RESP Planning Considerations for Ontario Autism Families
Direct answer
Employment and Social Development Canada · Canada Revenue Agency · Verified 2026-05-13
- Maximum CESG per year
- $1,100 (with grant room)
- CRA
Guide values reviewed .
Guide values reviewed . Program amounts and eligibility can change; confirm them with the administering agency.
Program facts at a glance
Guide values reviewed 2026-05-13
Program facts and sources
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| RESP to RDSP rollover | Accumulated income payment | CRA |
| Maximum CDSG per year (RDSP) | $3,500 | CRA |
| RESP plan expiry | 35 years (40 for specified plan) | CRA |
Qualifying Educational Programs
RESP withdrawals depend on the institution, the program, and the student's enrolment status. Ask the promoter to confirm the exact program before enrolment or withdrawal.
Do not assume a whole category qualifies. College, trade, university, private, and continuing-education programs can have different RESP treatment.
RESP to RDSP Rollover
Some RESP accumulated income may be transferable to an RDSP for the same beneficiary. The rules are narrow and can require Disability Tax Credit eligibility, residency, plan-holder consent, and specific impairment or plan-age conditions.
An RESP-to-RDSP transfer can reduce RDSP contribution room. It also has grant and bond consequences. Get written instructions from the RESP promoter before closing or transferring a plan.
Strategy Considerations
Some families use both an RESP and an RDSP, but the right order depends on income, Disability Tax Credit status, grants, bonds, and education plans. Confirm the current rules before contributing.
When making RESP withdrawals, coordinate with any OAP funding or other disability-related financial support the student receives. RESP Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs) are taxable income in the student's hands, which may affect certain income-tested benefits.
Evidence and sources
Employment and Social Development Canada
RESP eligible-school checks and qualifying post-secondary program rules
Canada Revenue Agency
RESP accumulated income payment and RDSP rollover rules
Frequently asked questions
Maybe. RESPs can help if your child later attends a qualifying program. If plans change, ask the promoter about contribution withdrawals, grant and bond repayment, accumulated income, RRSP transfers, and possible RDSP transfer rules.
Ask the RESP promoter for written options before acting. A transfer, withdrawal, beneficiary change, or plan closure can affect grants, bonds, tax, and the RDSP contribution room.
Ask your RESP promoter to confirm the exact institution, program, and enrolment status. Do this before you count on an Educational Assistance Payment.
Where the waitlist stands
Families navigating autism services in Ontario face a documented multi-year wait. Here is the Ontario data — and a two-minute way to push back, when you are ready.
Related pages
- ACSD Ontario pays eligible families $25 to $678 a month under the $77,640 income limit, based on family size, severity and extra costs. See how to apply.
- Estate planning for Ontario autism families: wills, trusts, guardianship, RDSP, and ODSP-compatible strategies to protect your child's future.
- Everything Ontario autism families need to know about Henson Trusts — how they protect ODSP eligibility, setup costs, trustee selection, and common mistakes to avoid.
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