Who Can Contribute to an RDSP? Trish Breaks It Down Simply

One of the most beautiful (and underused) parts of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is this: you don’t have to fund it alone.

Whether you’re a parent, sibling, friend, or chosen family—you can help contribute to someone’s financial future through an RDSP. And that kind of collective support? It matters. Deeply.

Let’s start with the basics—who can contribute?

Anyone can contribute to an RDSP.

Yes, anyone—with the written permission of the account holder (or their legal representative). That includes family members, friends, neighbours, coworkers, community members, or even a fundraising group. If the account holder says yes, the door is open.

This flexibility is one of the RDSP’s greatest strengths. It turns the plan into a community-powered savings tool, not just a family responsibility.

Here’s the official source if you want to dig in:

Government of Canada – RDSP Overview

Why is this such a big deal?

Because building financial security is hard enough—and when you’re supporting someone with a disability, the costs can be constant. The RDSP is meant to grow over time, and with the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond, your contributions can be matched or topped up by the government in a big way (up to $90,000 over a lifetime!).

But here’s the real magic:

When we pool our support, we build something bigger than a savings account—we build a safety net. A future. A message that says, “You are not alone.”

Learn more about the grant and bond here:

RDSP Grants & Bonds – ESDC

Examples of who can contribute:

• A grandma wants to set aside a little each birthday? She can.

• Your friend group wants to pool a gift after a diagnosis? Absolutely.

• A local fundraiser wants to support a child in your community? That money can go into their RDSP with proper permission.

This isn’t just theory—I’ve seen it happen. I’ve helped families organize it. And it’s always emotional because it’s more than financial help. It’s love. It’s action. It’s hope.

A quick note on how to do it right:

1. Make sure the RDSP is already open.

2. Get written authorization from the account holder or legal representative.  There is a non holder contribution for that is required to be filled out and signed by the holder of the RDSP

3. Give contributors the plan number and clear instructions from the financial institution managing the RDSP.

4. Watch those annual and lifetime contribution limits (up to $200,000 total, and matching ends at age 49).

5. **Alternatively, you can transfer the contribution amount to the holder and they can move it into the RDSP.  

Final Thoughts

The RDSP is a powerful way to say, “We’ve got you.” It’s not just about saving money—it’s about building a future full of dignity, independence, and choice.

If you’re part of someone’s support circle, know that your contributions—big or small—can make a life-changing difference.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. That’s what I’m here for. Whether you’re just learning about the RDSP or already knee-deep in forms and funding, I’ve got your back. My team and I walk people through this every day—and we’re really good at it.

Let’s build something better, together.