Canada Learning Bonds

Your child could be eligible to receive up to $2,000 in free money for their post-secondary education from the Canada Learning Bond (CLB).

Due to the COVID-19 disruptions, all families will experience longer than usual wait times to set up an appointment with their bank to complete the application process. The current wait time at some banks is estimated to be 14-30 business days.

Canada Learning Bonds

Your child could be eligible to receive up to $2,000 in free money for their post-secondary education from the Canada Learning Bond (CLB).

If your child is eligible, the Government of Canada will deposit the money directly into a bank account called a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). All you have to do is register.

You don’t have to pay fees or put any money into the RESP for your child to receive the CLB.

Benefit amount

Children receive $500 initially and $100 more each year that they’re eligible. They can keep receiving the CLB until they’re 15, or until they’ve received a maximum of $2,000.

Eligibility

Families can register for the CLB if they have:

  • Children born on or after January 1, 2004.
  • Canadian residency or citizenship.
  • A net family income of $47,630 or less for a family with up to 3 children – if you have more than 3, visit the Employment and Social Development website to find your income limit.

How to Apply

If you already have an RESP, talk to your bank or RESP provider to let them know you want to register for the CLB.

If you don’t have an RESP, you can open one and register for your child’s CLB online or by phone.

Apply For Your Child’s Canada Learning Bond Today!

If you cannot see the form, click here.

Apply by Phone

You can call ACORN to complete your application by phone (toll free): 1-866-991-0025.

Apply in Person

You can get help filing taxes, getting SINs for your children and register for the CLB at a walk-in tax clinic. Clinics are being held around the province in March. Each clinic location is wheelchair accessible and will have American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters available.

Special Update: Due to COVID-19, all Super Clinics have been postponed.

Before You Start

When you register for the CLB, make sure you have:

Contact

If you have any questions about applying for the CLB, contact us.

Phone (toll-free): 1-855-737-7252 (1-855-RESP-CLB)

Email: info@smartsaver.org

About this initiative

The Department of Community Services is a proud partner in helping Nova Scotian families access funding for their children’s post-secondary education.

Online, phone, and in person supports are made possible by the Department of Community Services’ collaboration with SmartSAVER, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, Employment and Social Development Canada, Service Canada, and Service Nova Scotia.