Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)
Get relief. Stay current. Move forward.
If you’re struggling to make student loan payments in Canada, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) can lower or even temporarily eliminate your monthly payment — depending on your income, family size, and province.
💡 What Is RAP?
RAP is a government-backed program that helps borrowers manage repayment on Canada Student Loans (and provincial loans in participating provinces).
It’s designed to keep payments affordable and prevent your loans from going into default.
There are two stages:
- Interest Relief (Stage 1): For up to 6 months, your payment may be reduced to $0 while the government covers your loan interest.
- Debt Reduction (Stage 2): If you still can’t afford full payments, the government may begin covering part of your principal as well.
💰 How Your Payment Is Calculated
Your monthly payment depends on:
- Your gross family income
- Your family size
- The province or territory you live in
Payments are capped so you never pay more than 20% of your income, or what you’d owe on a 15-year repayment schedule — whichever is less.
You can estimate your eligibility and potential payment below using the RAP Calculator.
✅ How to Qualify
To qualify for RAP, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a Canada Student Loan (and provincial loan, if applicable)
- Be within 6 months of entering repayment or already in repayment
- Have a verified financial hardship
You’ll need to re-apply every 6 months if you still need assistance.
⚙️ How the Process Works
- Estimate your monthly payment using the RAP Calculator.
- Apply online through your National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) account.
- Submit proof of income (and spouse’s, if applicable).
- Get approved for interest or principal relief.
- Reapply every 6 months if needed.
📈 Why It Matters
RAP can help you:
- Stay out of default
- Protect your credit score
- Avoid collection activity or wage garnishment
- Stay in good standing while you regain financial stability