federal · Canada-wide
RDSP
A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan for someone approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Your own contributions do not lower your taxable income. But the government adds money: a matching grant of up to 300%, plus a bond of up to $1,000 a year for people with low and modest incomes. You get the bond even if you put in nothing.
- Verified Aug 22, 2026
- federal program · Canada-wide
At a glance
- Worth:
- $200k room · Bond pays ≤$1,000/yr with ZERO saved
- Who:
- The beneficiary is approved for the DTC (Form T2201 accepted by the CRA).
- Apply:
- Official program page
What it could be worth
Amount
$200k room · Bond pays ≤$1,000/yr with ZERO saved
- Grant: up to $3,500 a year (put in $1,500 at family income at or below $117,045 for 2026). Lifetime maximum: $70,000.
- Bond: up to $1,000 a year with no contributions needed (family income at or below $38,237 for 2026). Lifetime maximum: $20,000.
- Total government money: up to $90,000 over a lifetime.
- Grants and bonds are paid until December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 49.
Example: A 30-year-old DTC holder with family income of $35,000 puts in $1,500 a year. She gets the full $3,500 grant plus the $1,000 bond: $4,500 of government money per year on a $1,500 deposit. Over 20 years (to age 49), that is up to $90,000 in grants and bonds. Your income level and contributions set the exact numbers.
Try the RDSP growth simulator
See how Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds grow based on your savings and income.
How it benefits you
- The Canada Disability Savings Bond puts up to $1,000 a year into the plan. You do not need to put in anything to get it (family income at or below $38,237 for 2026).
- The Canada Disability Savings Grant matches what you put in: 300% on the first $500 and 200% on the next $1,000. That is up to $3,500 a year.
- Growth inside the plan builds tax-free. Your own contributions come back out tax-free. Grants, bonds, and growth are taxed only when paid out.
- You can put in up to $200,000 over your lifetime. That is far more than the $90,000 maximum in government money ($70,000 in grants plus $20,000 in bonds).
What you need to qualify or apply
Needs the DTC first: this program unlocks once your Disability Tax Credit is approved. How the DTC works
Eligibility
- The beneficiary is approved for the DTC (Form T2201 accepted by the CRA).
- The beneficiary has a valid Social Insurance Number and lives in Canada when the plan opens and when each contribution is made.
- The plan is opened before the beneficiary turns 60 (up to the end of the year they turn 59).
- Only one RDSP per beneficiary at a time. Anyone can contribute if the plan holder gives written permission.
- Tax returns must be filed for the past two years to earn grants and bonds. For a minor, parents file. The beneficiary files starting the year they turn 17.
How to apply
- Get the DTC approved first (Form T2201) — RDSP eligibility depends on it.
- Contact a bank or financial institution that offers RDSPs and open the plan. The holder can be the beneficiary (if 18 or older), a parent, or a guardian.
- Sign the grant and bond application with the issuer so the government money can start.
- Put money in when you can. A $1,500 yearly contribution earns the full $3,500 grant. The bond arrives on its own if your income qualifies.
- File tax returns every year to keep your grant and bond entitlements current.
Documents you may need
- Approved DTC certificate (Form T2201) on file with the CRA.
- The beneficiary's Social Insurance Number.
- A grant and bond application signed with the RDSP issuer.
- Filed income tax returns (beneficiary and spouse, or parents for a child under 19).
RDSP Grant & Bond Growth Calculator
DTC approval unlocks the Registered Disability Savings Plan—where the Government of Canada pays up to 300% matching grants plus $1,000/yr bonds.
Annual Government Top-Up
+$4,500/yr
Government contribution added to your $1,500 deposit. Total annual account boost: $6,000/yr.
Read more from the official source
Checked CRA — What is a registered disability savings plan (RDSP) · Sep 13, 2026
Amounts and rules can change — always confirm on the official source before applying.
This page is general information, not a CRA or provincial determination — amounts and rules can change. Not sure where you stand? The free benefits check walks you through it, or a Registered Social Worker can review your full situation.