If it is LIRA, I don't think you can, unless it is another LIRA (with another institution) you transfer it to. Having said that I did transfer my LIRA at some point from one institution to another. There was no hassle at all. Also, don't quote me on that, but I heard there is still a way to take your money out of LIRA if you can prove that you need the money desperately. I don't know what the exact process is though.