How Much Does the Government Add to an RESP?

Quick Answer

When you save in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), the federal government can match part of your contributions — up to $500 per year through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), with a lifetime total of up to $7,200. Families with lower incomes may also qualify for the Canada Learning Bond (CLB), which adds up to $2,000 without any contributions required. Some provinces offer extra grants on top of that.

Main Takeaways

• The federal government matches 20% of your annual RESP contributions through the CESG, up to $500 per year and $7,200 over a lifetime.
• Lower-income families may receive an additional CESG top-up of up to $100 per year on the first $500 contributed.
• The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) provides up to $2,000 to eligible children in low-income families — no contributions required.
• Quebec and British Columbia offer their own provincial grants that can add even more to your child’s education savings.
• The sooner you open an RESP, the more time you can allow for your savings and grants to grow.
• If you miss a year of contributions, you can often catch up in future years without losing your grant room.

The Government Wants to Help You Save

Saving for your child’s education can feel like a big job, especially as tuition costs keep rising. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. Both the federal and provincial governments offer grants to help Canadian families save for post-secondary education (college, university, trade school, or apprenticeship) through a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).

These grants are essentially free money added to your child’s RESP. Whether you save a little each month or make a yearly contribution, taking advantage of government grants is one of the best steps you can take as a parent, grandparent, or guardian. At Embark, helping families find and access these grants is central to what we do.

The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)

The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is the main federal grant available to RESP holders. It works like a matching program: when you put money into your RESP, the government adds money too.

How Does the CESG Work?

The federal government matches 20% of your annual RESP contributions, up to $500 per year. To get the full $500, you would need to contribute $2,500 that year. Over time, the CESG can add up to a lifetime maximum of $7,200 per child.

There is no annual limit on how much you can contribute to an RESP, but the CESG only matches the first $2,500 each year. The CESG is available until the end of the calendar year your child turns 17, so starting early and contributing consistently matters.

Extra CESG for Lower-Income Families

If your household income falls below certain thresholds, you may qualify for an additional grant on top of the basic CESG. Depending on your income, the government can add up to $100 more per year on your first $500 in contributions. This means the CESG can cover 30–40% of that first $500, rather than the standard 20%. The income thresholds used to determine this additional amount are reviewed and updated by the government each year.

The Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is designed for families with lower incomes. Unlike the CESG, you do not need to contribute any money yourself to receive it. As long as you have opened an RESP for your child and your family meets the income requirements, your child may qualify.

How Does the CLB Work?

If your child is eligible, the government deposits $500 into their RESP in the first year. After that, $100 is added each year until your child turns 15. The lifetime maximum is $2,000 per child. The CLB is available for children born in 2004 or later.

You can learn more about applying through our guide on how to get the Canada Learning Bond, or you can speak with an Embark Education Savings Specialist for more information

Provincial Grants

In addition to federal grants, some provinces have their own programs. Here are two examples:

Quebec Education Savings Incentive (QESI)

If you live in Quebec, the Quebec Education Savings Incentive (QESI) can add 10% of your annual contributions to your RESP, up to $250 per year per child. The lifetime maximum is $3,600 per child.

BC Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG)

Families in British Columbia may be eligible for a one-time $1,200 grant through the BC Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG). This grant is available for children born on or after January 1, 2006, who are residents of B.C. To receive it, you need to apply between your child’s 6th and 9th birthday — so make a note of that window when your child is born.

How to Get the Most from Your Grants

Start as Early as Possible

The earlier you open an RESP and start contributing, the more time your savings and grants have to grow. Even small, regular contributions made from birth can add up a lot over the years — your savings grow, and then the growth earns more growth too.

Make Catch-Up Contributions

If you miss a year, your unused CESG contribution room carries forward. This means you can contribute more in a later year to make up for it. For example, if you contribute $5,000 in a single year instead of $2,500, you may be able to receive $1,000 in CESG that year, covering both the current year and one missed year.

Apply for the CLB Even If You Can’t Contribute

If your family qualifies for the CLB, open an RESP even if you can’t make contributions right away. Your child can still receive up to $2,000 in government money without deposits required from you.

Who Is Eligible for RESP Grants?

To receive government grant money in an RESP:

• Your child must be a Canadian resident.
• Your child must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). Find out how to get a SIN.
• The RESP must be opened through an approved provider, such as Embark.
• Whether you qualify for additional grants depends on your total family income.

Pro tip: Open an RESP as soon as your child has a SIN — even if you can’t contribute yet. That way, you can start collecting grants as soon as you’re ready. Speak to an Embark Education Savings Specialist to learn more.

Real-Life Examples

Note: The scenarios below are for illustrative purposes only. Grant amounts depend on your family’s income, contribution history, and the year of assessment. Your actual results may differ.

Example 1: A Family Contributing $2,500 Per Year

Jessica and Adam contribute $2,500 to their daughter’s RESP every year starting at birth. Each year, they receive the full $500 CESG. Over 14–15 years, they collect up to $7,200 in CESG on top of their $37,500 in personal savings.

Example 2: A Low-Income Family Using the CLB and CESG

Hailey is a single parent who qualifies for the CLB. She opens an RESP for her son at birth and receives the initial $500 CLB deposit. Every year after, she gets an additional $100. Because her income falls below the first threshold and she contributes $500 per year, she also receives a 40% CESG on that $500 ($200/year). Over time, she collects $2,000 in CLB and $3,000 in CESG — $5,000 in total government support.

Example 3: Catching Up After a Gap

Rebecca and Sam didn’t contribute to their twins’ RESPs for the first three years. Once their finances improved, they started contributing $5,000 per child each year. Thanks to catch-up rules, they received $1,000 in CESG per year in the early years, eventually reaching the $7,200 lifetime limit.

How Embark Helps You Maximize Your Grants

Embark is a trusted RESP provider that helps Canadian families save for education while making the most of available government grants. Here’s how we support you:

• Automated grant tracking: Embark tracks your contributions and applies all eligible grants automatically, so you never miss out.
• Flexible contribution plans: We work within your budget to help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
• Expert guidance: Our Education Savings Specialists can help you build a plan that fits your goals and your family’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Government grants can make a real difference in how much your child has available for post-secondary education. With the CESG alone, the government can add up to $7,200 to your child’s RESP — all on top of what you save yourself. Lower-income families can access even more through the CLB and additional grant top-ups.

The key is to start early, contribute consistently, and make sure your child’s RESP is set up to receive every grant they’re eligible for. Open an RESP with Embark today — we’ll make sure you’re not leaving any grant money behind.