(As of July 2025) The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) offers up to $2,000 per child from the government to help families with modest incomes save for post-secondary education.
Many families still miss out simply because they don’t know they’re eligible. This post covers everything you need to know about qualifying for and applying to the CLB in 2025 — and how to claim this benefit even if you’ve never contributed to an RESP.
Don’t miss out on Canada’s free education grant — get $500 to $2,000 for your child’s RESP in 2025
What is the Canada Learning Bond (CLB)?
The CLB is a federal grant provided by the Government of Canada for eligible children from low-income families. The money is deposited directly into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) — no personal contributions required.
You can receive:
- $500 for the first year of eligibility
- $100 for each additional eligible year, up to age 15
The total maximum per child is $2,000, and it’s completely free — you don’t have to put in any money yourself.
Who is eligible for the CLB in 2025?
The Canada Learning Bond is available for children who:
- Were born on or after January 1, 2004
- Are residents of Canada
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Come from families with adjusted net income below the annual CLB threshold
In 2025, families with 1 to 3 children and net income of $57,375 or less would qualify. The exact threshold depends on family size and is updated annually by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
🎓 Free money for your child’s future — don’t leave it unclaimed
💡 Did you know? Over 2 million Canadian children are eligible for the CLB but haven’t received it yet.
That’s because many parents don’t open an RESP or aren’t aware they qualify. The government is now making it easier by allowing simplified application methods and even auto-enrollment pilots in some provinces.
How do I apply for the CLB in 2025?
To apply, follow these steps:
- Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for your child and yourself
- Open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) with a participating provider
- Ask the RESP provider to apply for the Canada Learning Bond on your behalf
That’s it! Once approved, the funds will be deposited directly into your child’s RESP. No personal contributions are needed to receive the CLB.
Where can I open an RESP?
Many financial institutions and credit unions across Canada offer RESPs that support the CLB:
- Big 5 Banks (RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank)
- Online brokers (Questrade, Wealthsimple)
- Credit unions and RESP-specific providers (Heritage, CST)
Make sure to confirm that the provider supports the CLB before opening the RESP.
How long do I have to claim the CLB?
If your child was born in 2004 or later and is still under age 21, you can still apply — even if you missed it earlier.
🕒 Youth aged 18–20 can apply for the CLB themselves, even if their parents didn’t open an RESP.
That’s why the government is encouraging young adults to open their own RESPs and claim retroactive CLB payments before they turn 21.
Summary
- CLB provides up to $2,000 in free RESP money from the Government of Canada
- No personal contributions are required to receive the grant
- Eligibility is based on family income and child’s birth year
- Available to youth aged 18–20 even without parental application
- Apply through any RESP provider that supports CLB
Related posts you might like:
– Canada Dental Benefit 2025 Eligibility and Deadlines
– GST/HST Credit 2025: Quarterly Payment Dates & Limits
– How to Open an RESP in Canada (Step-by-Step)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Do I need to contribute to an RESP to get the CLB?
No. The CLB does not require any personal contributions. The government deposits funds directly into the RESP once approved.
Q. My child is over 18 — can they still get the CLB?
Yes. Individuals aged 18 to 20 can apply on their own if they meet the income and residency requirements.
Q. Can I apply for past years and receive retroactive payments?
Yes. If your child was eligible in previous years but didn’t receive CLB, you may receive retroactive payments up to the $2,000 limit.
Q. How long does it take to receive the CLB funds?
Typically, it takes 6–8 weeks after the RESP provider submits the application to receive the first deposit.
Q. What if I don’t know which RESP provider to use?
Visit Canada.ca or call 1-800-O-CANADA for help finding RESP providers that support the CLB in your area.
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en.html">
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Government of Canada (CLB program page)
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