Disability Savings Grant for Canadians

What is Canada Disability Savings Grants (CDSGs)?

Whenever I meet a family with disability, there's always the question: "What is the difference from putting our money into regular saving account verus into a RDSP?" The major advantage is that the Government of Canada will provide the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSGs) and the Canada Disability Savings Bonds (CDSBs). We first go through the CDSGs for now and discuss the CDSB at a later date.

CDSGs are matching grants that our Government will put into a beneficiary's RDSP to assist savings. It could be as much as up to 300% of the deposit, depending on the contribution amount and family net income.

The figures below outlines 2012 CDSG matching rates:

For Family net income: Up to or equal to $85,414

- CDSG matching rates: 300% on first $500, 200% on next $1,000
- Maximum annual CDSG: $3,500

For Family net income: Over $85,414

- CDSG matching rates:100% on first $1,000
- Maximum annual CDSG: $1,000

* Figures are obtained from the Mackeznie Investment's website.

For a minor beneficiary, the family net income is that of his or her parents. Whereas the beneficiary is over the age of majority, the family net income is that of the beneficiary and his or her spouse, if applicable. The income threshold is indexed annually to inflation.
Maximum CDSG:

CDSGs are subjected to a lifetime maximum of $70,000 for each beneficiary, and are payable until the end of the year that the beneficiary reaches age 49, given the beneficiary remains a Canadian resident.
Used CDSG:

Beginning of 2011, unused grant can be carried forward for a 10 year period. (Starting from 2008, the year RDSP was launched.)

There are no annual contribution limits, contributions of up to $200,000 can be made in any given year. However, when a lump sum of $200,000 is made, no CDSG would be paid after the first year. Therefore, periodic contributions might be a better option, especially, if one wants to maximize the grants and bonds from the government. Of course, it would also depend on the expected rates of return, age of the RDSP beneficiary and cash flow needs. Make sure you talk to a financial professional before you make any decision.

Samuel Li,
Investment Fund Advisor | Investia Financial Services Inc.
Sales Manager & Financial Consultant | Excel Insurance Agency Inc.
Mobile: 647-294-0702
Email: SamuelConsultant@Live.com
80 Acadia Ave., Suite 205, Markham, Ontario. L3R9V1

Disclaimer:
This article is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific personalized advice including, without limitation, investment, financial, legal, accounting or tax advice. Please consult an appropriate professional regarding your particular circumstances. This article does not constitute an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. References in this article to third party goods or services should not be regarded as an endorsement of these goods or services.This article is intended for Ontario, Canadian residents only and the information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The owner of this article is not liable for any inaccuracies in the information provided.