How much do I need to contribute to get the full RESP grant?

$2,500 per child per year collects the full $500 federal grant. Less still earns 20% on what you put in.

Is there a maximum I can put in an RESP?

Yes. The lifetime contribution limit is $50,000 per child. There's no annual contribution limit, but the grant only applies to the first $2,500 ($5,000 when catching up) each year.

Can I open an RESP for a newborn?

Yes, as soon as the child has a Social Insurance Number. Starting in year one gives the money the longest time to grow.

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How does the RESP government grant work, and how much do I get?

By Deborah Edokpayi, Zenith Advisory Inc., Saskatoon · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

Short answer: The federal government adds 20% to whatever you contribute to a child's RESP, up to $500 per child per year, to a lifetime maximum of $7,200. Contributing $2,500 a year collects the full grant. Lower-income families get extra, and if you've missed years you can catch up one year's grant at a time.

The basic grant

Put in $100, the government adds $20. Put in $2,500 in a year, the government adds the maximum $500. It's deposited straight into the RESP and invested alongside your money. Over 15 years of maximum contributions, that's $7,200 of free money, plus growth on it.

Catching up

Grant room builds every year from the year your child is born, whether or not you contribute. If you've missed years, you can contribute $5,000 in one year and receive $1,000 of grant (this year's plus one missed year). You can keep doing that until you've caught up, but only one extra year at a time, so starting late means it takes longer to collect it all.

Extra grant for lower incomes

Families below certain income thresholds receive an additional 10% or 20% on the first $500 contributed each year. Some children also qualify for the Canada Learning Bond, which deposits money with no contribution required at all. Your advisor will check what applies.

Provincial additions

A few provinces add their own grant. Saskatchewan's program is currently suspended; British Columbia and Quebec have active programs. We keep track so you don't have to.

Growth is tax-sheltered

Nothing is taxed while it's in the plan. When your child withdraws for school, the grant and growth are taxed in their hands, usually at little or no tax because students have low income. Your own contributions come out tax-free.

What if they don't go?

The plan can stay open for 36 years, covers college, trade school and apprenticeships as well as university, and if it's truly never used your contributions come back to you, the grant returns to the government, and the growth can usually be moved to your RRSP if you have room. More on that →

Do this now

If your child has a SIN and you haven't opened an RESP, every year that passes costs you that year's grant. It takes one meeting. Deborah leads this area at Zenith Advisory and sets plans up at no cost to you.

Want this worked out for your numbers? We'll set up the plan, make sure every grant is collected, and show you what it grows to.

Book a free 30-minute call Saving for your child's education →