All children in Canada (up to the end of the calendar year in which they turn 17) are eligible to receive money from the federal government for their education after high school, as long as a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) has been opened for them.

If your child is between the ages of 15 and 17, special rules apply to his or her RESP.

In order to continue receiving the Canada Education Savings Grant after age 15, certain contributions must have been made to the RESP (and not withdrawn) by December 31 of the calendar year in which your child turns 15.

They are:

1. Total contributions of at least $2,000, or
2. Contributions of at least $100 a year or more in any 4 previous years.

Let’s say your child turns 15 on July 2008. That means by December 31, 2008, you must have either contributed at least $2,000 in total to your child's RESPs, or you must have put in at least $100 annually in any of 4 previous years (they don't have to be consecutive years).

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.