Canada Learning Bond: who qualifies and how much it pays
Quick summary
The Canada Learning Bond puts $500 into a child's RESP for the first eligible year and $100 for each extra year up to age 15, to a $2,000 maximum. You do not have to contribute. It is for children from low income families born in 2004 or later. To learn how an RESP works, see our RESP guide.
Checked November 4, 2026. Main source: CRA: Canada Learning Bond (modified Oct. 29, 2026). See all 1 source.
Key facts
- First eligible year
- $500
- Source: CRA, modified Oct. 29, 2026
- Each extra eligible year
- $100, up to age 15
- Source: CRA, modified Oct. 29, 2026
- Lifetime maximum
- $2,000
- Source: CRA, modified Oct. 29, 2026
- Contributions needed
- None
- Source: CRA, modified Oct. 29, 2026
- Who
- Children from low income families born in 2004 or later
- Source: CRA, modified Oct. 29, 2026
How much it pays
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| First eligible year | $500 |
| Each additional eligible year, up to age 15 | $100 |
| Maximum in total | $2,000 |
| Own contributions needed | None |
The CRA also says a single $25 payment goes into the RESP to help cover the cost of opening it. The page does not say if that counts toward the $2,000.
Who qualifies
- Children from low income families who were born in 2004 or later.
- Children in the care of a public primary caregiver who gets a special allowance under the Children's Special Allowance Act.
- Young people who meet their province's minimum age to open an RESP can apply for the bond themselves.
- The beneficiary must be under 21 when the application is made.
What we could not confirm
- The income level that counts as low income. The page we read does not give a number.
- The application steps. The page says the bond is deposited into the child's RESP and gives 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232) for help.
Questions people ask
How much is the Canada Learning Bond?
The CRA says $500 for the first eligible year and $100 for each additional year up to age 15, to a $2,000 maximum.
Do I have to put money in to get it?
No. The CRA says personal contributions are not required to receive the bond.
Who can apply?
Children from low income families born in 2004 or later qualify, and young people who meet their province's minimum age to open an RESP can apply themselves.