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Chapter 11. RDSP Grant and bond application process

Disclaimer: RDSP issuers

The information contained on this page is technical in nature. The target audience are issuers of the:

  • Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
  • Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG)
  • Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB)

For general information, visit the RDSP page.

On this page

Alternate format

A PDF version of the Registered Disability Savings Plan provider user guide is available on the index page.

List of acronyms
BN
Business number
CCB
Canada Child Benefit
CDSB
Canada Disability Savings Bond
CDSG
Canada Disability Savings Grant
CDSP
Canada Disability Savings Program
CESP
Canada Education Savings Program
CRA
Canada Revenue Agency
CSAA
Children's Special Allowances Act
DTC
Disability Tax Credit
ESDC
Employment and Social Development Canada
PCG
Primary Caregiver
QFM
Qualifying Family Member
RDSP
Registered Disability Savings Plan
SIN
Social insurance number

Introduction

The following chapter provides an overview and step-by-step instructions for completing the application form and its associated annexes where applicable.

Failure to provide accurate and complete information on the application form may lead to non-payment of the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG). It may also result in non-payment of the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB).

11.1 The application process

The process of applying for the grant or the bond includes the participation of the following the:

  • financial institution
  • holder
  • beneficiary or the legal representative
  • primary caregiver (PCG):
    • if the beneficiary is under the age of 18
    • if the carry-forward period includes a time when the beneficiary was under the age of 18

11.1.1 The holder

  • Step 1: contacts a participating financial institution that offers Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and opens an RDSP
  • Step 2: names an eligible beneficiary
  • Step 3: completes the application for the grant or the bond and related annex (es), where applicable

11.1.2 The financial institution

  • Step 1: verifies the accuracy of the information
  • Step 2: ensures all applicable sections are completed and holder or beneficiary consent is provided
  • Step 3: transmits the information to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through the Canada Disability Savings Program (CDSP) system

To apply for the grant or the bond, the holder must complete and sign (or provide consent in an accepted manner) the following:

For the application to be processed, it is important to complete all parts of the forms correctly and sign (or provide consent in an accepted manner) the applicable declaration and consent(s). Failure to do so will result in the non-payment of the grant or the bond.

If at the time of application, the beneficiary is under the age of majority or was under the age of majority at any time in the previous 10 years (starting in 2008). Annex B should be completed as the beneficiary may be eligible to claim unused grant or bond entitlements under the carry-forward provision. For more information, refer to section 11.5 Annex B: Primary caregiver.

Note: The age of majority differs from province to province. Issuers should have policies in place to guide their staff in this regard.

The financial institution will process the application and submit the request to ESDC.

Consent for sharing of personal information

The information included on the form(s) and the information regarding the RDSP may be used by and shared between:

  • ESDC
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • Financial institution for the administration of:
    • Canada Disability Savings Act
    • Canada Disability Savings Regulations
    • Income Tax Act

This may include policy analysis, research, and evaluation.

Providing consent is entirely voluntary. However, without consent, the Government of Canada cannot process the application, and, as a result, no grant or bond payments can be issued.

11.2 Downloading the forms

To download and fill out the form, refer to the Resources for RDSP grant and bond issuers web page or directly on the forms catalogue:

11.3 The application form

To apply for the grant or the bond for a beneficiary, the application form EMP5608 must be:

  • completed
  • signed (or consent provided in an accepted manner)
  • returned to the RDSP issuer

The form has 4 sections to be filled as required:

  • section 1: Information about the beneficiary
  • section 2: Information about the holder
  • section 3: Declaration and consent of holder section
  • section 4: Declaration and consent of the beneficiary

Sections 5 through 8 of the form provide information on the conditions for payment of grants and bond as well as privacy requirements and definitions.

For the application to be processed, the proper consent to use, share and disclose personal information must be obtained.

11.3.1 Information about the beneficiary (section 1)

The following beneficiary information is required:

  • last name and first name
  • middle name (if applicable)
  • date of birth (YYYY-MM-DD)
  • social insurance number (SIN)

The name must be entered exactly as it appears on the SIN documentation. Otherwise, the application will be refused.

11.3.2 Information about the holder (section 2)

This section must be completed only if the holder is different from the beneficiary of the RDSP. The name must be entered exactly as it appears on the SIN documentation.

The holder also completes and submits the signed form (or provides consent in an accepted manner) to the financial institution.

If the holder is also a PCG, Annex B must be completed and submitted along with the main application. For more information refer to section 11.5 Annex B: Primary caregiver .

If there is more than 1 holder, each additional holder must complete a separate Annex A. For more information refer to section 11.4 Annex A: Joint holder.

11.3.2.1 If the holder is an individual

The holder (if different than beneficiary) must provide the following information:

  • last name and first name
  • middle name (if applicable)
  • SIN
  • total number of holders for this plan

Names must be entered exactly as they appear on the SIN documentation. Otherwise, the application will be refused.

Example: An individual makes use of their married name for all identification purposes except for the SIN documentation, which contains their maiden name. If the name used on the application form differs from the SIN documentation, the transaction will be rejected. This is one of the most common errors encountered.

11.3.2.2 If the holder is a department, agency, or institution

The following information must be provided:

  • name of agency
  • name of agency representative
  • business number (BN)
  • total number of holders to the plan

Information must be entered exactly as they appear on BN documentation. Otherwise, the application may be rejected.

11.3.3 Declaration and consent of the holder (section 3)

Section 3 only needs to be completed if section 2 was completed, and they are not the beneficiary.

The holder, if not the beneficiary, must read this section and sign (or provide consent in an accepted manner) to receive grants and bonds in the RDSP.

If the holder is also a PCG, they must complete Annex B.

11.3.4 Declaration and consent of the beneficiary (section 4)

If the beneficiary was under 18 at the time of application but has since turned 18, they must provide consent in section 4 of the application form. This consent authorizes the sharing and use of personal information for paying the grant or bond.

Failure to do so could result in the non-payment of the grant or the bond.

To be able to pay the bond in February of the year the beneficiary turns 19, ESDC must be able to determine the beneficiary's exact family income and, to this end, obtain the beneficiary's consent to access their personal information. Without this consent, the bond cannot be paid.

If the beneficiary is 18 years of age or older at the time of application, is contractually competent of entering into a contract and is also the RDSP holder. They are not required to provide their consent in section 3 as consent will be obtained in section 4 of the application.

If the beneficiary is 18 years or older at the time of the application, but there is uncertainty about their ability to validate a contract, a qualifying family member (QFM), legal representative or organization must intervene. In this case, that person must sign the form on behalf of the beneficiary.

11.3.5 Conditions for payment of the grant or bond (section 5)

This section explains some important conditions under which the grants and the bonds may be paid into an RDSP.

11.3.6 Payments of the grant or bond (section 6)

This section clarifies some of the administrative processes around the payment of the grant and bond.

11.3.7 Your privacy rights (section 7)

This section explains why personal information is collected and how it is used, shared, and protected. It also explains how applicants can access their personal information. The holder should be advised to carefully read this section prior to submitting an application.

11.3.8 Definitions (section 8)

These definitions are provided for your information only and do not constitute the legal definitions. This section includes definitions of key terms for information purposes.

11.4 Annex A: Joint holder

Annex A (EMP5609) serves 2 purposes:

  • to add a joint holder to the RDSP
  • to identify the beneficiary as a joint holder of an existing plan when they reach the age of majority and are contractually competent

Note: The age of majority differs from province to province. Issuers should have policies in place to guide their staff in this regard.

A separate Annex A must be completed for each holder of the RDSP not identified on the main application form.

The joint holder is required to provide the following information:

  • beneficiary's last name and first name
  • beneficiary's middle name (if applicable)
  • RDSP contract number

Annex A has 4 sections that require completion:

  • section A-1: Information about the joint holder
  • section A-2: Declaration and consent of the joint holder
  • section A-3: Privacy rights
  • section A-4: Definitions

11.4.1 Information about the joint holder (section A-1)

Joint holder(s) must provide the following personal information:

  • last name and first name
  • middle name (if applicable)
  • SIN

11.4.2 Declaration and consent of the joint holder (section A-2)

They must read this section and sign (or provide consent to the issuer in an accepted manner) to receive grants and bonds in the RDSP.

If the joint holder is also a primary caregiver, Annex B must be completed.

11.4.3 Your privacy rights (section A-3)

This section explains why personal information is collected and how it is used, shared, and protected. It also explains how the joint holder(s) can access their personal information.

Joint holder(s) should be advised to carefully read this section prior to submitting an application.

11.4.4 Definitions (section A-4)

These definitions are provided for information only and do not constitute the legal definitions. This section includes definitions of key terms for information purposes.

11.5 Annex B: Primary caregiver

Annex B (EMP5610) is designed to collect the information required to determine grant and bond entitlements for any year the beneficiary is under the age of 18. It is also used to determine any unused entitlements to the grant and the bond from prior years that the beneficiary may be entitled to under the carry-forward provision for a period when the beneficiary was 18 years of age or younger.

Note: ESDC will be unable to verify the family income if the parents or guardians of a minor beneficiary have not:

  • filed their personal income tax returns for the 2 years prior to the application (and all taxation years where the beneficiary was aged 18 or under)
  • applied for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

This will affect whether a bond is paid as well as the matching rates for the grants. For more information, refer to form Annex B: Primary Caregiver to the Application for Canada Disability Savings Grant and Canada Disability Savings Bond.

The family income for a given year is determined using the personal information of the PCG. Previously identified as the "current" or "January eligible individual" from past years.

Additionally, this information is essential for confirming the beneficiary's residency and eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Unless information on the PCG is provided for the years the beneficiary was under 18, the beneficiary will only be eligible to receive the 100% matching rate of the grant.

The bond will not be paid as ESDC will be unable to verify that the family income is below the bond income thresholds during those years. Financial institutions may need the holder or beneficiary to submit Annex B. This applies to beneficiaries who were 18 or under in the previous 10 years, starting in 2008.

A separate Annex B must be completed for each different PCG in those years.

Annex B: The PCG must provide the following information:

  • beneficiary's last name and first name
  • beneficiary's middle name (if applicable)
  • RDSP contract number

Annex B has 5 sections that require completion:

  • section B-1: Information about the primary caregiver
  • section B-2: Declaration and consent of the primary caregiver
  • section B-3: Agency attestation
  • section B-4: Privacy rights
  • section B-5: Definitions

11.5.1 Information about the primary caregiver (section B-1)

The PCG is the person eligible for the CCB and whose name appears on the CCB payments. Refer to section B-4 for more information on the PCG.

They complete this section if they are either:

  • the PCG of the beneficiary
  • representing an agency

In case where the agency represents a beneficiary, who is or was a child in care, and a payment under the Children's Special Allowance Act (CSAA) was made in at least 1 month in the calendar year. The payment applies to any year in which the beneficiary was 18 years or younger within the past 10 years.

11.5.1.1 If the PCG is an individual

The PCG must provide the following information:

  • PCG last name and first name
  • PCG middle name (if applicable)
  • PCG SIN

Names must be entered exactly as they appear on SIN documentation. Otherwise, the application may be rejected.

Example: An individual makes use of their married name for all identification purposes except for the SIN documentation, which contains their maiden name. If the name used on the application form differs from the SIN documentation, the transaction will be rejected. This is one of the most common errors encountered.

11.5.1.2 If the PCG is a department, agency, or institution

The following information must be provided:

  • name of agency
  • name of agency representative
  • BN

Names must be entered exactly as they appear on the BN documentation. Otherwise, the application may be rejected.

Note: A change in custody affecting CCB payments or payments under the CSAA will require that a new Annex B be completed. The Annex B seeks to secure the consent of the PCG to access their:

  • personal information
  • verify family income for the purposes of determining grant and bond eligibility

11.5.2 Declaration and consent of the primary caregiver (section B-2)

They must read this section and sigh, in order for the beneficiary RDSP to receive grants and bonds. This section is only intended for a PCG that is an individual not representing an agency.

Before signing, the individual PCG(s) should be advised to carefully read section B-4. This will help them understand the terms and conditions under which they are providing consent.

11.5.3 Agency attestation (section B-3)

If applicable, this attestation must be completed in order for the beneficiary's RDSP to receive grants and bonds. To be completed by the agency that received a payment under the CSAA in respect of the beneficiary in at least 1 month in the calendar year(s).

The agency is required to enter the calendar year(s) for which they received a payment under the CSAA in the space provided and sign (or provide consent in an accepted manner).

11.5.4 Your privacy rights (section B-4)

This section explains why the personal information is collected and how it is used, shared, and protected. It also explains how one can access their personal information.

The PCG(s) should be advised to carefully read this section prior to submitting an application.

11.5.5 Definitions (section B-5)

This section includes definitions of key terms for information only.

11.6 Important considerations

11.6.1 DTC

If someone other than the beneficiary (who is over 18) applied for the beneficiary's DTC when the beneficiary was a minor, their CRA file may need to be linked with the beneficiary for DTC confirmation.

For further information regarding DTC, clients can contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.

11.6.2 Personal income tax

ESDC uses the beneficiary's family income (including spousal income) to determine grant or bond eligibility. This applies to all calendar years in which the beneficiary is 19 years old or older.

The income data from 2 years back is used to establish family income (for example, 2025 uses income information from 2023). If tax returns have not been filed, no bond will be paid, and the matching grant rate will be 100%.

11.6.3 Replacement of holder and age of majority

ESDC requires that the beneficiary provide consent in section 4 of the application form once they reach the age of 18 and have the legal capacity to sign.

The beneficiary's eligibility to become a joint plan holder or replace the current holder depends on their province or territory's age of majority. It also depends on the provisions within the issuer's RDSP declaration of trust.

Examples: If the beneficiary turns 18, is contractually competent, and lives in Alberta where the age of majority is 18, the beneficiary can:

  • be added as a joint holder (if the current holder is a parent)
  • replace the current holder (the parent or legal representative) if the plan terms allow for the change

If the beneficiary turns 18 in New Brunswick where the age of majority is 19, and is contractually competent, it is up to the issuer to determine whether to enter an arrangement with an 18-year-old beneficiary. The issuer may decide to add the beneficiary as a joint holder of the RDSP. Alternatively, the issuer might choose to replace the existing holder with the beneficiary.

Regardless of whether the holder is being replaced, or the beneficiary is being included as a joint holder to the plan, section 4 of the application form must be signed by the beneficiary. This form must be submitted electronically to ESDC when the beneficiary reaches 18 years of age.

Table 1: Age of majority in Canada’s provinces and territories
Provinces and Territories Age of majority
Alberta 18
British Columbia 19
Manitoba 18
New Brunswick 19
Newfoundland and Labrador 19
Northwest Territories 19
Nova Scotia 19
Nunavut 19
Ontario 18
Prince Edward Island 18
Quebec 18
Saskatchewan 18
Yukon Territory 19

11.7 Accurate information ensures payment

When completing the application form for the grant or the bond, it is important to verify the accuracy of the information. The information on the application form is electronically submitted. Inaccurate information will result in the transaction receiving an error code and will delay the payment of the grant or the bond. Information about the holder and the beneficiary should match the records held in the Social Insurance Registry. It is recommended to validate the spelling and information provided using the SIN documentation when completing the application form.

Any change in the identity or other details must be properly recorded in the files of the issuer and communicated electronically in a timely manner to ESDC.

11.8 Scenarios: Which section to use when

The following is intended to help understand which application sections to complete depending on circumstances.

11.8.1 Scenario 1

A contractually competent 30-year-old beneficiary opens an RDSP. He is the sole holder of the plan.

Application (YES):

  • section 1
  • provides consent in section 4

Annex A (NO):

There is no joint holder.

Annex B (NO):

As the carry-forward provision cannot exceed 10 years (starting in 2008), the beneficiary would have been over 18. Therefore, PCG information is not required to determine family income. Rather, the beneficiary's family income would be considered.

11.8.2 Scenario 2

Both parents opened an RDSP for their child who is 10 years old at the time of application. The parents are joint holders of the plan.

Application (YES):

  • section 1
  • section 2
  • provide consent in section 3

Annex A (YES):

The other parent will complete Annex A and submit it with the application form.

Annex B (YES):

Annex B will need to be completed for:

  • the years the beneficiary was under the age of 18
  • if the carry-forward period includes a time when the beneficiary was under the age of 18

The PCG information is used to determine any amount of unused entitlement for the last 10 years, starting in 2008. If there was a change in the PCG at any time during that period, a separate Annex B is required for each PCG.

Note: A beneficiary who is a minor does not need to provide consent under section 4 of the application as consent is obtained from the holder under section 3.

11.8.3 Scenario 3

5 years ago, an RDSP was open for a 13-year-old beneficiary. Today, the beneficiary is 18 years old and contractually competent.

Application (YES): Section 4

Annex A (YES):

If the beneficiary is the age of majority in their province, and wants to become:

  • the sole holder
  • a joint holder to their account

Annex A would need to be completed.

Annex B (NO):

As this is an existing plan, PCG information would already be on file for the previous years. No need to resubmit.

The contractually competent beneficiary needs to provide consent in section 4 of the application form. This must be done by December 31st of the year they turn 18.

If the previous form (EMP5463) was used to apply for the grant or bond, issuers may still use section 4 of the new form. This section can be used to obtain consent when the beneficiary turns 18.

Note: Annex A is to be completed when the beneficiary reaches the age of majority and is allowed to enter into a contract. As the age of majority differs from province to province, issuers should have policies in place to guide their staff in this regard.

11.8.4 Scenario 4

A beneficiary, who was contractually competent, was 22 years old at the time of application in 2015.

Application (YES):

  • section 1
  • section 2
  • provide consent in section 4

Annex A (NO): There is no joint holder if the plan was opened when the beneficiary was 18 or older.

Annex B (YES):

  • Purpose: Determine unused entitlement
  • Beneficiary's age: Under 18
  • Timeframe: Under the age of 18 at any time in the 10 years previous to application, starting in 2008
  • Information source: PCG data

Since this beneficiary was a minor during that period, Annex B will need to be completed. If there was a change in PCG at any time during that period, a separate Annex B will be required for each different PCG.

11.8.5 Scenario 5

In 2020, a legal representative opened an RDSP for a 21-year-old beneficiary who is not contractually competent at the time of application.

Application (YES):

  • section 1
  • section 2
  • provides holder consent in section 4

Provide beneficiary consent in section 4. As beneficiary is unable to provide consent for themselves, only the legal representative may do so on their behalf.

A QFM may not sign on their behalf, only the legal representative may do so.

Annex A (If Applicable):

Annex A would need to be completed if there is more than 1 legal representative.

Annex B (YES):

The PCG information is used to determine any amount of unused entitlement for a beneficiary who was under the age of 18 at any time in the 10 years previous to application.

Since this beneficiary was a minor during that period, Annex B will need to be completed. If there was a change in the PCG at any time during that period, a separate Annex B would be required for each different PCG.

11.8.6 Scenario 6

An agency is the holder for an RDSP for a beneficiary under their care.

Application (YES):

  • section 1
  • section 2
  • provides holder consent in section 3

Provide beneficiary consent in section 4. If beneficiary is over 18, consent must be provided in section 4. If beneficiary is unable to sign for themselves, a QFM or legal representative may do so on their behalf.

Annex A (NO):

It is unlikely that there will be a joint holder. However, if you encounter a situation where there is or may be a joint holder with an agency, please contact ESDC.

Annex B (YES):

The PCG information is used to determine any amount of unused entitlement for a beneficiary. This applies to beneficiaries who were under the age of 18 in the last 10 years, starting in 2008.

If the beneficiary was a minor during that period, the following actions are required:

  • the bond must be paid
  • the highest matching rate for the grants to be paid on any contributions made
  • Annex B must be completed by the agency

A separate Annex B is not required for each year the child was under the agency's care. However, they must attest whether a payment was made for the beneficiary under the CSAA for at least 1 month in any of those years.

If there was more than 1 agency responsible for the care of the beneficiary over this period, each agency needs to be identified on a separate Annex B.

11.8.7 Scenario 7

In 2014, an individual opens an RDSP for their 22-year-old spouse whose contractual competency is in doubt.

Application (YES):

  • section 1
  • section 2
  • section 3

Provide beneficiary consent in section 4. If beneficiary is over 18, consent must be provided in section 4. If beneficiary is unable to sign for themselves, a QFM or legal representative may do so on their behalf.

The spouse may open the plan as a QFM since they meet the requirements as per QFM rules.

Annex A (if applicable):

Annex A would need to be completed if there is more than 1 QFM.

Annex B (YES):

The PCG information is used to determine any amount of unused entitlement for a beneficiary who was under the age of 18. This applies to the 10 years prior to their application, starting in 2008.

Since the beneficiary was a minor during that period, Annex B would need to be completed. If there was a change in the PCG at any time during that period, a separate Annex B will be required for each different PCG.

11.9 Consent and authorization for CDSP application and transfer forms

RDSP issuers can now use alternative consent methods (for example, e-signatures, voice recordings of telephone conversations with clients, and so on) for CDSP forms.

Issuers are responsible for ensuring that required information is collected in accordance with all applicable laws governing the protection of personal information. Demonstrating client consent and authorization is essential and may be verified in Canada Education Savings Program (CESP) compliance review.

11.10 Use of the unlocked forms

Issuers may contact ESDC to request unlocked versions of the CDSP application and transfer forms to pre-populate the following predetermined fields:

  • RDSP issuer information such as:
    • name
    • address and postal code
    • telephone number
    • specimen plan number
  • RDSP contract number
  • holder or agency information such as:
    • names
    • SIN or BN
    • address and postal code
    • telephone number
  • beneficiary information such as:
    • names
    • date of birth
    • SIN
  • primary caregiver information such as:
    • names
    • SIN
    • agency names and BN

Fields that require a client decision, a signature or a signature date must not be pre‑populated.

To assist with properly completing information and to reduce errors, issuers may also add logic to fillable fields of the forms.

In order to receive the unlocked forms, the following conditions will also apply:

  • completed unlocked forms shall not be available to clients electronically
  • text, content, format and layout must remain identical to the approved published version(s) on ESDC's website

Proper use of ESDC forms may be verified during a compliance review conducted by the CESP.

11.10.1 Form version control

The updated CDSP application form has the same form number ESDC EMP5608. However, the version date in the lower left corner of each page has been updated to (2022‑11‑002). RDSP issuers are encouraged to verify version dates to ensure that they are using the updated form.

For example, the main part of the form uses code, ESDC EMP5608 (2022‑11‑002).

11.10.2 Contact us

If you have any questions regarding unlocked forms, please contact us:

Our business hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, Eastern Time.

Page details

2025-09-18