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Education Savings for Your Child

Canada Education Savings Grant - How do I Apply?

A grant without strings
In Val-d'Or, Quebec, David and Rachel were taking steps to open an RESP for their newborn, Julie. The sooner, the better, they thought, but they figured their combined salaries would disqualify them from also getting the Canada Education Savings Grant. Not true, they learned from their caisse populaire. No matter what your net family income, the government contributes some money to the RESP.

It's a simple 2-step process.

  1. Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for yourself and your child. There's no fee. However, certain documents, such as a birth certificate, are required.

  2. Open an RESP account and make a deposit in it. Your RESP provider will then apply for the grant on your behalf.

The grant will be deposited directly into your child’s RESP.

Note: Apply to the Canada Revenue Agency for the Child Tax Benefit if you are setting up an RESP for your child and your family's after-tax income is $77, 664 or less. You could be eligible for higher amounts of the Canada Education Savings Grant.

For more information:

  • Contact 1 800 O-Canada (1 800-622-6232).
  • If you use a TTY, call 1 800 926-9105
  • Or visit a Service Canada Centre near you.

Be sure to visit these pages to learn more.