Registered Disability Savings Plan provider user guide

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is pleased to provide this Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) provider user guide.

It has been developed to support RDSP issuer's knowledge and understanding of the guiding principles, systems and processes associated with:

• The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
• The Canada Disability Savings Grant (grant)
• The Canada Disability Savings Bond (bond)

This Introduction provides an overview of how information in this guide is organized.

1. Who should read this guide

Any person involved in offering Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) to the public will benefit from using the RDSP provider user guide.

The Guide includes step-by-step procedures associated with the grant and bond processes, as well as knowledge-building components. In addition, it provides access to reference information, quick reference tools, and links to downloadable forms, all of which have been designed to help you in assisting your clients to apply for and receive the applicable grant and bond on behalf of eligible beneficiaries.

Please note that throughout the guide, the term RDSP provider is used as a common way to refer to any person(s) involved in the processes associated with offering RDSPs and the grant and bond. The nature of each individual's involvement with a particular process (example:. submitting electronic transactions to the Canada Disability Savings Program System), will depend on how such responsibilities have been assigned within each organization.

2. How information is organized

The information in this guide has been organized into four main sections:

• Section 1: Introduction - This section introduces the grant and bond administered by the Canada Education Savings Program (CESP)¹, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). In addition, it provides background information about Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) and outlines fundamental principles and systems associated with the grant and bond application and payment processes.
• Section 2: Registered Disability Savings Plan - This section provides detailed information on RDSPs. It covers contributions, payments, Specified Disability Savings Plans, transfers, rollovers of retirement and education savings, payments from a designated provincial program and RSDP closures.
• Section 3: Grant and Bond - This section provides detailed description(s) of the grant and bond, as well as associated regulations, principles, and processes.
• Section 4: CDSP System and Transactions - This section provides a basis for resolving common reoccurring problems and will help you bring contracts to a registered status and facilitate the payment of grant and bond.

¹The Canada Education Savings Program (CESP) provides the delivery mechanism and necessary system supports for the effective administration of the grant and bond.