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.
Sometimes. Contribution withdrawals may go to the subscriber, which is often the parent. EAPs are different: they are education payments for the beneficiary and are generally taxable to the student, even if payment routing varies by provider.
CRA says refund of contributions can be paid to the subscriber or beneficiary. CRA also says EAPs are amounts paid to a beneficiary from an RESP to help finance post-secondary education.
The practical answer depends on payment type. Always ask the promoter to label the withdrawal before choosing the destination.
How to check this rule
Details that matter
Contribution refund
A refund of contributions may be paid to the subscriber or beneficiary depending on the plan.
EAP purpose
EAP money is for the beneficiary's qualifying education.
Tax recipient
EAPs are generally taxable to the student beneficiary.
Routing differs
Providers can differ on whether payments go to the subscriber, student, or school.
Example
Example: A parent requests $8,000 for first-semester costs. The provider may split the payment into a contribution withdrawal to the parent and an EAP for the student, with the EAP reported to the student.
Questions to ask your provider
Can contribution withdrawals be paid to me as subscriber?
Can EAPs be paid to the student, the school, or me for the student's benefit?
Who receives the tax slip?
Can you provide a written split between EAP and contributions?
Read next
Parent control over an RESP 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.
Provider next step
RESP Provider Checklist helps you compare promoters on grant support, fees, and withdrawal process before opening or moving an RESP.