News Releases
- Extended family members can play an important role in helping ensure the long-term financial well-being of a Canadian with a disability
- The holiday season is an excellent time for family to discuss the long-term financial needs of a relative with a disability
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 23, 2011) - With the holiday season upon us, BMO Financial Group today encouraged Canadians with family members who have disabilities to consider giving the gift of long-term financial security via contributions to a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
Designed for Canadians with severe or prolonged disabilities, RDSPs offer tax-deferred investment growth along with government incentives like grants and bonds that help grow investments while providing long-term security. BMO called on family - including extended family members - to consider an RDSP contribution as an alternative gift for those relatives or friends who have a disability.
"For many individuals with disabilities, ongoing financial support is often required," said Mark Stewart, Director, Product Development & Management, BMO Investments Inc. "An RDSP is an effective tool that can help families manage the financial costs associated with having, or caring for, someone with a disability."
The holiday season is an ideal time for family to come together to discuss the needs of a relative with a disability and then work together to help their loved one. This could involve donating to an RDSP as a holiday gift or working out a schedule so that contributions can be spread out among family and friends over the next few years.
Mr. Stewart added that, as the first bank to offer the RDSP, BMO feels a special responsibility in driving awareness around the product. "We encourage extended families including uncles, aunts, Godparents and friends to think about pitching in with an RDSP contribution, to help ensure the financial security of their loved one."
About the RDSP
| What is it? | • | A tax-deferred savings vehicle that provides long-term financial security for persons living with a disability. |
| • | Includes government incentives such as the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) and potentially the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) that could add up to an additional $90,000 per individual. | |
| Who is eligible? | • | Canadian residents under the age of 60 with a valid SIN who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. |
| Who can set up an account? | • | For beneficiaries under the age of majority, the holder can be a legal parent, legal representative or public department. |
| • | For beneficiaries over the age of majority, the holder is generally the beneficiary. In certain circumstances, a guardian, legal representative or public department may be eligible to become the holder. | |
| Who can contribute? | • | Anyone can contribute to an RDSP, provided they have written consent of the account holder. |
| What is the contribution limit? | • | Up to $200,000 lifetime per individual over the life of the RDSP. |
| • | There is no annual contribution limit. | |
| Contribution deadlines? | • | Annual contribution deadline for Grants and Bonds: December 31. |
| • | Last day for Grants and Bond eligibility: December 31 of the year the beneficiary turns 49 years of age. | |
| • | Last day contributions permitted to the plan: December 31 the year the beneficiary turns 59 years of age. |
For more information on RDSPs please visit: http://www.bmo.com/home/personal/banking/investments/disability-savings/registered-dsp.
About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $477 billion as at October 31, 2011, and more than 47,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.
Rachael McKay, Toronto
416-867-3996
rachael.mckay@bmo.com
Sarah Bensadoun, Montreal
416-877-8224
sarah.bensadoun@bmo.com
Laurie Grant, Vancouver
604-665-7596
laurie.grant@bmo.com