The sections on the right side of this page have everything you need for your meeting with your advisor. Think of this as your RESP toolkit.
Tip: Before you start, make sure every beneficiary has a Social Insurance Number. Without a SIN, a beneficiary cannot be named to a plan.
How to Open an RESP
If you, the subscriber are the child’s primary caregiver
Primary Caregiver:
The primary caregiver (or PCG) is exactly what it sounds like: the person primarily responsible for taking care of the beneficiary. This is usually one of the beneficiary’s parents—but not always.
Tip: The PCG is usually the same person who receives the Canada Child Benefit.
Opening an individual plan
STEP 1: Complete an RESP application form
STEP 2: Complete an Application for Basic and Additional CESG & CLB
STEP 3: (if applicable*) Complete an Annex B
*In rare instances the child’s primary caregiver and legal guardian are different people. If your client is the primary caregiver but not the legal guardian, we require an Annex B.
Opening a family plan
Same as above plus
STEP 4: (if applicable**) Complete an Annex A
**An Annex A allows you to apply for grant on behalf of multiple beneficiaries using a single grant application.
If you, the subscriber are not the child’s primary caregiver
Opening an individual plan
STEP 1: Complete an RESP application form
STEP 2: Complete an Application for Basic and Additional CESG & CLB
STEP 3: Have the child’s primary caregiver and legal guardian complete an Annex B
Opening a family plan
Same as above plus
STEP 4: (if applicable**) Complete an Annex A
STEP 5: (if applicable***) Complete an Annex B
**An Annex A allows you to apply for grant on behalf of multiple beneficiaries using a single grant application.
***If the beneficiaries in the plan are siblings, we require an Annex B.