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How to Maximize RDSP Grants and Bonds

Learn how government incentives significantly boost RDSP savings and support long-term financial security

One of the most powerful features of a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is the ability to receive government contributions through the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) and Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB). These programs are designed to help individuals with disabilities grow their savings faster, especially for those with modest or low incomes.

Understanding how these incentives work—and how to maximize them—is essential for getting the most out of an RDSP.

The Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG): Matching Your Contributions

The CDSG is a government grant that matches personal contributions to an RDSP. The matching rate depends on the beneficiary’s family income and the amount contributed.

Family Income Level Match on First $500 Contributed Match on Next $1,000 Contributed Maximum Annual Grant Lifetime Limit
Below lower-income threshold 300% ($1,500) 200% ($2,000) $3,500 $70,000
Between lower and upper-income thresholds 200% ($1,000) 100% ($1,000) $2,000 $70,000
Above upper-income threshold 100% ($500) 100% ($1,000) $1,500 $70,000

For 2025, the maximum grant available is $3,500 per year, with a lifetime cap of $70,000 per beneficiary. This tiered structure makes early and consistent contributions critical to maximizing grant support.

The Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB): No Contributions Required

The CDSB is designed to support low-income beneficiaries who may not have the means to make personal contributions:

  • Provides up to $1,000 per year.

  • No personal contributions are required to receive the bond.

  • The lifetime limit is $20,000 per beneficiary.

  • Eligibility and bond amounts are based on the beneficiary’s family income.

Note: The CDSB ensures that financial support is available even if contributions to the RDSP are not possible, providing an important foundation for long-term savings.

Catching Up on Unused Grant and Bond Room

If you haven’t maximized grants or bonds in previous years, you can:

  • Carry forward up to 10 years of unused eligibility.

  • Receive up to $10,500 in grants and $11,000 in bonds in a single year through catch-up contributions.

Note: This makes strategic lump-sum contributions highly effective for families aiming to boost RDSP savings after periods of inactivity.

Why Maximizing These Incentives Matters

The CDSG and CDSB can represent the majority of growth in an RDSP, especially when started early:

  • They provide an immediate, guaranteed return on contributions.

  • Combined with tax-deferred investment growth, they can substantially increase the value of the RDSP over time.

  • For many families, these programs make the difference between limited savings and significant long-term financial support.

Optimize helps you navigate these programs to ensure no opportunity is missed.

How Optimize Helps You Maximize RDSP Grants and Bonds

At Optimize, we ensure your RDSP strategy fully captures available government incentives. We help you:

  • Track your current and unused CDSG and CDSB eligibility.

  • Design contribution schedules that maximize matching opportunities.

  • Plan catch-up contributions effectively, aligning with your cash flow.

  • Coordinate RDSP growth with your overall financial plan, ensuring balance with other savings goals.

  • Monitor income thresholds and grant eligibility over time, adjusting your strategy as needed.

With Optimize’s guidance, government grants and bonds become a powerful, predictable boost to your RDSP’s long-term growth.