InfoCapsule 5: Primary caregiver

On this page

• List of acronyms
• Preface
• Individual PCG
• Shared custody
• Public PCG
• PCG validation

Alternate format

A PDF version of the InfoCapsules for RDSP providers is available on the index page.

Preface

The primary caregiver (PCG) is the person primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of a child. A PCG can be an individual or a public entity. Information on the PCG is required to request the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) and the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) for a beneficiary that is or was 18 years of age or under within the last 10 years.

Individual PCG

The individual PCG is the person eligible to receive the Canada child benefit (CCB) payment for the child as defined under the Income Tax Act (ITA).

Shared custody

When parents share custody of a child, the Canada Disability Savings Program (CDSP) system will use the available income level that is most advantageous for the beneficiary to determine the CDSG and CDSB entitlements.

Public PCG

The public PCG is a department, agency or institution that has care of the child and receives a payment under the Children's Special Allowances Act (CSAA) for that child.

The public PCG must also attest that they received a payment under the CSAA in respect of the beneficiary in at least one month of the calendar year. The agency is required to identify the calendar year(s) for which they received a payment.

PCG validation

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) validates the PCG information with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to verify the beneficiary’s:

• eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
• residency status
• family income level