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Guide
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a federal savings program that helps families build long-term financial security for a person with a disability. The government provides matching grants of up to $3 for every $1 contributed. This guide explains how to confirm eligibility, open an account, and maximize the free government money available.
The RDSP requires an approved Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate. If you do not already have one, complete Form T2201 with your doctor. The DTC confirms that the person has a prolonged impairment in mental or physical function.
Not all banks offer RDSPs. Major providers include BMO, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank, and TD. Compare account fees, investment options, and customer service. Some institutions offer self-directed RDSPs with more investment flexibility.
Visit your chosen financial institution with the beneficiary's SIN, DTC approval notice, and government-issued ID. If the beneficiary is under 18, a parent or guardian opens the account. For adults, a legal representative may be needed if the person cannot manage finances independently.
Apply for the grant and bond through your financial organization. Each eligible contribution receives a matching grant. Once carry-forward amounts are caught up, the grant can be up to $3,500 a year depending on family income, while the bond can be up to $1,000 a year for a low-income beneficiary with no contribution required.
Check the annual Statement of Entitlement before setting contributions. It tells you how much grant is available and how much to contribute, including any carry-forward amounts. The amount needed to receive the maximum grant depends on family income.
An LDAP is a recurring payment, while a DAP is a single payment requested by the holder. If you withdraw after receiving a grant or bond within the last 10 years, you may have to repay some or all of it. The repayment is $3 for each $1 withdrawn, up to the applicable grant and bond amount, so ask your financial organization for the exact amount.
Government of Canada
Registered Disability Savings Plan program details and grant information (canada.ca/rdsp)
Plan Institute
RDSP guides and resources for families of people with disabilities (planinstitute.ca)
No. RDSP assets and most withdrawals are fully exempt from ODSP calculations. This makes the RDSP one of the safest ways to save for a person with a disability without reducing their government benefits.
An RDSP has no annual contribution limit, but the lifetime limit is $200,000 for each beneficiary. Contributions are allowed until the end of the year the beneficiary turns 59. Grants and bonds are available only until December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 49.
Yes. If the adult cannot enter into a contract, a legal representative such as a guardian, power of attorney, or qualifying family member can open and manage the RDSP on their behalf.
Next Steps
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 Resources
How long do families wait for Ontario autism services?
VerifiedOntario autism wait times for core clinical services now exceed 5+ years (Ontario Autism Coalition, July 2026). Funding invitations are currently reaching families who registered in August 2021 (Ontario Autism Coalition, July 2026 (reported from community intake)). This delay far exceeds the sensitive early intervention window recommended by developmental specialists.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
VerifiedAs of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents ~300% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?
VerifiedYes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated $965 million, leaving an estimated $385M+ annual shortfall. This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 91,974+ child waitlist.
Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO] · Verify Link