How to open an RESP and apply for the Canada Education Savings Grant
Open a Registered Education Savings Plan with a participating RESP promoter and make contributions to receive the Canada Education Savings Grant. The basic CESG adds 20% on eligible annual contributions, normally up to $500 per year, with additional grant amounts available to eligible low- and middle-income families.
CA Canada
Education ~ 11 min read
16 FAQ
Updated 2026-08-25
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To get the Canada Education Savings Grant, open an RESP with a promoter that offers the CESG, name the eligible child as beneficiary and make contributions to the plan. The beneficiary must have a Social Insurance Number, be a resident of Canada when the contribution is made and generally be 17 or younger. The basic CESG pays 20% on the first $2,500 contributed each year, normally up to $500 annually. Unused basic CESG room can be carried forward, allowing up to $1,000 of basic CESG in a later year. For 2026, eligible families with adjusted income up to $58,523 can receive an additional 20% on the first $500 contributed, while income above $58,523 and up to $117,045 can qualify for an additional 10%. The lifetime CESG maximum is $7,200 per beneficiary.
What you need
- The beneficiary must have a valid Social Insurance Number.
- The beneficiary must be a resident of Canada when the RESP contribution is made.
- The beneficiary must be named in a Registered Education Savings Plan.
- The beneficiary must generally be 17 years old or younger in the calendar year for which the CESG is requested.
- A personal contribution must be made to the RESP to receive CESG money.
- For a beneficiary who is 16 or 17, special pre-age-16 contribution conditions must already have been met.
- The subscriber opening the RESP must provide the Social Insurance Number and identification information required by the promoter.
- For the additional CESG based on family income, primary caregiver information and authorization may be required so eligibility can be determined.
- The RESP must be opened with a promoter that participates in the CESG program.
Eligibility
The basic Canada Education Savings Grant is available for eligible beneficiaries regardless of family income. The beneficiary must have a Social Insurance Number, be a resident of Canada when the contribution is made, be named in an RESP and be eligible by age. Contributions made up to the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 17 can qualify. However, a beneficiary who is 16 or 17 can receive the CESG only if, before the end of the calendar year in which they turned 15, at least $2,000 had been contributed to and not withdrawn from their RESP or at least $100 had been contributed to and not withdrawn from an RESP in at least four previous years. Low- and middle-income beneficiaries may also qualify for an additional CESG amount based on adjusted family income.
How to do it
- Get a Social Insurance Number for the beneficiary and for the subscriber if they do not already have one.
- Confirm the beneficiary meets the CESG residency and age rules. If the beneficiary is 16 or 17, check that the special contribution history requirement was met before the end of the year they turned 15.
- Choose an RESP promoter that offers the Canada Education Savings Grant. Compare plan type, fees, investment options, contribution rules, penalties and available government benefits before signing.
- Open an individual, family or other eligible RESP and name the child as beneficiary.
- Ask the RESP promoter to apply for the basic CESG and, where applicable, the additional CESG. Complete the government education savings benefit documentation provided by the promoter.
- Provide primary caregiver information and authorization where required for the additional CESG based on family income.
- Make a contribution to the RESP. The basic CESG normally adds 20% of eligible contributions, up to $500 of basic grant for $2,500 contributed in a year.
- If the beneficiary has unused basic CESG room from previous years, consider making a larger contribution. Carry-forward rules can allow up to $1,000 of basic CESG in a year, subject to available grant room and the lifetime maximum.
- Check the RESP account after the promoter submits the transaction. Government guidance states that the CESG is generally deposited within 6 to 8 weeks of an eligible contribution once the application has been processed.
- Track total contributions and CESG received across all RESPs for the beneficiary. The lifetime RESP contribution limit is $50,000 per beneficiary and the lifetime CESG maximum is $7,200.
How does the Canada Education Savings Grant work?
The Canada Education Savings Grant, commonly called the CESG, is federal money paid directly into a Registered Education Savings Plan to encourage saving for a child's post-secondary education.
The basic CESG is available regardless of family income. It pays 20% on eligible annual RESP contributions, normally on the first $2,500 contributed for a beneficiary each year. A $2,500 contribution can therefore generate $500 of basic CESG.
Eligible beneficiaries from low- and middle-income families may also receive an additional CESG on the first $500 contributed each year.
Who can open an RESP?
Any adult can open an RESP. A subscriber can open one for their own child, someone else's child, themselves or another eligible adult.
The person or people who will eventually use the education savings are called beneficiaries. For the CESG, the beneficiary must meet the federal grant eligibility rules.
What types of RESP can you choose?
The Government of Canada identifies three main types of RESP: family plans, individual plans and group plans.
Family RESP
A family plan can have more than one beneficiary, but beneficiaries generally must be related to the subscriber by blood or adoption. Government education savings benefits are subject to the rules that apply to each beneficiary.
Individual RESP
An individual plan has one beneficiary. The beneficiary does not have to be related to the subscriber.
Group RESP
A group plan normally has one beneficiary and pools savings with other plan members. Group plans can have specific contribution schedules, fees and withdrawal rules, so the Government of Canada recommends reading the plan terms carefully before joining.
What are the CESG eligibility rules?
To receive the CESG, the beneficiary must be a resident of Canada when the contribution is made, have a valid Social Insurance Number, be named as beneficiary of an RESP and meet the applicable age requirements.
The grant is available on eligible contributions made up to the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 17.
Special CESG rules for ages 16 and 17
Beneficiaries who are 16 or 17 can receive the CESG only if long-term saving began earlier.
At least one of two conditions must have been met before the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turned 15: at least $2,000 must have been contributed to and not withdrawn from an RESP for the beneficiary, or at least $100 must have been contributed to and not withdrawn in at least four previous years.
This means opening an RESP for the first time after the end of the year in which a child turns 15 generally will not allow CESG eligibility at ages 16 or 17.
How much basic CESG can you get?
The basic CESG pays 20% of eligible RESP contributions. Normally, the maximum basic CESG for a year is $500, corresponding to $2,500 in contributions.
Unused basic CESG room accumulates and can be carried forward. If the beneficiary has unused grant room, contributions in a later year can attract up to $1,000 of basic CESG for that year.
The combined lifetime maximum for basic and additional CESG is $7,200 per beneficiary.
What are the additional CESG income limits for 2026?
For calendar year 2026, beneficiaries whose adjusted family income is $58,523 or less can qualify for an additional CESG equal to 20% of the first $500 contributed during the year. That can add up to $100 in additional CESG.
If adjusted family income is greater than $58,523 but not more than $117,045, the additional CESG rate is 10% of the first $500 contributed, for up to $50 of additional grant.
Above $117,045, the beneficiary can still qualify for the basic CESG but not the additional CESG based on the 2026 income thresholds.
What is the maximum CESG in a normal year?
With no unused grant room, the basic CESG can provide up to $500 per year. Depending on family income, the additional CESG can increase the total annual amount to $550 or $600.
The additional CESG does not accumulate as unused grant room. Carry-forward applies to unused basic CESG.
How to open an RESP and apply for the CESG
Start by obtaining a Social Insurance Number for the beneficiary. The subscriber also needs a SIN to open the RESP.
Choose an RESP promoter, such as a participating bank, credit union, investment firm, financial planner or group plan dealer. Confirm that the promoter offers the CESG and any other education savings benefits for which the beneficiary may qualify.
Open the RESP, name the beneficiary and ask the promoter to apply for the Canada Education Savings Grant. The promoter handles submission of the benefit request to the Canada Education Savings Program.
Can you open an RESP online?
Yes, depending on the RESP promoter. Government guidance states that an RESP may be opened and benefits may be applied for online, over the telephone or by mail. Availability depends on the promoter's service options.
What documents and information do you need?
You need the beneficiary's Social Insurance Number and the subscriber's SIN. The RESP promoter will also request the identification and account information necessary to establish the plan.
For additional CESG eligibility, the government uses adjusted family income information associated with the primary caregiver. The primary caregiver or their spouse or common-law partner may need to provide their SIN and authorization when the benefit is requested.
Do you apply for the CESG directly with the government?
No. The application is handled through the RESP promoter. When you open an RESP, the promoter can help you apply for the CESG and other available education savings benefits.
The standard education savings benefit application is completed as part of the RESP process and provided to the promoter rather than sent independently by the subscriber to Employment and Social Development Canada.
Do you have to contribute money to receive the CESG?
Yes. Unlike the Canada Learning Bond, the CESG is directly linked to personal RESP contributions.
If no eligible contribution is made, no CESG is generated for that contribution year. However, unused basic CESG room can normally carry forward for future use while the beneficiary remains eligible.
How does CESG catch-up work?
Children accumulate unused basic CESG room even if no RESP was open during earlier eligible years. Since 2007, $500 of basic CESG room is generally added for each eligible year.
If unused room is available, contributions can attract both current-year and prior-year basic CESG. The maximum basic CESG that can generally be paid in one year using carry-forward is $1,000, which corresponds to up to $5,000 in eligible contributions at the 20% basic rate.
Catch-up is still limited by age eligibility and the $7,200 lifetime CESG maximum.
How much can you contribute to an RESP?
There is no annual RESP contribution limit for contributions made from 2007 onward, but there is a lifetime contribution limit of $50,000 for each beneficiary across all RESPs.
This limit applies across every RESP in which the same person is named as beneficiary. Families should therefore coordinate contributions when more than one person has opened an RESP for the same child.
How long does the CESG take to arrive?
Government guidance states that education savings benefits may take several weeks to appear in the RESP. It specifically states that the CESG will generally be deposited within 6 to 8 weeks of an eligible contribution once the application has been processed.
The money is deposited directly into the RESP rather than paid to the parent or subscriber.
Does it cost anything to open an RESP or apply for the CESG?
The federal government does not charge an application fee for the CESG. However, RESP promoters may charge service fees, investment fees, commissions or other plan-related charges.
Before signing an RESP contract, ask the promoter to explain all fees, contribution requirements, penalties, transfer conditions, investment choices and withdrawal rules in writing.
How do RESP withdrawals affect the CESG?
RESP contribution withdrawals can affect government grant amounts. Depending on the circumstances and timing, withdrawing contributions can require repayment of CESG amounts or affect future grant eligibility.
If you are considering withdrawing contributions before the beneficiary begins eligible post-secondary education, ask the RESP promoter to explain the grant repayment consequences first.
What happens to CESG money when the student goes to school?
When the beneficiary attends an eligible post-secondary program, CESG money and investment earnings can form part of educational assistance payments made from the RESP.
These payments can help cover eligible post-secondary education costs, subject to RESP payment rules.
What if the beneficiary does not pursue post-secondary education?
If the beneficiary does not pursue qualifying post-secondary education and the CESG cannot be used under RESP rules, the unused grant must be returned to the Government of Canada.
The subscriber's own RESP contributions are treated separately under the applicable RESP contract and tax rules.
Is the CESG the same as the Canada Learning Bond?
No. The CESG and Canada Learning Bond are separate federal education savings benefits.
The CESG requires RESP contributions and is available to eligible beneficiaries regardless of income at the basic rate. The Canada Learning Bond is targeted to eligible beneficiaries from lower-income families and does not require personal contributions.
What should you check before choosing an RESP provider?
Compare more than one RESP promoter if possible. Ask whether the promoter offers the basic and additional CESG, what plan types are available and whether there are service fees, sales charges, contribution requirements, penalties or transfer restrictions.
Also compare investment options and risk. RESP promoters can offer savings accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds and other eligible investments depending on the institution and plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Canada Education Savings Grant?
The basic CESG pays 20% of eligible annual RESP contributions, normally up to $500 on the first $2,500 contributed each year. The lifetime CESG maximum is $7,200 per beneficiary.
Do I have to contribute to an RESP to get the CESG?
Yes. The CESG is based on eligible personal contributions made to the RESP.
What are the additional CESG income limits for 2026?
For 2026, adjusted family income of $58,523 or less can qualify for an additional 20% on the first $500 contributed. Income above $58,523 and up to $117,045 can qualify for an additional 10% on the first $500.
Can every child get the basic CESG regardless of family income?
The basic CESG is not income-tested. The beneficiary must still meet the residency, SIN, RESP and age eligibility requirements.
Can I catch up on missed CESG from previous years?
Yes. Unused basic CESG room carries forward. If sufficient unused room exists, up to $1,000 of basic CESG can generally be received in a later year.
How much do I need to contribute to get $500 of CESG?
A $2,500 eligible contribution normally generates $500 of basic CESG at the 20% rate.
How much do I need to contribute to get $1,000 of CESG using carry-forward?
If enough unused basic CESG room is available, up to $5,000 of eligible contributions can generate $1,000 of basic CESG in one year at the 20% rate.
Can a 16 or 17-year-old still receive the CESG?
Yes, but only if earlier contribution requirements were met before the end of the year the beneficiary turned 15. At least $2,000 must have been contributed and not withdrawn, or at least $100 must have been contributed and not withdrawn in at least four earlier years.
Can I open an RESP online?
Depending on the promoter, an RESP may be opened and government benefits requested online, by telephone or by mail.
Do I apply directly to the Government of Canada for the CESG?
No. You apply through the RESP promoter, which submits the benefit request through the Canada Education Savings Program.
How long does it take for CESG money to appear in an RESP?
Government guidance states that the CESG is generally deposited within 6 to 8 weeks of an eligible contribution once the application has been processed.
What is the lifetime RESP contribution limit?
The lifetime contribution limit is $50,000 per beneficiary across all RESPs.
What is the lifetime CESG limit?
The lifetime maximum for basic and additional CESG combined is $7,200 per beneficiary.
Does opening an RESP automatically get me the CESG?
No. The beneficiary must be eligible, the CESG must be requested through the RESP promoter and an eligible contribution must be made.
Does the additional CESG carry forward if I do not claim it?
No. Carry-forward applies to unused basic CESG room, not to the additional CESG.
What happens to CESG money if the child does not attend post-secondary school?
If the CESG cannot be used under RESP rules for eligible post-secondary education, the unused CESG must be returned to the Government of Canada.
Official sources
Open a Registered Education Savings Plan and apply for benefitsHow much money can be added to Registered Education Savings PlansCanada Education Savings GrantRevised income brackets for the additional CESG for 2026Registered Education Savings Plan contributionsRegistered Education Savings PlansRegistered Education Savings Plans and related benefitsUpdated ESDC education savings application formsRelated procedures
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