RRSP Contributions Before an LLP Withdrawal
If you recently opened an RRSP, contributions must generally remain in the account for at least 90 days before they qualify for an RRSP deduction and can be withdrawn under the LLP.
Repaying LLP Withdrawals
Amounts withdrawn under the LLP must generally be repaid to an RRSP over a period of up to 10 years.
The CRA issues a Statement of Account – Lifelong Learning Plan each year showing:
- Total LLP withdrawals.
- Amount repaid to date.
- Outstanding balance.
- Minimum repayment required.
If you do not repay the required annual amount, the unpaid portion will generally be included in your taxable income for that year.
When Does Repayment Begin?
Repayments generally begin in the fifth year after the first LLP withdrawal, provided the student continues to meet the education requirements.
In certain situations, repayments may begin earlier, such as when:
- The student leaves the program before completion.
- The student does not qualify as a full-time student for the required period.
- The taxpayer becomes a non-resident of Canada.
- The taxpayer dies and no surviving spouse continues the repayments.
How to Report LLP Repayments
Repayments are reported on Schedule 7 – RRSP, PRPP and SPP Contributions and HBP or LLP Activities when filing your income tax return.
Amounts designated as LLP repayments do not qualify as RRSP deductions because they are repayments of previously withdrawn funds.
Turning Age 71 with an Outstanding LLP Balance
After the end of the year you turn 71, you can no longer make LLP repayments to an RRSP.
Any remaining unpaid annual repayment amounts will generally be included in your income each year as RRSP income.
Example
Marjorie receives a university admission offer and withdraws $10,000 from her RRSP under the LLP in July 2025.
To qualify, she must enroll in the educational program within the required CRA timeframe. If she does not meet the enrollment conditions, she may need to repay the withdrawal or include the amount in her taxable income.
Final Thoughts
The Lifelong Learning Plan provides Canadians with a valuable opportunity to finance higher education using their RRSP savings without immediate tax consequences. By understanding the eligibility rules, withdrawal limits, repayment requirements, and reporting obligations, taxpayers can make informed decisions while investing in their education and future career growth.
Posted on 06 August, 2026