RDSP Grants and Bonds in Canada 2025 (CDSG + CDSB)

The federal government offers two types of financial incentives inside an RDSP: the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG), which matches contributions, and the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB), which deposits money with no contribution required for lower-income beneficiaries. Together, these incentives can contribute up to $90,000 in government money over a lifetime — making the RDSP one of the most powerful savings vehicles in Canada.

Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG)

The CDSG is a federal matching grant deposited into the RDSP based on contributions made and family net income. The matching rate is highest for lower-income families.

CDSG Matching Rates (2025)

Family Net Income	On First $500 Contributed	On Next $1,000 Contributed	Annual Max CDSG
$106,717 or less	300% ($1,500)	200% ($2,000)	$3,500
Over $106,717	100% ($500)	100% ($1,000)	$1,000

Key CDSG Facts

Lifetime maximum CDSG: $70,000 per beneficiary
CDSG is paid until the year the beneficiary turns 49
Grant room accumulates from the year DTC eligibility began (up to 10 years carry-forward)
To maximize the grant, lower-income families need to contribute $1,500/year; higher-income families need $1,500/year for $1,000 grant (or $0 for no grant above that threshold)

Lower-income example: Family income under $106,717. Contribute $1,500/year. Receive $3,500 in CDSG. That's a 233% return on your contribution before any investment growth. After 20 years: $30,000 contributed, $70,000 in grants received.

Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB)

The CDSB is deposited into the RDSP for lower-income beneficiaries with no contribution required. The government simply pays the bond because the account exists and the family meets the income threshold.

CDSB Amounts (2025)

Family Net Income	Annual CDSB
$35,902 or less	$1,000
$35,903–$53,359	Partial (sliding scale)
Over $53,359	$0

Key CDSB Facts

Lifetime maximum CDSB: $20,000 per beneficiary
No contribution is needed to receive the bond
Bond is paid until the year the beneficiary turns 49
Bond room accumulates from DTC eligibility year — up to 10 years of catch-up
Family income used is that of the beneficiary (if over 18 and living independently) or parents (if under 18)

No-contribution example: Beneficiary's family income under $35,902. Open an RDSP with $0 contribution. Receive $1,000/year in CDSB. Over 20 years: $20,000 in government money, zero personal contribution required.

Which Income Is Used for Grant and Bond Calculations?

Beneficiary Age	Income Used for CDSG/CDSB
Under 18	Parents' or legal guardian's family net income
18 and over	Beneficiary's own income (and spouse if applicable)

This is important: a young adult with a disability who has little or no income may qualify for the full CDSB ($1,000/year) and the maximum CDSG matching rate (300%/200%), even if their parents were high-income, once they turn 18.

Carry-Forward: Catching Up on Missed Grants and Bonds

One of the most valuable and underutilized features of the RDSP is carry-forward. If the plan wasn't opened immediately when DTC eligibility began, unused grant and bond room accumulates — going back as far as 2008 (when the RDSP was introduced) or 10 years, whichever is more recent.

When the plan is opened, CRA calculates all accumulated room and deposits available bonds immediately (for income-eligible beneficiaries). Grants are paid based on contributions — you may need to contribute more in early years to trigger catch-up grants.

Catch-up strategy: If a 30-year-old with a disability opens an RDSP for the first time, they may have up to 10 years of CDSB room ($100 in bonds) deposited right away. They can also contribute to trigger catch-up CDSG based on accumulated grant room — potentially receiving several years' worth of matching grants in a short period.

The 10-Year Repayment Rule

Grants and bonds paid in the 10 years before a withdrawal must be repaid at a rate of $3 per $1 withdrawn. This is the "assistance holdback amount." For this reason, RDSP funds should be treated as long-term savings — do not withdraw for at least 10 years after the last grant or bond was received.

When Grants and Bonds Stop

Grants and bonds are not paid after the year the beneficiary turns 49
No new contributions trigger grants after age 49
The plan can still hold and grow existing funds after 49
Mandatory withdrawals (LDAPs) begin the year the beneficiary turns 60

Maximizing CDSG: Optimal Contribution Strategy

For a beneficiary with family income under $106,717:

Contribute $1,500/year to receive the maximum $3,500 CDSG
Contributions beyond $1,500/year don't trigger additional grants for that year
If you have carry-forward room, contribute more to trigger back grants faster
Start as early as possible — the $70,000 lifetime max takes 20 years to reach at $3,500/year

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Bottom Line

The CDSG and CDSB are among the most generous government incentives in Canada's entire registered account system. For lower-income beneficiaries, the combination of a 300% grant match on first $500 and $1,000/year bond with no contribution required is extraordinary. Open the RDSP as soon as DTC approval arrives, claim all carry-forward room, and contribute $1,500/year to capture the maximum annual grant. The government will do the heavy lifting.