Payouts from the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement could reach $5.4 billion, far higher than anticipated.

The settlement was structured into two main categories. The Common Experience Program offered money to all students of residential schools while the Independent Assessment Process provided additional money for students who could document instances of physical, mental or sexual abuse.

The number of claims being submitted for the IAP is expected to reach 30,000, far more than expected. The average settlement so far has been $117,613, also higher than estimated, The Globe and Mail reported.

"I think it appears, based on the numbers, that the incidents of abuse may have been more widespread than what was initially anticipated," said Akivah Starkman, executive director for the Independent Assessment Process Secretariat, the paper reported.

Claims for the IAP are being accepted until September 19.

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Residential school abuse claims surpass federal estimates (The Globe and Mail 7/24)