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A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a special savings account designed to help Canadian families save for their children's post-secondary education. The Canadian government adds free money to your RESP through grants β€” up to $7,200 per child β€” making it one of the best ways to save for education.

At Ourinsurenase, we help you set up and manage your RESP. Our advisors will explain your options, maximize your government grants, and ensure your child's education fund grows tax-efficiently.

What Is an RESP?

An RESP is a tax-advantaged savings account registered with the Canadian government. You contribute after-tax money, the government adds grants, and all investment growth is tax-deferred until the child withdraws the funds for post-secondary education.

Key features of an RESP:

Why Start an RESP Early?

The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. Here's why timing matters:

For example, if you start when your child is born and contribute $2,500/year, you'll receive $500/year in CESG grants. Over 18 years, that's $9,000 in grants alone β€” plus all the investment growth on top.

Government Grants & Bonds

The government adds free money to your child's RESP

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CESG (Canada Education Savings Grant)

$7,200 lifetime max

The government matches 20% of your contributions:

  • 20% match on first $2,500/year = $500
  • 40% match on first $500 (income ≀ $50,197)
  • 30% match on next $1,000 (income ≀ $50,197)
  • Lifetime maximum: $7,200 per child
  • Can carry forward unused room
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CLB (Canada Learning Bond)

$2,000 per child

Free money for eligible families β€” no contribution required:

  • $500 initial payment when you open the RESP
  • $100 per year for 15 years = $1,500
  • Total: $2,000 per child
  • No personal contribution needed
  • Available for families receiving family allowance
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Provincial Grants

Varies by province

Additional provincial education savings incentives:

  • British Columbia: $1,200 (BCTESG)
  • Saskatchewan: $500 (SAGES)
  • Quebec: Up to $3,600 (QEIC)
  • Available for eligible residents
  • Stacks with federal grants

How to Open an RESP

1

Get a SIN

Your child needs a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply through Service Canada β€” it's free for children.

2

Choose a Plan Type

Decide between Individual, Family, or Group RESP. Our advisors will help you choose.

3

Open the RESP

We help you open the RESP and select investments that match your goals and risk tolerance.

4

Contribute & Grow

Start contributing. The government automatically adds grants. Watch your savings grow tax-free.

Types of RESPs

Choose the plan that works best for your family

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Individual RESP

For one beneficiary. Anyone can open one for any child β€” not just your own.

  • One beneficiary per plan
  • No family relationship required
  • Flexible contributions
  • Best for single-child families
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Family RESP

For multiple children in the same family. Most flexible and popular option.

  • Multiple beneficiaries (siblings)
  • Share grants among children
  • If one child doesn't go to school, funds can go to siblings
  • Best for families with multiple children
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Group RESP

Pooled plan with other families. Returns depend on the group's performance.

  • Contributions pooled with other families
  • Fixed payment schedule
  • Less flexible than individual/family
  • May have higher fees

Benefits of an RESP

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Free Government Money

Up to $7,200 in CESG grants plus up to $2,000 in CLB bonds per child.

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Tax-Deferred Growth

All investment earnings grow tax-free until your child withdraws for education.

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For Any Education

University, college, trade school, apprenticeship β€” RESP covers it all.

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Family Flexibility

Family plans let you share funds among siblings if one child doesn't attend.

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Flexible Contributions

No annual limit. Contribute what you can, when you can β€” up to $50,000 lifetime.

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Peace of Mind

Know your child's education is funded β€” no student loans needed.

Who Is Eligible?

RESP requirements are simple

πŸ“‹ Requirements

  • Beneficiary must be a Canadian resident
  • Beneficiary must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • No age limit for opening (but grants are best before age 18)
  • CESG available until the beneficiary turns 18
  • CLB available until the beneficiary turns 18

πŸŽ“ Qualifying Education

  • Universities and colleges
  • Trade and vocational schools
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • CEGEP (Quebec)
  • Online and distance education programs
  • Post-secondary programs lasting 3+ weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my child doesn't go to post-secondary education?

If your child doesn't pursue post-secondary education, you have options: (1) Keep the RESP open β€” they may decide to attend later (up to age 35). (2) Transfer the RESP to a sibling. (3) Withdraw your contributions tax-free. (4) Transfer up to $50,000 of earnings to your RRSP (if you have contribution room). Government grants must be returned if not used for education.

How much should I contribute to an RESP?

To maximize the CESG grant, contribute $2,500 per year per child β€” this gets you the full $500 grant (20% match). You can contribute more, but the grant is capped at $500/year. The lifetime contribution limit is $50,000 per child. Even small contributions help β€” the key is to start early and contribute regularly.

What is the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and who qualifies?

The CLB is free government money β€” up to $2,000 per child β€” that requires NO personal contribution. It's available to families receiving the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) or families with income below a certain threshold. We can help you check if you qualify and set up the RESP to receive the CLB.

Can I open an RESP for a child who isn't mine?

Yes! Anyone can open an Individual RESP for any child β€” parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. You just need the child's SIN. For a Family RESP, the beneficiaries must be related to you by blood or adoption.

How are RESP withdrawals taxed?

When your child withdraws money for education, the contributions come back tax-free (since you already paid tax on them). The government grants and investment earnings (called Educational Assistance Payments or EAPs) are taxed as income in the child's hands β€” and since students typically have low income, they pay little or no tax.

What is the lifetime contribution limit for an RESP?

The lifetime contribution limit is $50,000 per child. There is no annual limit β€” you can contribute as much or as little as you want each year, up to the $50,000 lifetime maximum. However, to maximize the CESG grant, it's best to contribute $2,500/year (since the grant is capped at $500/year).

Can I have more than one RESP for the same child?

Yes, you can have multiple RESPs for the same child at different financial institutions. However, the government grants (CESG, CLB) are calculated based on total contributions across all RESPs for that child. The $50,000 lifetime limit and $7,200 CESG lifetime maximum apply per child, not per plan.

What investments can I hold in an RESP?

You can invest in a wide range of options including GICs, mutual funds, ETFs, individual stocks, bonds, and cash. The right investment depends on your child's age, your risk tolerance, and your timeline. Our advisors can help you choose the best investment strategy for your RESP.

Is there an age limit for opening an RESP?

You can open an RESP at any time, but government grants are only available until the beneficiary turns 18 (CESG) or 15 (CLB). The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow and the more grants you can receive. An RESP can stay open for up to 36 years.

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