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NationalLikely if eligible
Canada Learning Bond
Government of Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada
- Amount
- $500 to $2,000$500 for the first eligible year plus $100 for each later eligible year up to age 15, to a lifetime maximum of $2,000. No contributions are needed. The bond is retroactive. Income limit for July 2026 to June 2027: adjusted family income of $58,523 or less for families with 1 to 3 children, under $66,036 with 4 children and under $73,577 with 5 children.
- Deadline
- No fixed dateNo fixed date. Parents can request the bond until the day before the child turns 18. After that, the student can request it themselves until the day before they turn 21, which covers most Grade 12 and first-year students.
Go to the official page (opens in a new tab)
Always confirm the details there before applying.
About this award
The Canada Learning Bond is federal money paid into an RESP for children born in 2004 or later who grew up in low income families, even if the family never saved anything. Because it is retroactive, a teen who never had an RESP may still be owed up to $2,000. Parents can request it until the day before the child turns 18, and the student can request it themselves until the day before they turn 21. Most banks and RESP providers can set it up.
Who can apply
- Born on or after January 1, 2004
- Resident of Canada with a Social Insurance Number
- Family had low income for at least one year (for July 2026 to June 2027: adjusted family income of $58,523 or less with 1 to 3 children, under $66,036 with 4 children, or under $73,577 with 5 children)
- When a parent requests it, the primary caregiver must have filed tax returns and be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit
- Children in care for whom a Children's Special Allowance is paid are also eligible
- Must be named as beneficiary of an RESP; no contributions required
What to submit
- Open an RESP with a promoter that offers the Canada Learning Bond
- Social Insurance Number
- Request the bond through the RESP promoter
Quick facts
Words you'll see- Type
- RESP savings
- Category
- Financial need
- Program
- University, College and Apprenticeship
- When to apply
- Grade 11, Grade 12 and After starting post-secondary
- Where it applies
- National, Canada
- The gap between what school costs and what your family is expected to pay. Bursaries and grants often use it.
- Yes
- Paid again in later years of your program, as long as you keep meeting its rules, such as a minimum average.
- No, one-time
- Application cycle
- 2026-27
Sources
Last checked against the official site on Oct 1, 2026.
What the official pages say
"The CLB provides up to $2,000 maximum per eligible child in an RESP for children from families living with low income"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"A beneficiary will receive $500 their first year of eligibility, then another $100 for each year of eligibility"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"be born on or after January 1, 2004"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"For July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, the income eligibility amount for the CLB is based on the following"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"1 to 3 Less than or equal to $58,523"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"A primary caregiver can request the CLB for an eligible child until the day before they turn 18"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"Once they turn 18 years of age, eligible beneficiaries have until the day before they turn 21"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"The CLB is retroactive"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"apprenticeship programs"
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/student-financial-aid/education-savings/reports/learning-bond-18-20-brochure.html(opens in a new tab)"Children in care, for whom a Children’s Special Allowance is payable, are also eligible for the CLB."
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)"4 Less than $66,036 5 Less than $73,577"
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/education-savings/estimating-amounts.html(opens in a new tab)
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