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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.

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Useful Tips for Applying

The lifetime contribution limit is $200,000. Contributions are not tax deductible and withdrawals are not taxed as income to the beneficiary, but grants, bonds, investment income and rollovers are included in the beneficiary's income when paid out. Family income from two years earlier sets the grant and bond amounts, so file taxes every year. Grants and bonds must be repaid in some circumstances, such as the beneficiary ceasing to qualify for the DTC or the plan being closed within 10 years of a grant or bond payment.

Who May Qualify

The beneficiary must be a Canadian resident and approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Contributions can be made until the end of the year the beneficiary turns 59, but Canada Disability Savings Grants are only paid on contributions made until December 31 of the year they turn 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.

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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.

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CDSGFederal

Canada Disability Savings Grant

A federal matching grant paid into a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). For 2026, if family income is $117,045 or less the government adds $3 for every $1 on the first $500 contributed and $2 for every $1 on the next $1,000; above that income it matches $1 for $1 on the first $1,000. Contributing $1,500 reaches the maximum $3,500 annual grant. The lifetime grant maximum is $70,000.

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CPP Children's Benefit

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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 online request form.

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

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

Indigenous Disability Canada / BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

National

Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.

Languages: English, French

1-250-381-7303 (BC); 1-613-899-6893 (National Coordinator, Ottawa)Website
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

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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.

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