$500 (on $2,500 contribution)
Maximum CESG per year
ESDC, Canada Education Savings Program, 2025
$50,000 lifetime
RESP to RDSP rollover limit
Budget 2022, implemented 2023
$3,500
Maximum CDSG per year (RDSP)
ESDC, RDSP program, 2025
35 years from opening
RESP plan expiry
Income Tax Act, RESP provisions
RESPs can fund any program at a designated post-secondary institution — this includes colleges, universities, trade schools, and many private vocational programs. For autistic learners, qualifying programs often include college certificate programs, skilled trades apprenticeships, culinary programs, technology bootcamps at designated institutions, and specialized employment preparation programs.
Ontario has several post-secondary programs specifically designed for autistic students, including the Autism and Behavioural Science programs at multiple Ontario colleges and specialized support programs at universities like York and Carleton. All of these qualify for RESP withdrawals.
Since Budget 2022, families can roll up to $50,000 of RESP accumulated income into an RDSP for the same beneficiary, provided the beneficiary qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit. The government grants (CESG) must be repaid, but the investment income transfers tax-deferred into the RDSP.
This rollover option is particularly valuable for autism families who contributed to an RESP before knowing whether their child would pursue post-secondary education. Rather than losing the tax-advantaged growth, the funds continue to grow in the RDSP, which has its own government matching grants and is fully exempt from ODSP calculations.
Many financial planners advise autism families to contribute to both an RESP and RDSP simultaneously. The RESP captures the 20% Canada Education Savings Grant (up to $500/year), while the RDSP captures the Canada Disability Savings Grant (up to $3,500/year). If the child pursues education, use the RESP; if not, roll it into the RDSP.
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.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada Education Savings Program rules and designated institutions, 2025
Department of Finance Canada
Budget 2022: RESP to RDSP rollover provisions, Chapter 6
Disclaimer:This page provides general information, not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor familiar with disability planning for decisions specific to your family's situation.
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.
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