The benefits landscape
Financial support is available, but navigating it takes time families are already spending on the waitlist.
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 |
A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a Canada-wide savings plan specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. It helps individuals and their families save for long-term financial security with generous government matching programs.
For autism families in Ontario, the RDSP is one of the most powerful financial planning tools available. The government contributes matching grants and bonds that can significantly multiply your savings over time.
The government matches your contributions: 300% on first $500, 200% on next $1,000, and 100% on next $1,500 annually. Lifetime maximum: $90,000.
Up to $1,000 annually for families with net income under $103,812 (2025). No contribution required. Lifetime maximum: $20,000. Helps lower-income families build savings without having to contribute.
Investments grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. No annual contribution limit (only $200,000 lifetime). Contributions are not tax-deductible, but investment earnings accumulate tax-free.
RDSPs are generally exempt as assets for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) eligibility. Withdrawals for disability-related expenses may also be income-exempt.
Before opening an RDSP, your child must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). This is a separate application process through the CRA. Most autistic children qualify, but initial applications are sometimes denied and require appeal.
The beneficiary must be under 60 years old when the RDSP is opened. Government grants/bonds are available until December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 49.
The beneficiary must be a Canadian resident with a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Your child must be eligible for the DTC. For autism, this means the effects must severely restrict one or more daily living activities: walking, speaking, hearing, vision, bowel/bladder control, or mental functions necessary for everyday life. The restriction must be present all or substantially all the time (at least 90% of the time).
| Annual Contribution | Government Match | Max Grant |
|---|---|---|
| First $500 | 300% | $1,500 |
| Next $1,000 | 200% | $2,000 |
| Next $1,500 | 100% | $1,500 |
| Total: Up to $2,500 | N/A | $5,000/year |
Lifetime maximum CDSG: $90,000. Carry forward of unused grant room available for prior years (back to 2008 or RDSP opening, whichever is later) if DTC was eligible.
| Family Net Income | Annual Bond |
|---|---|
| $0 - $103,812 | $1,000 |
| $103,813 - $107,337 | $750 |
| $107,338 - $110,861 | $500 |
| $110,862 - $114,385 | $250 |
| Over $114,385 | $0 |
No Contribution Required
The CDB is paid directly to the RDSP even if you contribute $0, making it a valuable benefit for lower-income families. Lifetime maximum: $20,000.
See example scenarios showing how government matching works at different income levels.
See how government matching works at different income and contribution levels.
The Bond is paid directly to the RDSP even with $0 contribution. Lifetime maximum: $20,000.
Note:Examples shown are based on 2025 government thresholds. Actual grant/bond amounts depend on your prior year's tax return filed with the CRA. Consult a financial professional for personalized advice.
Complete Form T2201 with your child's doctor. Submit to CRA. Processing: 8+ weeks. DTC approval is required before opening an RDSP.
Major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) and credit unions offer RDSPs. Compare fees and investment options before choosing.
Visit your chosen institution with beneficiary's SIN, proof of DTC eligibility, and your identification. Name a successor plan holder.
Contribute any amount to start capturing government grants immediately. Even $100 triggers matching.
Review statements annually to ensure grants/bonds are being received. Adjust contributions to maximize matching.
Any government grants or bonds received in the last 10 years must be repaid if you withdraw more than the allowable amount before age 50. This prevents using RDSPs as short-term savings accounts.
After age 50: The holdback no longer applies, and all funds are accessible without penalty.
RDSPs are generally exempt as assets for ODSP eligibility. This means having an RDSP does not disqualify your child from receiving ODSP income support.
Withdrawal Impact on ODSP:
Withdrawals for disability-related expenses (medical, equipment, accessibility) may be exempt as income. General living expenses may be considered income and reduce ODSP payments. Consult an ODSP specialist before making withdrawals.
Similar to ODSP, RDSPs are generally exempt as assets. Withdrawals may be treated as income depending on their use. Contact your Ontario Works caseworker for specific guidance.
RDSPs do not directly impact ACSD eligibility, which is based on the severity of your child's disability and family income. Many Ontario families use ACSD funds for current expenses while building RDSP savings for the future.
Opening an RDSP by age 18 allows maximum time for compound growth and government contributions. The bond is available until age 49, giving you decades to capture government money.
Grandparents, relatives, and friends can all contribute to your child's RDSP. Consider asking for RDSP contributions instead of toys for birthdays and holidays.
Unused grant room from previous years (back to 2008 or when DTC-eligible) can be carried forward. Large catch-up contributions may be possible if you open late.
Plan for what happens to the RDSP after you're gone. Name a successor plan holder and consider how the plan integrates with your will and testamentary trusts.
Opening an RDSP is one of the most powerful financial steps you can take for your autistic child. Government matching can significantly multiply your savings over time.
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.
Related Resources
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