Use the checks below to confirm whether the answer fits the family, provider, and school situation.
Prepare documents and questions before requesting RESP withdrawals for school.
The answer depends on which part of the RESP is being withdrawn. EAPs include grants and accumulated income and must help the beneficiary further eligible post-secondary education. Subscriber contributions are more flexible because they belong to the subscriber, but withdrawing them can affect grants.
Reasonable EAP expenses can be broader than many families expect, including education costs, student housing, basic personal needs, phone, internet, local transportation, and in some cases a car in the student's name for school transportation.
Unreasonable EAP expenses include costs for family or friends visiting, entertainment, fine dining, vacations, personal spa or wellness treatments, medical and dental appointments, property down payments, and purchases not in the beneficiary's name.
The practical question is not just 'Can I spend it?' It is 'Which RESP bucket is paying, is the student eligible, does the expense further post-secondary education, and will the promoter accept the request?'
How to check this rule
Details that matter
Bucket first
EAPs and subscriber contributions are governed differently.
Education connection
For EAPs, the expense should help the student further post-secondary education.
Unusual costs need caution
The promoter may request documentation, and CRA can audit any EAP.
Non-education use has consequences
Using RESP money outside education rules can lead to grant repayment, tax, or an unavailable withdrawal type.
Example
Example: A student asks whether RESP money can pay for groceries, a phone plan, and concert tickets. Groceries and phone costs may fit basic student living needs. Concert tickets usually do not, unless they are required for the program.
Questions to ask your provider
Which bucket would this withdrawal come from?
Does the student currently qualify for an EAP?
Would you consider this expense reasonable under your RESP process?
What records should we keep?
Could any amount trigger grant repayment or additional tax?
Read next
Withdraw RESP money explains the broader decision and links to related tools.
Tool next step
RESP Withdrawal Checklist can help estimate the practical contribution choices before you confirm eligibility with the promoter.