The hidden government grant most BC families are missing.
The Registered Disability Savings Plan offers up to $90,000 in free government money for Canadians with disabilities. Most eligible families never claim it.
What is the Registered Disability Savings Plan?
The RDSP is a long-term savings plan designed to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. What makes it extraordinary is the government's matching program — Ottawa will add up to $3,500/year in grants and $1,000/year in bonds, completely separate from your own contributions. Over a lifetime, that's up to $90,000 in free government money that most eligible families are leaving on the table.
Who Qualifies for the RDSP?
Disability Tax Credit
The beneficiary must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) by the CRA. This is the primary eligibility requirement.
Canadian Resident
Must be a Canadian resident with a valid Social Insurance Number at the time the plan is opened.
Age Requirement
Must be under age 60 to open an RDSP. Contributions are allowed until age 59. The plan can stay open until age 83.
Who can be a beneficiary:
The RDSP beneficiary can be a child, adult, or even yourself. Common situations include: children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other qualifying disabilities; adults with MS, ALS, or other degenerative conditions; individuals with severe mental health conditions that qualify for the DTC.
⚠️ Don't have the DTC yet? That's where most families start. Applying for the DTC is the first step — and Sarah Lovett can walk you through the process. Many families are surprised to find they qualify.
How the Government Calculates Your Grant
| Family Net Income | On First $500 | On Next $1,000 | Max Annual Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $34,863 | 300% = $1,500 | 200% = $2,000 | $3,500 |
| $34,863–$106,717 | 200% = $1,000 | 100% = $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Over $106,717 | 100% = $500 | 100% = $1,000 | $1,000 |
Contributing $1,500/year maximizes the grant for most lower-income families. Even high-income families receive a meaningful grant.
The Canada Disability Savings Bond — No Contribution Required
Families with net income under $34,863 receive up to $1,000/year in bonds — even if they contribute nothing to the RDSP. This is truly free money that requires only an open RDSP account.
Why Starting Early Matters So Much
Start at Birth
Open an RDSP at birth. 49 years of contributions + government grants + compound growth.
$500,000+
Start at Age 10
Still 39 years of grants and growth.
$350,000+
Start at Age 30
29 years remaining.
$180,000+
Every year you wait is a year of government grants you cannot recover. The RDSP has a 'catch-up' provision but grant room expires — don't wait.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
10-Year Repayment Rule
If you withdraw from the RDSP within 10 years of receiving a government grant or bond, you must repay $3 for every $1 withdrawn (up to the amount received). Plan withdrawals carefully.
Holdback Amount
The government holds back grants and bonds for 10 years from when they were deposited. After 10 years they are fully yours.
LDAP — Lifetime Disability Assist Plan
After age 60, you can begin receiving regular payments from your RDSP through the LDAP — a tax-efficient way to draw income in retirement.
DTC Must Stay Valid
If the beneficiary's DTC expires and is not renewed, government contributions stop. Always renew the DTC before it expires.
Common Questions
Download the Free RDSP Guide
Our comprehensive guide covers eligibility, the DTC application process, grant calculations, and step-by-step instructions to open your RDSP.
Families Sarah Lovett Has Helped with the RDSP
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Real testimonials from real families — replace placeholders with actual client testimonials.
How to Get Started
Book a free consultation with Sarah Lovett — 30 minutes, no pressure
We'll confirm your DTC status or help you apply
Open your RDSP at the right institution for your situation
Set up contributions to maximize your annual grant
DON'T LEAVE FREE GOVERNMENT MONEY ON THE TABLE
Every year without an RDSP is a year of grants your family will never recover. The first conversation is free. Book your call today.
