The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides financial support to refugees resettling in Canada, helping them cover essential expenses as they begin their new lives. These allowances can be either basic (provided to all RAP recipients) or conditional (provided under certain circumstances like maternity). The support may be a one-time payment or ongoing monthly assistance.
1. Furniture Allowance
- What It Covers: Beds, dressers, sofas, tables, chairs, and other essential furniture.
- Amount: Up to $1,550 for singles without dependents and varies based on family size.
- How It’s Provided: Direct funds to clients, through a supplier, a service provider organization (SPO), or a hybrid model combining both.
Important Points:
If a refugee moves into an already furnished place, only the balance of furniture needs will be provided, and all mattresses must be purchased new.
2. Linens Allowance
- What It Covers: Bed linens, blankets, and towels.
- Amount: $80 for singles, up to $480 for larger families.
- How It’s Provided: Similar options as the furniture allowance—direct funds, suppliers, or agreements with an SPO.
3. Basic Household Needs Allowance
- What It Covers: Window coverings, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, brooms, lamps, and more.
- Amount: $600 for singles, up to $850 for larger families, with $50 for each additional dependent.
4. Staple Allowance
- What It Covers: Basic food and cleaning supplies.
- Amount: $210 for a single individual, with an additional $90 per family member.
5. Clothing Allowances
- Initial & Winter Clothing: $375 per adult, $250 per dependent child for the initial allowance, plus $175 (adults) and $125 (children) for winter arrivals.
- Replacement: Available in exceptional cases (e.g., fire, flood, health issues).
6. Utility Installation Allowance
- What It Covers: Installation fees for utilities like telephone, water, gas, or electricity.
- Amount: $75 per adult file.
7. School Start-Up Allowance
- What It Covers: School supplies for children aged 4-17.
- Amount: $150 per eligible child.
8. Assistance Loans
For those needing refundable deposits (e.g., for utilities), an assistance loan may be provided.
9. Food, Shelter & Communication Allowances
- Monthly Allowance: Covers food, shelter, and communication expenses.
- Shelter Costs: Based on actual rental and utility costs, with possible supplements for larger families.
10. Special Allowances
- Dietary Allowance: Up to $75 per month for special dietary needs.
- Maternity-Related Allowances: $75/month maternity food allowance and a $200 one-time maternity clothing allowance.
- Newborn Allowance: $750 one-time payment for each baby born in Canada.
11. Exceptional Allowances
These are one-time payments provided in cases of immediate, essential need.
12. Funeral or Burial Expenses
IRCC may cover funeral expenses for a RAP client if no other resources are available, ensuring the process is handled with dignity and cultural sensitivity.
Child Benefits and Tax Credits
RAP clients should apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and other applicable credits as soon as possible after receiving their Social Insurance Number (SIN).
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How Much Cash Assistance Do Asylum Claimants Get in Canada? A Deep Dive into RAP Allowances
Breaking Down the Financial Support Refugees Receive Through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
Have you ever wondered how much financial help asylum claimants receive when they first arrive in Canada? The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) offers essential financial support to refugees, helping them with the basic necessities to start their new lives. Let’s break down the total payments and allowances provided to individuals and families, so you get the full picture of what’s available.
1. Furniture Allowance: Setting Up a Home
- For a Single Person: $1,550
- Couple: $2,280
- Couple with One Dependant: $2,560
- Family of Four: $3,885
- Additional Dependents: $420 each
This one-time payment helps cover essentials like beds, sofas, tables, and chairs. For example, a family of four would receive up to $3,885 to furnish their home.
2. Linens Allowance: Sleeping and Bathing Essentials
- Single Individual: $80
- Family of Two: $160
- Family of Six: $480
- Extra Dependant: $80
This allowance ensures everyone has blankets, towels, and bed sheets. A family of four would get $320 to cover these costs.
3. Basic Household Needs Allowance: Stocking the Kitchen and Home
- Single Individual: $600
- Family of Four: $750
- Each Additional Dependant: $50
This one-time payment covers kitchen items like utensils, pots, pans, and other household essentials.
4. Staple Allowance: Starting the Pantry
- Single Individual: $210
- Family of Four: $480
- Each Additional Member: $90
This allowance helps new arrivals fill their pantries with basic food and cleaning supplies. A family of four would receive $480.
5. Clothing Allowance: Dressing for All Seasons
- Initial Clothing Allowance: $375 per adult, $250 per dependent child
- Winter Clothing Allowance: $175 per adult, $125 per child
If a family of four with two adults and two children arrives in Canada, they would receive a total of $1,250 for clothing.
6. Utility Installation Allowance: Getting Connected
- One-time Payment: $75 per adult
This covers the installation costs of utilities like water, gas, electricity, and internet connections.
7. School Start-Up Allowance: Ready for the Classroom
- School-Age Children (4-17 years): $150 each
If a family has two children in school, they’ll receive $300 to help cover school supplies.
8. Monthly Food and Shelter Allowance: Covering the Basics
The monthly food and shelter allowance varies by province and individual needs, based on local social assistance rates. These funds ensure newcomers have enough to cover rent, food, and incidentals.
Total One-Time Start-Up Payments: Examples for Different Families
Let’s calculate the total assistance provided to various family sizes using the different allowances:
Single Individual:
- Furniture: $1,550
- Linens: $80
- Basic Household Needs: $600
- Staple Allowance: $210
- Clothing: $375 (initial + winter)
- Utility Installation: $75
Total One-Time Payment: $2,890
Family of Two (Couple):
- Furniture: $2,280
- Linens: $160
- Basic Household Needs: $650
- Staple Allowance: $300
- Clothing: $750 (2 adults)
- Utility Installation: $150
Total One-Time Payment: $4,290
Family of Four (Couple with Two Children):
- Furniture: $3,185
- Linens: $320
- Basic Household Needs: $750
- Staple Allowance: $480
- Clothing: $1,250 (2 adults + 2 children)
- Utility Installation: $150
- School Start-Up: $300
Total One-Time Payment: $6,435
Monthly Allowances: Ongoing Financial Support
In addition to these start-up payments, refugees receive monthly allowances to cover food, rent, transportation, communication, and other expenses. For example:
- Food and Incidentals: Varies by family size and province
- Transportation: $75 minimum per eligible adult
- Communication: $30 per family
A family of four could receive around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for these ongoing expenses, depending on local costs and needs.
Why This Matters:
These allowances play a critical role in helping asylum claimants start their lives in Canada, providing them with essential items and support as they settle into their new environment. The RAP offers a lifeline to refugees, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable place to begin their journey toward rebuilding their lives.