Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): A long-term savings plan for Canadians with disabilities who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. The federal government provides matching grants (CDSG) of up to $3,500 per year and income-tested bonds (CDSB) of up to $1,000 per year. Lifetime contribution limit is $200,000.
For a comprehensive overview of the DTC, see our Complete Guide to the Disability Tax Credit in Canada.
Why the RDSP Matters
The RDSP is one of the most powerful financial planning tools available to Canadians with disabilities — and it requires DTC approval as a prerequisite. With government grants and bonds, an RDSP can accumulate significant savings over time, even with modest personal contributions.
Government Incentives
| Incentive | Maximum Annual Amount | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) | Up to $3,500/year | Government matches personal contributions at 100%, 200%, or 300% depending on family income and contribution amount |
| Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) | Up to $1,000/year | Government contributes directly — no personal contribution required. Income-tested. |
Both the CDSG and CDSB have a lifetime maximum of $70,000 and $20,000 respectively. Grants and bonds are available until the end of the year the beneficiary turns 49.
Key Rules
- DTC eligibility required: The RDSP beneficiary must be DTC-eligible. If DTC approval is lost, there is a grace period, but the RDSP may eventually need to be closed.
- Lifetime contribution limit: $200,000 in personal contributions.
- Assistance holdback amount: Withdrawals within 10 years of the last government contribution may trigger repayment of grants and bonds. This is a critical consideration for withdrawal planning.
- Retroactive grants and bonds: If you open an RDSP late, you may be able to claim up to 10 years of retroactive grants and bonds (subject to annual maximums).
The DTC-RDSP Connection
The DTC is the gateway to the RDSP. Without DTC approval, you cannot open or maintain an RDSP. This is one of the reasons why DTC approval has financial implications far beyond the annual tax credit — the RDSP's government incentives can add tens of thousands of dollars to a person's long-term savings.
Take our free eligibility assessment → | Call 1-844-MY-BENEFITS (1-844-692-3633)
This information is for educational purposes only. This does not constitute financial advice. Last updated: February 2026.
