Contact
Description
RDSP Canada: Registered Disability Savings Plan
The RDSP is a federal, long-term savings account for a person with a disability. It is not a monthly payment like ACSD — it is a savings plan the government adds free money into. You (or a parent/guardian, if the beneficiary is a minor) contribute what you can, and the government matches it. This is the largest “hidden” opportunity on this list: up to $90,000 in free government money over a lifetime ($70,000 in grants + $20,000 in bonds), and most families never open one.
- Income level: Matters for how much free money you get, but it does NOT block you from opening an RDSP. Even higher-income families get some matching.
- Approval basis: The beneficiary (your child) must first be approved for the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC). No DTC approval means no RDSP.
🟢 Community Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
|---|---|
| Government match of up to $3,500/year, $70,000 lifetime — free money, not a loan | Requires DTC approval first — an extra application step |
| Low-income families can get up to $1,000/year with zero contribution required | Money must generally stay in the plan 10 years or grants/bonds may be repaid |
| Does not affect ODSP, OW, or other income-tested provincial benefits | Grant/bond eligibility ends the year your child turns 49 |
| Grows tax-free until withdrawal | Some paperwork to open (SIN required, tax filing must be up to date) |
How the RDSP Canada Match Works (2026 Rates)
Canada Disability Savings Grant (based on family income):
- Family income $117,045 or less: the government gives $3 for every $1 you contribute on the first $500 (up to $1,500/year), plus $2 for every $1 on the next $1,000 (up to $2,000/year) — a possible $3,500/year total.
- Family income above $117,045: $1 for every $1 you contribute on the first $1,000 (up to $1,000/year).
Canada Disability Savings Bond (no contribution required):
- Family income $38,237 or less: up to $1,000/year, automatically, with zero contribution needed.
- Family income between $38,237 and $58,523: a partial bond amount.
- Family income above $58,523: no bond.
Both the grant and bond have 10-year carry-forward — if you missed years, you may be able to claim some of that unused matching retroactively once you open a plan.
RDSP Canada: Quick FAQ
Does my child need an autism or disability diagnosis specifically?
No specific diagnosis is required. Your child needs to be approved for the Disability Tax Credit, which is based on functional impairment (certified by a medical practitioner on form T2201), not a named condition.
Will this affect ODSP, OW, or other Ontario benefits?
No. RDSP contributions and government grants/bonds do not affect Old Age Security, GIS, GST Benefit, Canada Child Benefit, or social assistance. Withdrawals may affect some provincial benefits later, so timing withdrawals carefully matters.
Can I combine this with SSAH, ACSD, or OAP?
Yes. The RDSP is federal and completely separate from Ontario’s provincial programs. It does not reduce or interact with any of them.
What if I don’t have money to contribute right now?
Open the RDSP anyway. If your family income qualifies, you can receive the bond with zero contribution. You can also start small — any contribution amount triggers grant matching.
3-Step RDSP Canada Checklist
- Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Complete Form T2201 with a medical practitioner. This must be approved before you can open an RDSP.
- Open the RDSP at a participating bank or credit union. A parent or guardian can be the plan holder if the beneficiary is under 18.
- Apply for the grant and bond when you open the plan (most institutions do this for you). Contribute what you can — even small amounts trigger matching.
Full program details are on the official Government of Canada RDSP page.
Looking for more funding options like this one? Browse our full list of funding and financial aid resources.
Location
Review
Write a ReviewThere are no reviews yet.