Direct answer
An RDSP is a federal long-term savings plan that provides up to $90,000 in lifetime government contributions: up to $70,000 in Canada Disability Savings Grants (CDSG) matching personal contributions, and up to $20,000 in income-tested Canada Disability Savings Bonds (CDSB) requiring no personal contribution. Beneficiaries must be Canadian residents under 60 with a SIN and eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
The Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) matches personal contributions up to $3,500/year depending on family income. Lower-income families receive higher matching rates (up to 300%).
To open an RDSP, the beneficiary must be a Canadian resident, have a valid Social Insurance Number, be under 60 years of age, and be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Most autistic individuals qualify for the DTC.
The Assistance Holdback Amount (AHA): if you withdraw within 10 years of receiving a government grant or bond, you must repay $3 for every $1 withdrawn in grants and bonds received in the previous 10 years.
As of 2008, RDSP assets and income from an RDSP do not affect eligibility for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). This makes the RDSP one of the few savings vehicles that does not trigger ODSP asset clawbacks.
The Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) matches personal contributions up to $3,500/year depending on family income. Lower-income families receive higher matching rates (up to 300%).
The Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) provides up to $1,000/year for low-income families with no personal contribution required.
Combined lifetime maximum is $90,000 in government contributions. Funds grow tax-deferred and are taxed when withdrawn — typically at low rates because beneficiaries usually have low income.
To open an RDSP, the beneficiary must be a Canadian resident, have a valid Social Insurance Number, be under 60 years of age, and be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Most autistic individuals qualify for the DTC.
The DTC application requires a medical practitioner to complete Form T2201 and submit it to the Canada Revenue Agency. Processing takes 6–12 weeks. Once approved, the beneficiary can open an RDSP through any participating financial institution (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, Mackenzie, and others).
A parent, legal guardian, or qualifying family member can be the plan holder for a child or adult who cannot manage the plan themselves.
The Assistance Holdback Amount (AHA): if you withdraw within 10 years of receiving a government grant or bond, you must repay $3 for every $1 withdrawn in grants and bonds received in the previous 10 years.
After the 10-year window, withdrawals have no clawback. Lifetime Disability Assistance Payments (LDAPs) must begin by age 60.
Strategy: starting an RDSP early — even in childhood — maximizes the value of compounding and government contributions.
As of 2008, RDSP assets and income from an RDSP do not affect eligibility for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). This makes the RDSP one of the few savings vehicles that does not trigger ODSP asset clawbacks.
For autistic adults receiving ODSP, an RDSP can provide a meaningful future income supplement without reducing current ODSP benefits.
CRA
Canada Revenue Agency — RDSP Program guidelines and Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit)
ESDC
Employment and Social Development Canada — RDSP grant and bond contribution rules
Commitment 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.
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