The RDSP calculator helps you estimate how much your Registered Disability Savings Plan will grow over time, including government matching grants (CDSG), bonds (CDSB), and investment returns. This tool shows the remarkable power of government contributions — where even a small personal contribution can be tripled by matching grants.
How this RDSP calculator works
Enter the beneficiary’s current age, existing RDSP balance, annual contribution, family income bracket (which determines grant and bond rates), expected investment return, and planned withdrawal age. The calculator projects government grants, bonds, investment growth, and the total balance at the target age.
Key features:
- CDSG matching at 300%, 200%, or 100% depending on income
- CDSB bond for low-income families (up to $1,000/year)
- Lifetime caps enforced ($70,000 CDSG, $20,000 CDSB)
- Year-by-year breakdown table showing contributions, grants, and growth
CDSG matching rates (2026)
| Family Net Income | On First $500 | On Next $1,000 | Max Annual CDSG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $111,733 | 300% ($1,500) | 200% ($2,000) | $3,500 |
| Over $111,733 | 100% ($1,000) | — | $1,000 |
Lifetime CDSG cap: $70,000
For lower-income families, contributing just $1,500 per year attracts the maximum $3,500 in annual government matching. That is a 233% immediate return before any investment growth.
CDSB eligibility (2026)
| Family Net Income | Annual CDSB |
|---|---|
| Under $37,487 | $1,000 |
| $37,487 – $55,867 | Partial (prorated) |
| Over $55,867 | $0 |
Lifetime CDSB cap: $20,000
The CDSB requires no personal contribution at all — the government deposits it directly into the RDSP.
RDSP vs other registered accounts
| Feature | RDSP | TFSA | RRSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contribution limit | $200,000 lifetime | $7,000/year | 18% of income |
| Tax deduction | No | No | Yes |
| Tax-free growth | Yes | Yes | Yes (deferred) |
| Government matching | Up to 300% | None | None |
| Tax on withdrawal | Grants & growth taxed | None | Fully taxed |
| Impact on benefits | May affect GIS/OAS | No | Yes |
| Best for | People with DTC eligibility | General savings | High earners |
RDSP contribution strategy
The minimum-contribution approach
If the beneficiary’s family income is under $111,733, contributing just $1,500 per year maximizes the CDSG at $3,500. This is the most efficient approach — you get $3,500 in free grants for just $1,500 of your own money.
The maximization approach
To maximize lifetime grants, contribute consistently from a young age. The CDSG is available until the end of the year the beneficiary turns 49, so starting early gives you more years of grants plus more time for compound growth.
Carry-forward rules
If the beneficiary has unused CDSG room from previous years (since 2008), up to $10,500 in grants can be received in a single year by making a larger contribution. This is valuable for anyone who opens an RDSP later in life.
The 10-year holdback rule
The Assistance Holdback Amount (AHA) rule is the main restriction on RDSP withdrawals:
- Within 10 years of receiving grants/bonds: $3 of government contributions (grants + bonds) must be repaid for every $1 withdrawn
- After 10 years: No repayment required
- Strategy: Stop contributing and receiving grants 10 years before you plan to make significant withdrawals
Example: If you stop contributing at age 49, the AHA period ends at age 59, and you can make full withdrawals starting at 60 (when LDAPs begin).
How the RDSP affects other benefits
RDSP assets and income may affect provincial disability benefits differently depending on the province. However, the federal government excludes RDSP income from the calculation of:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- GST/HST Credit
- Some provincial benefits (varies by province)
Important: Withdrawals may affect GIS and provincial social assistance. Consult a financial advisor familiar with disability benefits.
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- RESP Grant Calculator — See CESG and CLB for education savings
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- CPP Calculator — Estimate Canada Pension Plan benefits
- OAS Calculator — Estimate Old Age Security payments