RESP Calculator with CESG Grant

See your child's education fund grow — including the 20% government match.

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How the CESG Grant Works

The Canada Education Savings Grant matches 20% of RESP contributions, up to $500 per child per year ($2,500 of contributions) and $7,200 lifetime. It is the closest thing to free money in Canadian personal finance.

Contributing $208/month ($2,500/year) captures the full annual grant. Miss a year? Grant room carries forward — you can catch up one extra year at a time ($1,000 max grant per year).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much CESG grant can I get per year?

20% of contributions up to $500/year per child (on $2,500 contributed), with a $7,200 lifetime maximum per child.

What happens to an RESP if my child doesn't go to school?

You can transfer it to a sibling, move up to $50,000 of growth into your RRSP (room permitting), or withdraw — grants return to the government, contributions come back to you tax-free.

When should I stop contributing to an RESP?

Grants stop the year the child turns 17. To capture the full $7,200 you generally need to start by age 10 at the latest.