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Federal (Canada)Education & students
Canada Learning Bond
Free money the government puts into a child's education savings plan (RESP) for lower-income families. You do not have to contribute anything yourself.
Estimated value
Up to $2,000 per child ($500 first year, $100/year after), no contribution needed
Who qualifies
- The child must be born in 2004 or later, be a Canadian resident, and be from a lower-income family (adjusted income roughly under $57,000).
- You need an RESP and Social Insurance Numbers for you and your child.
How to apply
- 1
Open a free RESP
Open a Registered Education Savings Plan for your child at a bank or a no-fee provider. Bring your and your child's Social Insurance Numbers.
Go to application â - 2
Ask for the Canada Learning Bond
Ask the provider to apply for the bond. The government deposits it directly â you never need to add your own money.
Documents you will need
- Your and your child's Social Insurance Numbers
- Filed tax returns
How often it is paid
Deposited into the RESP
Good to know
- You can claim back-dated bond amounts for every past year the child was eligible, up to age 18.
- Some providers offer no-fee, no-minimum RESPs designed for the bond.
Often applied for together
Last verified: August 31, 2026