Updated March 2025 · 8 min read
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RESP grants are one of the most overlooked sources of free money available to Canadian families. The federal government and several provinces contribute directly to your child's RESP — money that grows tax-sheltered and is used for post-secondary education. Here's a complete breakdown of every grant available in 2025.
The Basic CESG is available to all Canadian residents regardless of family income. The government contributes 20% of your annual RESP contributions on the first $2,500 contributed per beneficiary per year.
| Annual Contribution | CESG Received | Total in RESP |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $200 | $1,200 |
| $2,000 | $400 | $2,400 |
| $2,500 | $500 (maximum) | $3,000 |
| $5,000 | $500 (capped at $2,500) | $5,500 |
Families with lower net income receive an additional CESG on the first $500 contributed:
| Family Net Income (2025) | Additional CESG on First $500 | Additional Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $57,375 or less | $100 | 20% additional (40% total) |
| $57,376 to $114,750 | $50 | 10% additional (30% total) |
| Over $114,750 | $0 | Basic CESG only (20%) |
The CLB is free government money for lower-income families — no RESP contribution required. The government deposits it directly into the RESP.
| Grant | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BC Training and Education Savings Grant | $1,200 (one-time) | BC resident; child born on/after Jan 1, 2006; apply between ages 6 and 9 |
No annual contributions required. Must apply through an RESP provider that offers the BCTESG (most major banks and brokers do).
| Grant | Rate | Annual Max | Lifetime Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec Education Savings Incentive | 10% on first $2,500/yr | $250 | $3,600 |
Quebec residents receive the QESI on top of the federal CESG. A Quebec family contributing $2,500/year receives $500 CESG + $250 QESI = $750 in annual grants.
The Saskatchewan Advantage Grant for Education Savings offered 10% on the first $2,500/year. As of early 2025, the program has been suspended — check the Saskatchewan government website for current status.
If you didn't open an RESP at birth, you can catch up on missed CESG. The government allows up to $1,000 in CESG per year (requiring $5,000 in contributions — current year's $2,500 + one prior year's $2,500).
Example: Child is 5 years old and no RESP was ever opened. You've missed 5 years of $500 CESG = $2,500 in missed grants. You can catch up at $500/year over the next 5 years by contributing $5,000/year instead of $2,500.
The CESG cannot be paid after December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 17. Additionally, for children 16 or 17, the CESG is only available if:
This means opening an RESP after age 15 may limit grant eligibility — open early.
| Grant | Who Qualifies | Lifetime Max |
|---|---|---|
| Basic CESG | All Canadians | $7,200 |
| Additional CESG | Lower/middle income families | $7,200 combined with basic |
| CLB | Lower-income families | $2,000 |
| BCTESG | BC residents | $1,200 |
| QESI | Quebec residents | $3,600 |
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