The Canada Learning Bond
Find out how to claim up to $2000 for you or your child’s post-secondary future.
What is the Canada Learning Bond (CLB)?
Up to $2000 of free money deposited into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), that is available for use once enrolled in full-time or part-time education after high school. This includes trades and apprenticeships, not just college or university.
Find Out If an RESP Has Been Opened for Your Child/You
To find out if a caregiver has already opened the RESP for your child/ you and received the Canada Learning Bond, call 1-800-622-6232
Updates to RESP Auto-Enrollment and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB)
In 2024, the federal government introduced changes to the Canada Education Savings Act, making it easier for children in low-income families to access the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). Here’s what you need to know about the new RESP auto-enrollment initiative and how it affects your family.
How RESP Auto-Enrollment Works
Starting in 2028-29, an RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) will be automatically opened for children in low-income families if their families have not done so by the time the child turns four years old. This initiative ensures that eligible children will receive up to $2,000 in CLB payments even if their family hasn’t opened an RESP on their behalf.
Government's Role: The federal government will act as the "designated subscriber" for these auto-enrolled RESPs until the child’s family or the child (when they turn 18) takes over the account.
No Initial Family Contributions: While families cannot contribute to the auto-enrolled RESP initially, they have the option to take over the account at any time and begin making their own contributions.
Retroactive Benefits: The auto-enrolled RESP will include retroactive CLB payments, totaling up to $2,000 by the time the child turns 16
Important information about the CLB
To receive the CLB, simply open a no-cost RESP at a bank, credit union, or RESP provider of your choice and request to apply for the CLB.
You do not need to put any money into an RESP to receive the Canada Learning Bond, and it will not impact any other government or tuition assistance you receive.
The Canada Learning Bond will stay in the RESP for 35 years, so youth do not need to decide on a program after high school right away.
All eligible years get back paid once the CLB is claimed, so find out how much money you or your child has waiting today.
To avoid fees, ask the bank not to hold mutual funds or any other investments in your RESP
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the Canada Learning Bond, you must be from a low to moderate-income family that has filed taxes (in order to assess income). The CLB is available for children and youth who were born in 2004 or later.
Number of children Adjusted net family income
1 to 3 Less than or equal to $53,359
4 Less than $60,205
5 Less than $67,079
6 Less than $73,953
Who can apply?
Primary caregivers can apply for the Canada Learning Bond for their children, public caregivers can apply for children in care, and youth turning 18 can apply for themselves (adult beneficiaries).
To access your/your child’s Canada Learning Bond through an RESP, you will need:
A valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
2. Your child’s SIN (if applying for a child)
3. Photo ID
To open an RESP, contact us with the form below for assistance or contact an RESP promoter such as a bank or credit union. They will apply for the CLB and find out if you’re eligible. If you need help applying for a birth certificate, contact SEED Winnipeg by Calling 204-927-9945 on Monday at 9 a.m. to book an appointment.