RAP (Resettlement Assistance Program) Rates

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) increased its income support levels on September 1st, 2024, to respond to the rising cost of living. RAP income support level aligns with provincial social assistance rates.

Here are the main changes:

• A housing supplement of up to $200 per month is available if your housing costs are higher than the basic allowance
• The monthly communication allowance increases to $78.41 per month to support access to virtual services
• Each adult, including seniors, receives a transportation allowance based on the public transportation fare in their community, with a minimum amount of $82.97 per month or more
• The transportation allowance across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) is based on the highest monthly fare in the area.

All sponsoring groups (including SAHs, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors) must use the new rates starting on September 1st, 2024, to calculate the minimum level of financial support they are required to provide to refugees sponsored under the PSR and BVOR programs.

Both social assistance and RAP rates are subject to change, and sponsoring groups are expected to provide support according to the RAP rates and policies in place at the time of the refugee’s arrival and over the course of their sponsorship period.

You can find the updated Ontario RAP rates on the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) website. The RSTP Minimum Financial Support Calculator can also help sponsors calculate the minimum level of financial support online based on the updated RAP rates.