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Federal · Canada-wide / Money, savings & borrowing

Open an RDSP and apply for disability savings support

Prepared by · Sources checked

How do I open an RDSP and get disability savings grants and bonds?

An RDSP is long-term savings for an eligible person with a disability. Open it through a financial institution and apply for government support there. A disability savings bond may be available without a personal contribution; grants, bonds and withdrawals have different conditions.

Where to begin

  1. Check the beneficiary’s Disability Tax Credit approval, Canadian residency, SIN and age against the opening rules.
  2. Identify who can legally hold the plan. An adult who can enter the contract normally holds their own plan; other arrangements need the institution’s review.
  3. Choose an institution offering RDSPs and complete the plan and grant/bond applications with it.
  4. Keep the required tax returns current so family-income information can be used. Ask the issuer about available support before choosing contributions.
  5. Before a withdrawal, ask the issuer to explain any grant/bond repayment and taxable portion. Check whether the withdrawal affects provincial benefits.

Before you open the official service

  • DTC approval and identity details for the institution.
  • Beneficiary and proposed holder details, relevant tax-return records and any existing RDSP.

Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.

What to check for your situation

Opening a plan does not guarantee a grant or bond. Eligibility, age, income and contribution rules differ; RDSP money is not an unrestricted short-term benefit.

Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.

Official sources

Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.