It is a common question that arises in lectures and webcasts when a participant asks the speaker how the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) should be invested.  A typical response is to ask a “financial planner”.  This isn’t about the instructor being dismissive or rude, but a candid recognition that the question is just too … Read more

A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is one of the most generous, yet unknown, financial tools available to Canadians living with disabilities.  Despite the benefits, it is estimated tha only 36.3% of eligible Canadians have opened an RDSP as of 2022.  What is an RDSP? Simply put, an RDSP is a registered tax deferred savings … Read more

The costs associated with supporting a disabled family member can be overwhelming, and being approved for the Disability tax credit (DTC) helps offset these expenses.  However, because it is a non-refundable credit, its value depends on the claimant’s taxable income, which is often zero for persons who receive provincial disability supports.  If the qualified DTC … Read more

If in a financially advantageous position, making very large deposits into an Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) as early as possible would be most beneficial to maximizing the power of compound interest.  Check out the RDSP Contribution Strategy Comparison for ideas of how to best strategize contributions for families with great wealth.  However, most won’t … Read more

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients can earn up to $1,000 monthly from working without seeing any reduction in support payments.  For every dollar earned above the $1,000 threshold, 75 cents is deducted from their monthly cheque. In addition, clients may be eligible for an extra $100 each month they have earnings from employment (including … Read more

For parents of a child with a disability, the Registered Disability Savings Plan is an invaluable tool for protecting their dependent’d long-term financial needs.  Yet, one its most powerful features may be its ability to inherit the retirement savings of a parent or grandparent after they pass away.  The CRA allows a deceased parent’s or … Read more

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) does not typically end at age 65. For most recipients, they will transition to the Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS); And because income from these sources is typically greater than ODSP benefits, clients are therefore ineligible for continued … Read more

In 2026, the Qualifying Family Member (QFM) provision remains a valuable necessity for many families in Ontario. It allows a parent, spouse, common-law partner or adult sibling to open and manage a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for a disabled adult whose may lack the mental capacity to enter into a legal contract.  Without this … Read more

A key strength of a Henson Trust is the exemption from Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) asset thresholds. Unlike typical trusts that limit assets to $100,000, a Henson Trust can hold unlimited funds while fully protecting the beneficiary’s provincial benefits.  However, while it is powerful tool for protecting a beneficiary’s long term financial goals, the … Read more

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) Receiving OSAP while on ODSP requires a bit of strategy to ensure the person doesn’t accidentally lose their monthly supports.  Ideally, one would want ODSP to continue to provide for living costs such as rent and food, while OSAP would cover educational costs such as tuition and books. When applying … Read more