Set up a disability savings specimen plan

Step 1: Create a disability savings specimen plan

A disability savings specimen plan is a true copy of all documents that will be given to the client who wants to open an RDSP. The trust company or authorized financial institution must include the following documents as part of their disability savings specimen plan:

• the disability savings plan application form^{Footnote 1}
• the disability savings plan declaration of trust (See RDSP pro forma for basic wording that can be used when creating a declaration of trust)
• any addendum, schedules, or riders that form part of the application that clients will use to open an RDSP

CRA will only approve a specimen plan that meets all registration conditions described in the Income Tax Act. For more information, see Part II – RDSP Administration, Specimen Plan Approval Process in IC99-1R Registered Disability Savings Plans.

Step 2: Get approval from the CRA

Send the disability savings specimen plan to CRA for approval.

By mail and courier

Due to a building refit spanning multiple years, the Registered Plans Directorate’s mailing address has been temporarily changed. Please use the following address for all correspondence until further notice:

Registered Plans Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
2215 Gladwin Cres
Ottawa ON K1B4K9

Step 3: Enrol with Employment and Social Development Canada

Complete the issuer enrollment process with Employment and Social Development Canada.

Footnote

Footnote 1

CRA accepts online, electronic, or telephone applications (paperless application). The information included must be the same as the CRA approved paper application form. If no paper form exists, you must mail a hard copy of the screen shots, electronic form, or telephone script to the CRA for approval. This process only applies to disability savings plan application forms. For any questions on the Canada Disability Savings Grant or the Canada Disability Savings Bond forms, go to Employment and Social Development Canada.

Return to footnote1 Referrer

Amend a disability savings specimen plan

CRA must approve all changes made to the specimen plan documents. This includes any legislative changes to the RDSP program.

The trust company or authorized financial institution who administers the RDSP must send their specimen plan changes to the CRA for review and approval.

By mail and courier

Due to a building refit spanning multiple years, the Registered Plans Directorate’s mailing address has been temporarily changed. Please use the following address for all correspondence until further notice:

Registered Plans Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
2215 Gladwin Cres
Ottawa ON K1B4K9

Once approved, the trust company or authorized financial institution must communicate the specimen plan changes to all RDSP holders.

To find more information on specimen plan changes see paragraph 96 of IC99-1R Registered Disability Savings Plans.

Close a disability savings specimen plan

The trust company or authorized financial institution responsible for administering a disability savings specimen plan must notify the CRA when:

• RDSPs no longer conform to the specimen plan; or
• The trust company or authorized financial institution is no longer marketing the specimen plan

By mail and courier

Due to a building refit spanning multiple years, the Registered Plans Directorate’s mailing address has been temporarily changed. Please use the following address for all correspondence until further notice:

Registered Plans Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
2215 Gladwin Cres
Ottawa ON K1B4K9

The CRA will close the specimen plan and all related RDSPs.