The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is a monthly rent subsidy from BC Housing for lower-income families with children who rent in the private market. It is paid by direct deposit on the last working day of each month, and each payment repays part of that month’s rent. Since April 2025, you no longer need job income to qualify.
How much you’ll get
RAP pays back a percentage of the gap between 30% of your gross household income and your rent. It only counts rent up to a ceiling, and there is a maximum benefit. BC Housing doesn’t publish the percentage or the maximum, but it does publish the ceilings and limits:
| What | Figure |
|---|---|
| Highest rent counted, family of 3 or fewer | $1,950 a month (since April 2025) |
| Highest rent counted, family of 4 or more | $2,200 a month (since April 2025) |
| Household income limit | $60,000 a year or less, before tax |
| Asset limit | Less than $100,000 |
| Average supplement after the April 2025 changes | $700 a month (B.C. figure) |
Example: a family of three earning $36,000 a year has a gross monthly income of $3,000, and 30% of that is $900. If their rent is $1,800, the gap is $900, and RAP pays back a share of that gap. If their rent were $2,100, RAP would only count $1,950.
For your own estimate, use BC Housing’s help with rent calculator. It gives figures for April 2025 onward.
RAP is based on last year’s income from your tax return. If other adults (for example, grown children who aren’t dependants) live with you, BC Housing asks how much they pay towards the rent and takes that into account.
Who qualifies
You may qualify if all of these apply:
- Your total household income before tax is $60,000 a year or less.
- You have at least one dependent child: under 19, under 25 and in full-time school, or any age if the CRA accepts them as a dependant because of a disability.
- Your household has less than $100,000 in assets. Vehicles, RRSPs, RESPs, RDSPs and personal belongings don’t count.
- You file a tax return every year.
- You pay more than 30% of your household income on rent. If you own a manufactured home, pad rent counts.
- You have lived in B.C. for the past 12 months, and everyone in the household meets the residency rules (for example, Canadian citizen, permanent resident not under sponsorship, or refugee claimant).
You can’t get RAP if you:
- get B.C. income assistance or disability assistance (unless your file has closed and you only get Medical Services Only)
- live in subsidized housing, or are a shareholder in a housing co-op
- share a kitchen or bathroom with your landlord
How to apply
- Get a form. Download the RAP application form, call 604-433-2218 or 1-800-257-7756 to have one mailed, or pick one up at a BC Housing office.
- Attach copies (not originals) of your proof of income, proof of status in Canada for every family member, proof of rent, proof of assets, bank information and, for children aged 19 to 24, proof of full-time study. You can give BC Housing permission to get your tax information from the CRA. This also makes each year’s reapplication easier.
- Send it in. Upload it with BC Housing’s Program Upload Form, drop it at a BC Housing office, fax it to 604-439-4729, or mail it to Rental Assistance Program, BC Housing, 101-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8.
If your tax return hasn’t been processed yet, you can still apply. BC Housing gives you up to 90 days to send in anything that’s missing.
Your assistance starts in the month BC Housing receives your application. For example, an application received on March 29 covers March, paid at the end of March.
Reapply every year. BC Housing sends a reapplication form about 15 weeks before your assistance ends. You can also reapply online through BC Housing’s Citizen Portal.
What changed in 2026
BC Housing hasn’t announced new RAP rates for 2026. The big changes started on April 1, 2025:
- The income limit went up from $40,000 to $60,000.
- The average supplement for existing families rose from $400 to $700 a month.
- RAP now uses single province-wide rent ceilings based on household size. They can be reviewed every year.
- You no longer need employment income to qualify.
BC Housing has paused updates to its website during the fall 2026 local elections. Its pages say the content is current as of September 22, 2026.
Payment late, missing or different?
RAP arrives on the last working day of the month. If it hasn’t arrived by the end of that day, check with your bank first. Then call the Rental Assistance Program at 604-433-2218, or 1-800-257-7756 outside the Lower Mainland. Lines are open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except holidays.
Common reasons a payment is missing or changes:
- Your yearly reapplication is late, or wasn’t sent in.
- You moved or your rent changed. Tell BC Housing right away. If your rent went down and you didn’t report it, you will have to pay back the extra.
- You started income or disability assistance. You must tell BC Housing immediately. Any RAP paid while you are on assistance becomes a debt.
- Your bank account changed. Send a new void cheque or direct deposit form.
RAP isn’t taxable, but if you get more than $500 in a year, you must report it on your tax return. BC Housing sends you a T5007 slip.
Watch for scams. BC Housing and the government never ask for fees, gift cards or passwords by text or email. If a message about your rent assistance asks you to click a link or pay, don’t. Call BC Housing yourself on the numbers above.
Other help you might be missing
- Canada Child Benefit: a tax-free monthly federal payment for children under 18.
- BC Family Benefit: a B.C. top-up for families with children, paid with the Canada Child Benefit.
- Canada Workers Benefit: a refundable tax credit for lower-income workers, partly paid in advance.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: the renamed GST/HST credit, paid four times a year when you file your taxes.
- BC Income Assistance: if your income stops. You can’t get RAP and income assistance at the same time.
Common questions
When does the BC Rental Assistance Program pay?
On the last working day of each month, by direct deposit. The calendar at the top of this page shows the expected dates.
What is the income limit for RAP in BC?
Your total household income must be $60,000 a year or less before tax, and your household assets must be under $100,000.
Do I need to be working to get RAP?
No. B.C. removed the employment income requirement in April 2025.
Can I get RAP without children?
No. You need at least one dependent child. Seniors 60 and older can look at SAFER instead.
Will RAP cancel my application for subsidized housing?
No. Your application with the Housing Registry stays active. RAP stops if you move into a subsidized unit.