RDSP Disability Savings Plan Guide 2026 — Grants & Bonds | NationRules
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RDSP & Disability Benefits

RDSP Disability Savings Plan & Grants 2026

How Canadians with disabilities and eligible newcomers can build long-term financial security with up to $90,000 in government matching grants (CDSG) and bonds (CDSB).

Executive Summary: What is an RDSP?

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a tax-deferred savings vehicle instituted by the Government of Canada to help individuals with severe and prolonged mental or physical impairments save for long-term financial independence.

To incentivize savings, the federal government provides exceptional financial assistance: up to $70,000 in Canada Disability Savings Grants (CDSG) matching contributions, plus up to $20,000 in Canada Disability Savings Bonds (CDSB) for low- and modest-income families — even if the beneficiary contributes $0 of their own money.

Government Matching Grant (CDSG) & Bond (CDSB) Rules

Incentive TypeFamily Net Income ThresholdGovernment Match AmountLifetime Cap
Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG)Below threshold (~$106,000)300% on first $500 ($1,500 grant) + 200% on next $1,000 ($2,000 grant)$70,000
Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG)Above threshold100% match on first $1,000 contributed annually$70,000
Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB)Low-income (< $36,000)$1,000/year (No personal contribution required!)$20,000

The 10-Year Proportional Repayment Rule

Because grants and bonds are intended for long-term retirement security, IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) enforce a strict 10-year repayment rule:

  • If any money is withdrawn from the RDSP, you must repay $3 of government grant/bond for every $1 withdrawn that was deposited into the account within the preceding 10 years.
  • Grants and bonds deposited more than 10 years ago remain fully vested and belong permanently to the beneficiary.

Frequently Asked Questions (RDSP)

You must have a certified medical practitioner (doctor, nurse practitioner, psychologist, audiologist) complete Form T2201 confirming a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment.

Government matching grants (CDSG) and bonds (CDSB) are paid into the RDSP up to the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 49 years old.

Personal contributions are returned tax-free. The grant, bond, and investment growth portions of withdrawals are included in the beneficiary's taxable income for the year they are withdrawn.

No! Most Canadian provinces (including Ontario ODSP, Alberta AISH, BC PWD) fully exempt RDSP assets and income from clawing back disability support payments.

The grants and bonds paid into the plan in the preceding 10 years are returned to the government. The remaining account balance is paid out to the beneficiary's estate.

Yes, provided the newcomer is a Canadian resident for tax purposes, holds a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), and is approved for the CRA Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Official Government References & Sources

• CRA — Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Guide: canada.ca/rdsp-guide
• ESDC — Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds: canada.ca/disability-grants

RDSP Quick Facts
Max Grant (CDSG)$70,000
Max Bond (CDSB)$20,000
PrerequisiteDTC Form T2201
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