The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is free money the government provides for your child’s future post-secondary education.
Funds are deposited directly into your kid’s (the beneficiary’s) Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) account and grow tax-free until withdrawal.
Depending on a family’s net income, kids may also be eligible to receive an additional grant, referred to as the additional CESG (A-CESG).
Eligibility for the Canada Education Savings Grant
The CESG is available to your child until the end of the year they turn 17 as long as:
- They are a Canadian resident; and
- They have a valid social insurance number; and
- They have an RESP account opened in their name; and,
- An application has been made for the grant.
Related: How To Maximize Your Canada Child Benefits
How much CESG money will you receive?
Unlike the Canada Learning Bond, you must contribute to your child’s RESP to receive the CESG funds.
Basic CESG
The government will contribute 20 cents for every $1 you contribute, up to a maximum of $500 per child per year.
To receive the maximum grant of $500 in any particular year, you would need to contribute at least $2,500 for that year (i.e. $2,500 x 20%).
Additional CESG
Low to middle-income families may be eligible for additional grants known as the A-CESG.
Depending on a family’s net income, the additional grant is 10-20% on the first $500 contributed to your child’s RESP each year. Families with a net income:
- Less than or equal to $50,197 are eligible for an additional 20% in grants on the first $500 contributed (i.e. $100).
- Between $50,197 and $100,392 are eligible for an additional 10% in grants on the first $500 contributed (i.e. $50).
The additional grant is reviewed annually based on the adjusted family net income level shown on your tax return for the previous tax year. For 2022, your 2021 tax return is used.
Example: Assume you make an annual RESP contribution of $2,500 to your kid’s RESP.
| Net Family Income | Basic CESG Amount | Additional CESG Amount | Total CESG Amount |
| $50,197 or less | $500 | $100 | $600 |
| Between $50,197 to $100,392 | $500 | $50 | $550 |
| More than $100,392 | $500 | 0 | $500 |
Unused RESP room can be carried forward and contributed in future years. The maximum lifetime limit receivable as grants through the CESG is $7,200.
Related: Best RESP Providers in Canada
How To Apply for the CESG
Receiving the CESG is easy.
Open an RESP account at a financial institution of your choice for your child and request that the bank (RESP provider) apply for the CESG (and A-CESG, if eligible) on your behalf.
Final Thoughts
College or any other post-secondary education can be pretty expensive. Government grants provided through the CESG can lessen the burden by providing you with free money to save. The free funds are essentially a guaranteed 20% return on your investment!
Consider giving your kids a leg-up by contributing to an RESP early and using compound interest and time to your advantage. Your child will thank you!
Also Read:
- TFSA vs. RRSP: Which One To Choose?
- Best RESP Investments in Canada
- RESP Contribution Limit
- How To Move an RRSP, RESP, and TFSA Between Banks
This article was originally published in 2017 and is regularly updated.
