The numbers behind the answer
Every question on this page traces back to one of these three numbers.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Just 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified — CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a federal long-term savings plan that provides up to $70,000 in lifetime matching grants (Canada Disability Savings Grant) and up to $20,000 in bonds (Canada Disability Savings Bond) for eligible Canadians with disabilities. To qualify, the beneficiary must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which many autistic individuals are eligible for. RDSP savings do not affect ODSP benefits.
For Ontario autism families waiting years for OAP services, the RDSP is one of the most impactful financial tools available — providing government-matched savings with no impact on provincial benefits.
To open an RDSP, the beneficiary must meet all of the following criteria as of the account opening date:
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) eligible — A medical practitioner must complete Form T2201 confirming the individual has a severe and prolonged impairment. Many autistic individuals qualify under the mental functions category.
Canadian resident with a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Under 60 years of age — RDSPs can be opened at any age before 60, but grants and bonds are only paid until the end of the year the beneficiary turns 49.
Important for OAP families: Even a small annual contribution of $1,500 can generate $3,500 in government grants for lower-income families, making the RDSP one of the highest-return savings options available. Low-income families who cannot contribute at all still receive the CDSB bond of up to $1,000/year automatically.
Understanding the withdrawal rules is essential to avoid clawbacks of government contributions:
If you withdraw within 10 years of receiving a government grant or bond, you must repay $3 for every $1 withdrawn (up to the total grants/bonds received in the previous 10 years). This rule encourages long-term saving.
Regular annual payments must begin by December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 60. The amount is calculated based on the plan's fair market value and the beneficiary's life expectancy.
RDSP does not affect ODSP. Since 2008, RDSP assets and income from RDSP withdrawals are fully exempt from ODSP asset and income calculations. This makes the RDSP one of the few savings vehicles where Ontario families can build long-term savings without jeopardizing disability benefits.
Apply for the Disability Tax Credit
Have a medical practitioner complete Form T2201. Submit to the CRA for approval.
Choose a financial institution
Most major Canadian banks and credit unions offer RDSP accounts. Compare investment options and fees.
Open the account and apply for grants/bonds
Your financial institution will apply for CDSG and CDSB on your behalf. You can backdate grants for up to 10 years.
Primary Source
Government of Canada — Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). canada.ca/rdsp
ODSP Exemption
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services — ODSP Directive 4.7: Assets. RDSP assets are fully exempt from ODSP asset calculations.
No. ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) is only available to adults 18 and older. Children under 18 are not eligible regardless of their autism diagnosis or support needs. Parents can begin preparing ODSP documentation while their child is still a minor and apply as soon as they turn 18 if the disability substantially restricts daily activities.
Eligibility criteria, application process, benefit amounts
OAP Core Clinical funding provides up to $28,000/year for children under 6 and up to $20,000/year for children 6–17. Childhood Budget provides $1,500–$2,500/month. These amounts are fixed and do not adjust for regional cost-of-living differences. For most intensive therapy programs, OAP funding covers 25–45% of actual costs — families pay the remainder privately.
Core funding amounts, childhood vs. youth budgets
Interim options, resources, financial supports
ABA costs, speech therapy, OT rates in Ontario
APA Style:
End The Wait Ontario. (2026). What is an RDSP and How Does It Help Autism Families in Ontario? Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://www.endthewaitontario.com/answers/rdsp-registered-disability-savingsWhile families wait years for OAP services, the RDSP helps build long-term financial security.
Learn About More Financial SupportsCommitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
$200/month — The Canada Disability Benefit provides up to for eligible Canadians with disabilities
88,175 — children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50 — According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23.4% — Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement