Yes, if the youth meets the CLB rules. Canada says eligible youth born in 2004 or later can request the Canada Learning Bond themselves when they are 18 to 20, up until the day before they turn 21.
This is not a normal contribution-match strategy. CLB does not require personal contributions, so the key steps are opening or using an RESP with a promoter that supports CLB and asking the promoter to submit the request.
The money can then help with qualifying education costs when the beneficiary later attends eligible post-secondary education.
How to check this rule
- Confirm the youth was born in 2004 or later and has not turned 21.
- Check whether CLB was already paid into an RESP for them.
- Choose a promoter that supports CLB.
- Open the RESP or update the account details needed for the youth to request CLB.
- Keep proof of the request and later proof of enrolment for withdrawals.
Details that matter
Age window
The request must happen from age 18 until the day before age 21.
Birth-year rule
The youth must be born in 2004 or later.
No deposit needed
CLB does not require personal contributions.
Use for education
The RESP money is meant to help pay qualifying post-secondary education costs.
Example
Example: A 19-year-old who grew up in a low-income household can ask a CLB-supporting bank, credit union, or investment provider to help check unpaid CLB and open an RESP if needed.
Questions to ask your provider
- Do you support Canada Learning Bond requests for youth aged 18 to 20?
- Can you check whether CLB has already been paid for me?
- What identification and SIN information do you need?
- Is any personal contribution required to request CLB?
- How will I withdraw the CLB later for school?
Read next
RESPs for adults explains the broader decision and links to related tools.
Tool next step
RESP Eligibility Quick Check can help estimate the practical contribution choices before you confirm eligibility with the promoter.
Provider next step
RESP Provider Checklist helps you compare promoters on grant support, fees, and withdrawal process before opening or moving an RESP.