Federal

Canada Learning Bond

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is money that the Government adds to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for children from low-income families. This money helps to pay the costs of a child’s full- or part-time studies after high school at:

  • Apprenticeship programs.
  • CEGEPs.
  • Trade schools.
  • Colleges.
  • Universities.

No personal contributions to a RESP are required to receive the CLB.

The Government of Canada contributes up to $2,000 to a RESP for an eligible child. This includes:

  • $500 for the first year of eligibility.
  • $100 each year the child continues to be eligible (up to and including the benefit year in which they turn 15).

Eligibility for the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is based on the:

  • Number of qualified children in the family.
  • Adjusted income of the primary caregiver, including the income of a cohabiting spouse or common-law partner.

A child is eligible for the CLB if they:

  • Are from a low-income family.
  • Are a resident of Canada.
  • Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • Are named in an RESP.

Visit the Canada Learning Bond Eligibility page to learn more.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

To receive the Canada Learning Bond, you need to do the following:

Step 1 - Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for yourself and your child. Individuals can call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) or visit Canada.ca/social-insurance-number for more information on how to obtain a SIN number.

Step 2 - Find an RESP promoter that offers the Canada Learning Bond An RESP promoter can help you apply for the Canada Learning Bond. They include:

  1. banks or credit unions
  2. certified financial planners
  3. group plan dealers For a complete list of RESP promoters offering the Canada Learning Bond, click here.

Step 3 - Open an RESP and apply for the Canada Learning Bond The RESP promoter can help you open the RESP and apply for the Canada Learning Bond.

Step 4 - Withdraw funds for education-related expenses. Once the beneficiary is attending education after high school, money can be taken out of the RESP to pay for education-related expenses, such as tuition, books, and transportation.

Last updated: August 20, 2021