WealthRDSP grants and bonds: calculate available assistance
The grant depends on contributions and family income. The bond depends on income but requires no contribution. Income thresholds are indexed and should be checked every year.
Published July 17, 2026 · By the WealthWise team · Official sources reviewed
Calculate the annual grant
| Income category | Contribution tier | Matching rate | Current grant maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income below the indexed upper threshold | First $500 | 300% | $1,500 |
| Same category | Next $1,000 | 200% | $2,000 |
| Income above the upper threshold | First $1,000 | 100% | $1,000 |
In the first category, a $1,500 contribution can therefore produce a $3,500 grant. The thresholds separating categories are indexed; use the current official page rather than an old number from an article.
The bond requires no contribution
The Canada Disability Savings Bond supports low- and modest-income beneficiaries. It can reach $1,000 per year below the first threshold, then decreases gradually to zero across the next income range.
No contribution is required. An RDSP must still be open, the bond must be requested and required income tax returns must be filed so family income is known.
Catch up as many as ten years
Unused grant and bond entitlements can carry forward from the prior ten years in which the beneficiary was DTC-approved and resident in Canada. The system applies the most favourable unused matching rates first.
With carryforward, grants paid in one year can reach $10,500 and bonds can reach $11,000, subject to actual entitlements and lifetime limits. A large contribution does not automatically attract the maximum: ask the institution for an entitlement statement before contributing.
Limits and timeline
| Item | Limit | General final year |
|---|---|---|
| RDSP contributions | $200,000 lifetime | Year age 59 |
| Grant | $70,000 lifetime; $3,500 current or up to $10,500 with carryforward | Year age 49 |
| Bond | $20,000 lifetime; $1,000 current or up to $11,000 with carryforward | Year age 49 |
Recent assistance is connected to repayment rules for certain withdrawals. A contribution plan should therefore consider the expected time before money is taken out.
Plan assistance inside the complete RDSP
Confirm eligibility first, then coordinate contributions, catch-up entitlements and the withdrawal horizon.
Sources and method
Rules, limits and fees change. The primary sources below were reviewed on July 17, 2026. Always verify the official version before acting.
- Government of Canada — how much grants and bonds — current rates, thresholds, carryforward and limits
- CRA — RDSP grant and bond — general rules for both forms of assistance
- Government of Canada — RDSP overview — plan lifecycle and withdrawals
Frequently asked questions
Must I contribute to receive the RDSP bond?
No. The bond depends on family income and eligibility, not a contribution.
Does a $1,500 contribution always receive a $3,500 grant?
No. The rate depends on family income and available entitlement. Above the indexed threshold, the current matching rate differs.
Can I recover assistance from years before the RDSP opened?
Yes. Up to ten prior eligible years may be considered, subject to DTC, residency, age and program limits.
Can I contribute more than the grant-attracting amount?
Yes, within the lifetime limit, but the amount above what is required for available grants may receive no matching payment.
Track the RDSP beside other goals
See plan allocation inside the family portfolio while keeping the official grant and bond entitlement statement separate.