RESP Guide Canada
Use your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) with confidence
Free, plain-language guides and checklists show where to start, what grants you can get, and how school withdrawals work. Start with your plan or jump to the withdrawal checklist — every number links to official rules.
$8,000full-time EAP cap for the first 13 weeks ($4,000 part-time) — verified EAP rules. Education only — sources linked on every page.
Can RESP pay rent, tuition, a car?
Who are you planning for?
Open a first RESP
Get the CESG match, check CLB eligibility, and compare provider fees before the first deposit.
Start an RESP guide GrandparentsGive education money
See who can subscribe, how family plans work, and what to ask providers.
Can grandparents open an RESP? NewcomersStart in Canada
Check SIN, residency, and provider questions for new Canadian families.
RESPs for newcomersThen run your numbers
Two tools + two next reads withdrawers use.
Proof of enrolment, provider questions, and timing — before you request a dollar.
02 Withdrawal and tax plannerSplit EAPs and contribution withdrawals around first-13-week limits, with student tax.
03 Compare or transfer providersMove providers the registered way — keep the grants, avoid surprise fees.
04 What RESP money can pay forTuition, rent, groceries, laptop — plus when a car counts — once enrolled.
Comparing providers? Check bank and public RESP calculators side by side.
Checked against official sources.
Guides reviewed May 2026; Additional-CESG brackets re-verified September 2026 (ESDC Notice 1114) — EAP caps per CRA Bulletin 1R3 last checked May 2026, verify live. Verify in the source library. Education only, not advice. Found an error? Contact us.