Federal

Registered Disability Savings Plan

Complex application

Tax filing required

Prerequisite(s) required

To get this benefit you need to first apply for the following benefit(s) if you're eligible:

A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a savings plan that is intended to help parents and others save for the long term financial security of a person who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Contributions to an RDSP are not tax deductible and can be made until the end of the year in which the beneficiary turns 59 years of age.

Go to the Disability benefits compass for more information on this benefit, including a step-by-step guide through the application process. You will find tips, frequently asked questions, resources, and examples of challenges you may encounter. Other supports such as who to contact for help, what to expect after you apply and what steps to take if your application is approved or denied can also be found here.

You can designate an individual as beneficiary if the individual:

  • Is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC).
  • Has a valid social insurance number (SIN).
  • Is a resident in Canada when the plan is entered into.
  • Is under the age of 60 (a plan can be opened for an individual until the end of the year in which they turn 59).The age limit does not apply when a beneficiary’s RDSP is opened as a result of a transfer from the beneficiary’s former RDSP.

A beneficiary can only have one RDSP at any given time, although this RDSP can have several plan holders throughout its existence and more than one plan holder at any given time.

Helpful forms and guides:

Social Insurance Number

For example:

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

How to you open and RDSP:

  • To open an RDSP, a person who qualifies to be a holder of the plan must contact a participating financial institution that offers RDSPs. These financial institutions are known as RDSP issuers.
  • The plan holder is the person who opens the RDSP and makes or authorizes contributions on behalf of the beneficiary. As long as conditions are met, there can be more than one plan holder at any time.

To learn more about who can open an RDSP, visit the Opening and RDSP page.

Last updated: August 21, 2021