Online, electronic, or telephone applications

Registered disability savings plan (RDSP) issuers have various options for obtaining information from potential holders. When issuers gather client information using an online, electronic or telephone (hereafter referred to as “paperless”) application process, they must meet the following requirements:

• The information to be captured on the paperless application must be the same as what is required on the paper application form of an approved specimen. As long as the information on the approved application form is captured on the paperless version, the paperless application does not need to be submitted for our review.
• If the issuer does not have an approved specimen and wishes to capture information using a paperless application process (instead of a paper application form) then, in addition to the Declaration of Trust or Trust Agreement (as applicable), a hard copy of the screen shots, electronic form(s), or telephone script must be submitted for our approval. In this situation, the regular specimen approval process will be followed.
• The holder must be provided with the following:
  • a copy of the Declaration of Trust or Trust Agreement (as applicable) consistent with the approved specimen;
  • a contract number; and
  • a confirmation of the date and time of application.
• Once the holder has provided consent and the application is complete, the issuer will consider the plan registered. The issuer is responsible for determining what constitutes consent (such as the electronic or digital signature, or telephone acceptance).
• Your records must abide by the retention requirements found in the latest versions of IC78-10R, Books and Records Retention/Destruction, and IC05-1R, Electronic Record Keeping.

Please note that this does not apply to the application forms for the Canada Disability Savings Grant and the Canada Disability Savings Bond. Enquiries regarding these application forms must be directed to Employment and Social Development Canada.

Date modified:

2013-12-11