Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Canada Learning Bond (CLB) 2025

The Canada Learning Bond provides up to $2,000 in government education savings for children from low-income families — with zero contributions required from the family. It is the most underused federal benefit in Canada: hundreds of thousands of eligible children have never received it simply because no one opened an RESP.

Who Qualifies

Families who receive the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) qualify for CLB. For 2024-25, this applies to families with net income approximately below $50,000-55,000 (varies with number of children). Eligibility is reassessed each year based on your tax return.

No Contributions Required

Unlike the CESG, you do not need to put any money into the RESP to receive CLB. The government deposits it automatically into the account once you apply through your RESP provider. Simply open an RESP, apply for CLB, and the grant arrives — even with a zero balance.

Retroactive CLB Payments

If you open an RESP when the child is 8, you can receive back-payments for all eligible years — $500 plus $100 for each year of eligibility, paid as a lump sum. A child eligible from birth whose RESP was opened at age 8 would receive $1,300 upfront plus $100/year until age 15. Never too late to apply.

CLB and CESG Together

Low-income families that contribute $2,500/year receive: basic CESG $500 + additional CESG $100 + CLB $100 = $700 in annual grants on $2,500 contributed. That's a 28% instant return before any investment growth — the best guaranteed return available to any Canadian investor.

CLB After Age 18

Young adults who turn 18 and were never the beneficiary of an RESP can open their own RESP and apply for retroactive CLB for years when they were eligible as minors. This self-directed catch-up ensures low-income youth who missed out as children can still access the benefit.

How to Apply

Apply through any RESP provider — banks, credit unions, and investment platforms all accept CLB applications. The provider submits the application to ESDC. You need the child's SIN, your SIN, and eligibility documentation. Most RESP providers can handle CLB and CESG applications at account opening.