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RESP · Education Savings

How much RESP grant (CESG) is still on the table?

The Canada Education Savings Grant adds 20% on the first $2,500 CAD you contribute each year — up to $7,200 CAD per child. Unclaimed room carries forward, but only until 17.

Beneficiary

Your contributions

CESG remaining to claim
$7,200CAD

13 more years to claim it. Contribute $2,500 CAD this year to take the full $500 CAD.

5 yr
Child's age
13 until 18
$0CAD
Total contributed
of $50,000 CAD
$0CAD
CESG earned
of $7,200 CAD
$2,500CAD
To maximize this year
Earns $500 CAD CESG
If you keep contributing $2,500 CAD/yr5% growth, full CESG
$55,271CAD

Estimated balance when your child turns 18. An estimate, not a promise — markets don't return 5% on schedule.

How the Canada Education Savings Grant works

  • The basic CESG matches 20% of contributions, on the first $2,500 you contribute each year — a maximum of $500 of grant per year and $7,200 per beneficiary over their lifetime.
  • Unused grant room carries forward. In a catch-up year you can attract up to $1,000 of grant on a $5,000 contribution, but never more than two years' worth at once.
  • Grant room accrues from the year the child is born, whether or not an RESP exists yet. The lifetime contribution limit per beneficiary is $50,000, and contributions beyond it are taxed at 1% per month.
  • Lower- and middle-income families receive an Additional CESG of 10% or 20% on the first $500 contributed each year, and the Canada Learning Bond deposits up to $2,000 with no contribution required.
  • The grant stops at the end of the calendar year the beneficiary turns 17. For ages 16 and 17 it is only paid if at least $2,000 was contributed before the end of the year they turned 15, or $100 a year in any four earlier years.
  • An RESP can stay open for 35 years, and the grant is repaid to the government if the money is not used for post-secondary education.

Source rules: Government of Canada: Canada Education Savings Grant

RESP questions, answered

How much do I need to contribute to get the full CESG each year?

$2,500 per year attracts the full $500 basic grant. Contributing more than that in a normal year earns no extra grant, though it still grows tax-sheltered.

What is the lifetime CESG maximum?

$7,200 per beneficiary. At the $500-per-year pace that takes just over 14 years, which is why starting late usually means using the catch-up rule.

Can I catch up on missed RESP grant years?

Yes. Unused grant room carries forward, and you can claim up to two years of grant in one year: $5,000 contributed earns $1,000. The calculator shows how much grant is still unclaimed and how many years remain to claim it before the cut-off at 17.

Does the grant stop when my child turns 17?

It is paid for the last time in the calendar year the beneficiary turns 17, and only if the 16-and-17 rule was met: $2,000 contributed by the end of the year they turned 15, or at least $100 in each of any four earlier years.

Is there a limit on total RESP contributions?

$50,000 per beneficiary, across every RESP opened for them. There is no annual contribution limit, only the annual limit on how much grant a contribution attracts.

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Looniee tracks RESP contributions and grant room per child, so the catch-up plan updates as you contribute. Create a free account or try the live demo.

Informational only — verify your numbers at CRA My Account before contributing.