Skip to content
ENFR
Back to Benefits
Federal Program

Registered Disability Savings Plan

RDSP

A long-term, tax-deferred savings plan designed to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. The Government of Canada provides matching grants and bonds to eligible beneficiaries to help grow their savings.

Last reviewed: September 2026

In-depth guide

Read the complete RDSP Guide: eligibility, grants, bonds and withdrawals — who qualifies, how to open a plan, the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond, carry-forward, contributions, the 10-year repayment rule, and common mistakes.

Open the guide

Who May Qualify

- Must be a Canadian resident. - Must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). - Must be under the age of 60 (grants and bonds are only available until the end of the year the beneficiary turns 49).

Required Documents

- Social Insurance Number (SIN) for the beneficiary. - Proof of Disability Tax Credit (DTC) approval. - Valid identification for the plan holder and beneficiary.

How to Apply

1. Get approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) by submitting Form T2201 to the Canada Revenue Agency. 2. Choose a participating financial institution that offers RDSPs. 3. Open the RDSP account at the financial institution. 4. Apply for the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Canada Disability Savings Bond through your financial institution. 5. File annual income tax returns to ensure continued eligibility for grants and bonds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not opening an RDSP because you think you need money to contribute — the Canada Disability Savings Bond requires no contribution for low-income individuals • Waiting too long — unused Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond entitlements can be carried forward for up to 10 previous years, and grants and bonds stop after the year the beneficiary turns 49 • Not understanding the 10-year repayment rule for withdrawals • Thinking only the person with the disability can contribute

Preparing an application?

The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.

Open Application Helper

You may also be eligible for…

CDSBFederal

Canada Disability Savings Bond

Money the Government of Canada pays directly into a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for low- and modest-income Canadians with disabilities — no contribution required.

View details
CDSGFederal

Canada Disability Savings Grant

A federal matching grant paid into a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The government matches your contributions at 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 depending on family income.

View details
CPP Children's BenefitFederal

CPP Children's Benefit

A monthly payment to the dependent children of someone receiving the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit, or of a deceased CPP contributor.

View details

Need help from a real person?

Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.

Government-funded navigation service

Plan Institute — Disability Planning Helpline

National

Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and video call.

Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request

1-844-311-7526Website
Government-funded navigation service

Pathway to Benefits (Mood Disorders Society of Canada)

National

Pathway to Benefits is a free, national disability benefits navigation program led by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. It helps Canadians with disabilities and their families navigate the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and provincial and territorial support programs, with plain-language guidance and personalized assistance by phone and online.

Languages: English, French

1-888-975-9990Website
Government-funded navigation service

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada — GAIN Program

National

The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.

Languages: English, French

1-844-887-8572Website

Application denied?

If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.

Read the Appeals Guide

Resources in this area

Disability Advocacy

DTC Help by BJ Clancy

DTC Help by BJ Clancy is an independent Facebook resource focused on Canada's Disability Tax Credit (DTC). In addition to sharing information and answering questions about the DTC, BJ Clancy can help people understand and work through the DTC application forms and process. The page also provides a space for people to ask questions and discuss their experiences with the Disability Tax Credit. Independent resource. Not affiliated with the Canada Revenue Agency or the Government of Canada.

View details Financial Assistance

RDSP Connect

RDSP Connect is a private service that helps people understand Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) eligibility and navigate the RDSP process. Services include a free consultation to review eligibility, help completing the documentation to open an RDSP, and ongoing support with planning contributions and investments with the goal of maximizing Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds. Each year, RDSP Connect reviews the client's Grant and Bond Entitlement Statement with them, and can point people to resources for Disability Tax Credit (DTC) questions. RDSP Connect is not a government service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or with Accessible Compass. This listing is for information only — it is not an endorsement, and Accessible Compass does not guarantee any outcome, including DTC or RDSP approval or any financial result.

View details Financial Assistance

Slinn Tax

Slinn Tax provides virtual tax services with a focus on Canadians who have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The service offers reviews of DTC-approved tax years to help identify potentially missed tax credits, deductions, benefits, adjustments, and eligible family transfers. Slinn Tax also provides personal income tax preparation and disability-related tax resources. Slinn Tax is an independent, third-party tax service — it is not a government program and is not an Accessible Compass service. Accessible Compass does not provide, endorse, or guarantee the professional services offered by this provider.

View details

Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

base44
Edit with Base44