More than 240,000 B.C. children will have an additional $1,200 towards their post-secondary education as a result of government’s contribution to the B.C.Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG). The deadline for applying could be as soon as by the end of March 2017, depending on the age of the child.
Children born in 2006 or later who are residents of British Columbia are eligible to apply between their child’s sixth and ninth birthday. Older children born in2006 - 2009 have extended deadlines to allow for the same three-year application period.
The grant helps B.C. parents, grandparents and guardians kick-start savings for their children’s future education.
Applying takes just three steps:
1. Make sure the child and parent each have a Social Insurance Number.
2. Ensure the child has a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) at a participating financial institution.
3. Complete the application at your financial institution before the eligibility deadline.
The Province announced the grant in August 2015 to help families start saving early for their children’s post-secondary education. The grant helps make surestudents have a smooth path from school through to the workplace.
“This milestone means 60,000 B.C. kids now have money in the bank for their future education. Government is working hard to make education moreaffordable and accessible for B.C. families. I encourage all parents, grandparents and guardians to kick-start their child’s post-secondary education savingsby visiting their local participating financial institution and opening a RESP today to receive the $1,200 grant.” said Mike Bernier, Minister of Education. Formore information call 1 888 276-3624 or visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/bctesg