Resources · Family & education

Canadian family and education resources.

Canada Child Benefit, RESP and CESG, provincial student aid, and parental EI.

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Canada Child Benefit
Federal non-taxable monthly benefit for families with children under 18.
Use when: Applying as a new parent, estimating your monthly benefit, or updating after a custody or income change.
GovernmentFreeFederal
Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
20%+ federal grant match on RESP contributions, with additional bonds for low-income families.
Use when: Opening or contributing to an RESP and want to know how much CESG you'll receive each year.
Note: Open the RESP at a self-directed broker (Wealthsimple, Questrade) or a Big-5 bank. Avoid 'group' or 'scholarship trust' RESPs (Heritage, CST, Knowledge First, Children's Education Funds, Embark) — high non-refundable enrollment fees and active class-action litigation.
GovernmentFreeFederal
EI Maternity & Parental Benefits
Federal Employment Insurance benefits for new and expecting parents, with standard and extended options.
Use when: Pregnant, recently birthed or adopted a child, and estimating top-up math against your employer's plan.
GovernmentFreeFederal
Canada Student Financial Assistance
Federal portal aggregating links to every province's student aid program plus the federal grant/loan share.
Use when: Starting your student aid application and need the right provincial entry point.
GovernmentFreeFederal
OSAP
Ontario Student Assistance Program: grants and loans for Ontario post-secondary students.
Use when: Ontario resident applying for post-secondary aid; note 2025-26 changes lowered grant maxima for new applicants.
GovernmentFreeON
NSLSC
National Student Loans Service Centre — the federal servicer for Canada Student Loans after graduation.
Use when: Repaying or managing your existing Canada Student Loans, applying for Repayment Assistance, or requesting hardship deferral.
GovernmentFreeFederal