Kim belongs to a registered pension plan sponsored by her employer under which the normal retirement age is age $65.$ If Kim dies at age $53,$ what option will be available to her surviving common$-$law partner with respect to the commuted value of Kim's pension benefits?

a$)$ transfer the amount to a LIRA

b$)$ choose to receive a lump sum cash settlement

c$)$ rollover the amount to his RRSP

d$)$ choose to receive the reduced early pension to which Kim was already entitled