Who Can Open and Manage an RDSP? Understanding the Rules, the Options, and the Support Available

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) was created with a simple but powerful purpose: to give people with disabilities a way to build long-term financial security—with help from government grants, bonds, and supportive family structures. But one of the most common questions people ask is also one of the most important.

Who is actually allowed to open and manage an RDSP?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The rules are designed to make the RDSP accessible while also protecting the beneficiary’s financial well-being. That means the account can be opened by different people depending on the beneficiary’s age and legal capacity.

Let’s break it down in a clear, human way.

1. The Beneficiary Themselves

For many people, the ideal scenario is independence. If the beneficiary is 18 or older and has the legal capacity to enter into financial agreements, they can open and fully manage their own RDSP.

This gives them full control—choosing the financial institution, approving contributions, and handling grants and bonds. It’s empowering, and for many adults, completely straightforward.

2. A Parent or Legal Guardian

When the beneficiary is a minor, or when an adult doesn’t have the capacity to make financial decisions on their own, parents and legal guardians can step in.

This ensures that young people and adults who need support don’t miss out on years of potential growth and government matching. Parents often play a vital role in getting the plan started early and setting up strong foundations for the future.

3. A Government Department or Agency

There are situations where a public body is already legally authorized to act on behalf of the beneficiary—such as when a provincial or territorial agency has been assigned responsibility.

In these cases, that organization can open and administer the RDSP. It’s not the most common scenario, but it exists to make sure no one is left without access simply because they don’t have a private representative.

4. Certain Family Members (Available Until End of 2026)

This is one of the most impactful—and often overlooked—rules.

Until December 31, 2026, the government has allowed a special measure: qualifying family members can open an RDSP when an adult beneficiary lacks capacity but does not yet have a formal representative.

This includes:

• Parents

• Spouses or common-law partners

• Siblings

• Grandparents

This temporary rule has changed lives. It prevents years of delay caused by lengthy guardianship processes, ensuring families can start the RDSP right away while more permanent arrangements are sorted out.

5. A Court-Appointed or Legally Authorized Representative

When long-term oversight is needed, a formal representative such as someone with Power of Attorney or a court-appointed guardian can take on responsibility for managing the plan.

This ensures the beneficiary’s finances are handled with legal clarity and ongoing protection.

Why These Rules Exist

The structure may seem complex, but the intention behind it is simple, accessibility with safeguards.

The RDSP is a powerful tool, and the government wants to make sure that everyone who qualifies can benefit from it—regardless of their age, capacity, or life circumstances. At the same time, the rules help protect beneficiaries from financial harm by ensuring the plan is managed by trusted, legally recognized individuals.

Whether the plan is opened by the beneficiary, a parent, a family member, or a representative, the goal remains the same, to build long-term financial stability for someone’s future.