Contact Us

If you still have questions or prefer to get help directly from an agent, please submit a request.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Please fill out the contact form below and we will reply as soon as possible.

  • Contact Us
English (US)
US English (US)
CA French (Canada)
  • Home
  • General Questions

What are my RESP withdrawal options?

Written by Nathan Kondra

Updated at May 22nd, 2025

Contact Us

If you still have questions or prefer to get help directly from an agent, please submit a request.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Please fill out the contact form below and we will reply as soon as possible.

  • General Questions
  • Opening an Account
  • Fees and Minimums
  • Security
  • Non-Residents
  • Our Portfolios
    Portfolio Details
  • Taxes
  • Single Sign On
  • Shared Dashboard
+ More

When it’s time to withdraw from your RESP, you’ll need to choose one or more of the following withdrawal options:

  • Educational Assistance Payment (EAP) - This is a withdrawal of the grant money the federal government contributed towards your student’s education.

    During the first 13 consecutive weeks of enrolment, you can withdraw up to $5,000 in EAPs for full-time studies, or $2,500 for part-time studies. After those initial 13 weeks, you can withdraw additional EAPs with no limit, so long as your student remains enrolled in a qualifying program. (Learn more about EAPs.)

     
  • Post-Secondary Education (PSE) capital - This is the money you contributed. So long as your student is enrolled in a qualifying educational program, you can withdraw any amount of these funds on their behalf tax free.

     
  • Non-Educational Capital Withdrawal (NCW) - RESP withdrawals that are not being used for education will be subject to certain restrictions and consequences. You may withdraw the full value of your contributions, however any investment growth will be taxed as income, plus a 20% penalty. Any grant money in the account will be returned to the government. 
  • What happens if the RESP beneficiary doesn’t pursue post-secondary education? Depending on your circumstances, other options for the RESP may be available to you. Learn more here.
withdrawal choices resp withdrawals

Was this article helpful?

Yes
No
Give feedback about this article

Related Articles

  • Who is CI Investment Services Inc. (formerly BBS Securities Inc.)?
  • How do I transfer my investments out of CI Digital Wealth?
  • Does CI Digital Wealth have a mobile app?
  • What is an ETF?
  • How is my rate of return calculated?

CI Digital Wealth ("CIDW") is a registered trade name for CI Investment Services Inc., providing portfolio management and online advice services. CI Investment Services Inc. ("CIIS") is a registered investment dealer under the securities legislation of all provinces and territories in Canada, a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) . The information contained herein is intended exclusively for Canadian residents and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation in any foreign jurisdiction.

CIRO - Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization

© 2025 CI Digital Wealth. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use | Legal Notices | Privacy Notice | Accessibility
Expand