RDSP Eligibility: Is This Plan Right for You or Your Loved One?
- Alanthea Clarkson
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
By Trish – Your RDSP Guide & Advocate
When it comes to planning for the future of someone living with a disability, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) can be life-changing. But before we dive into how it works, we need to answer the first big question: who is eligible? Because not everyone can open an RDSP—but if you or your loved one qualifies, the long-term benefits are incredible.
Let’s walk through it together.
Who Can Be a Beneficiary of an RDSP?
To open or be named the beneficiary of an RDSP, a person must:
Be a Canadian resident
Be under the age of 60 (You can open one up until December 31 of the year you turn 59)
Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The key here? That last one—the DTC—because without it, an RDSP isn’t an option.
What Is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)?
The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit designed to help reduce the amount of income tax people with disabilities—or their supporting family members—may have to pay. But it also does something even more powerful: it opens the door to the RDSP.
To qualify, a medical practitioner must certify that the person has a severe and prolonged impairment in one or more basic activities of daily living, such as walking, feeding, speaking, or mental functions necessary for everyday life. Then you send that signed T2201 form off to the CRA for approval.
If you’re not sure if you or your loved one might qualify, don’t assume you don’t—ask. This is where I come in. I can provide some insight and resources to help you through the process. This is too important to miss because of red tape.
Why the DTC Matters So Much for the RDSP
The RDSP is one of the most generous programs Canada offers—and the DTC is the golden ticket in.
Without DTC approval, an RDSP can’t be opened. But once you have it? You may be eligible for up to $90,000 in free government money through matching grants and bonds. That’s not just financial support—it’s dignity, freedom, and a safer future.
Here’s the truth: The RDSP isn’t just a savings account. It’s a message that your future matters.
Still Wondering If the RDSP Is Right for You or Your Family?
I get it. It’s a lot. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
If you or your loved one meets the eligibility checklist and holds (or could qualify for) the DTC, the RDSP could be a game-changer. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out. I’m here to help translate the fine print, walk you through next steps, and make sure you’re not missing out on what you’re entitled to.
Because your ability to plan matters more than your ability to earn. And the RDSP proves it.