InfoCapsule 4: Why the Social Insurance Number is required

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

Disclaimer: RESP promoters

The information contained on this page is technical in nature. It is intended for Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and Canada Education Savings Program promoters. For general information, visit the RESP page.

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Alternate format

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

List of acronyms

CESG
Canada Education Savings Grant
CLB
Canada Learning Bond
CRA
Canada Revenue Agency
ESDC
Employment and Social Development Canada
ESP
Education Savings Plan
PCG
Primary caregiver
RESP
Registered Education Savings Plan
SIN
Social Insurance Number
SIR
Social Insurance Registry

Preface

The subscriber and the beneficiary require a valid social insurance number (SIN) to:

  • register an Education Savings Plan (ESP) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • request the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and the provincial education savings incentives administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

The individual primary caregiver (PCG), or their cohabiting spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) requires a valid SIN to request:

  • the additional amount of Canada Education Savings Grant (Additional CESG)
  • the CLB for beneficiaries under 18 years old

Note: The PCG information or their cohabiting spouse or common law partner is not needed to apply for the CLB for adult between 18 and 20 years of age.

Legislative requirements

Legislation requires that the beneficiary’s SIN be provided for:

  • the administration and payment of education savings incentives
  • maintaining accurate records for each beneficiary
  • validation of the following 5 beneficiary fields with the Social Insurance Registry (SIR):
    • first name
    • last name
    • date of birth
    • gender
    • SIN

How to obtain a SIN or a SIN confirmation letter

A SIN or a SIN confirmation letter can be obtained:

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