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SIS Payment Dates, Benefit Amounts, and Eligibility in 2023

The province of Saskatchewan offers several social assistance programs to its residents to help them afford basic necessities. These benefits have been implemented for decades but have recently been rebranded into Social Income Support or the SIS Program.

This article will cover everything you need to know about the program — from its definition, benefits, and requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll understand how the program works, how you can apply for it, and SIS payment dates for 2023.

What is the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) Program?

The Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) or SIS Program is all-encompassing and is available to individuals and families who require financial assistance to support basic needs due to circumstances beyond their control.

These “circumstances” are assessed monthly through a caseworker liaison. Causes for qualifying for this program include unemployment, low income, disability, and illness.

SIS is one of many provincial social assistance programs in Canada.

Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) Payment Dates in 2023

The amount received by individuals and families under the SIS Program varies due to many factors, but the payment dates are fixed. You can set up your account to receive direct deposits or have the cheque mailed to you at a set time.

The Saskatchewan Income Support payment dates are as follows:

Payment Month for 2023Date Cheques are MailedDirect Deposit Date
JanuaryDecember 22December 28
FebruaryJanuary 25January 30
MarchFebruary 22February 27
AprilMarch 27March 30
MayApril 24April 27
JuneMay 25May 30
JulyJune 26June 29
AugustJuly 25July 28
SeptemberAugust 25August 30
OctoberSeptember 25September 28
NovemberOctober 26October 30
DecemberNovember 27November 29

What Benefits Are Available Through SIS?

Saskatchewan’s low-income benefits are divided into several categories, each representing different aspects of regular living expenses.

Under the SIS Program, individuals and families receive financial support for their basic, shelter, and health and safety needs. The program also offers financial assistance to address the fluctuating circumstance of its beneficiaries.

Related: Saskatchewan’s minimum wage.

SIS Benefit Amounts and Regulations

This section covers the amount a beneficiary receives from the SIS program and the Saskatchewan income support regulations and eligibility requirements.

Basic Benefits

Under the SIS Program, the basic benefits refer to regular expenses other than housing. It includes household items, clothing, food, and travel. Those residing outside the northern district get $285 every month.

The cost of living inside the northern district is more expensive, so expect to get more from the program: the benefit is $350 a month plus $65 per child.

Shelter Benefits

The SIS Program also provides shelter benefits to eligible people and families. These benefits, which are provided every month, are designed to cover rent, mortgage payments, land taxes, and utility costs. The amount you receive varies depending on where you live and the cost of living in urban and rural areas.

Let’s assume that the recipients reside in Regina or Saskatoon. The monthly benefit for a single beneficiary is $575, while couples without children under 18 receive $750. Families with one to two children are entitled to $975 per month, while those with three or more children are eligible for $1,150 per month.

If you reside outside Regine or Saskatoon, you will receive less. Single beneficiaries are paid $525, and $650 for couples without dependent children per month. Families with up to two children receive $750, while those with three or more receive $850 each month.

Health and Safety Benefits

These benefits are created to help beneficiaries pay for health- and safety-related expenses. Similar to other benefits, this section is also categorized into different sections, namely:

  • Alternative heating: The amount beneficiaries receive varies per location. For instance, you would receive $130 a month if you reside in a region without access to natural gas.
  • Household health and safety: Eligible families and individuals receive up to $500 to replace items damaged by disasters or interpersonal violence.
  • Prescribed diet: Beneficiaries who must follow a prescribed diet owing to a medical condition get between $50 and $150 per month.
  • Short-term emergency: Because emergencies differ, there is no set amount for this benefit. A social support worker evaluates the circumstance and determines the benefit amount after that.
  • Stabilization benefit: This $150 monthly benefit is designed to assist recipients who are having trouble maintaining stable housing.
  • Travel benefit: This benefit pays for the beneficiary to go outside the country for medical purposes. The sum is calculated using the recipient’s out-of-pocket expenses for meals, lodging, and mileage.

Change in Circumstances

This subset of the SIS Program is created to help beneficiaries address fluctuating circumstances. Similar to the previous benefits mentioned, this one is categorized into different sections according to the situation, such as:

  • Childcare benefit: This benefit helps beneficiaries pay for the short-term expenses of childcare while they’re still looking for employment.
  • Children’s benefit: An additional $400 is given to a parent ineligible to receive benefits from the Canada Child Benefit.
  • Employment and training: $140 is provided as part of this benefit to help beneficiaries with the costs of beginning a new career or enrolling in a new training program.
  • Funeral benefit: The price of the funeral services is covered by this benefit.
  • Relocation benefit: Beneficiaries receive between $200 and $300 to help with moving costs brought on by evictions, crises, medical needs, and job relocation.
  • Security benefit: Beneficiaries receive this benefit to assist them in covering the expense of the damage deposit on their home. The beneficiaries’ security benefit is determined in the same manner as their shelter benefits.
  • Travel benefit: Travel benefits are provided to beneficiaries who must travel for a job interview, new employment, or training program. The sum is calculated depending on the recipient’s mileage, meals, and lodging.

SIS Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this social assistance program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Citizens of Canada, permanent residents, or those with refugee status
  • Individuals and families who are either low-income or have no income
  • Over the age of 18
  • Residents of Saskatchewan
  • Those who have tried everything else to support themselves without any luck

To ensure that only people who are truly in need receive the advantages provided, the SIS Program is designed to be the last resort. To facilitate a quicker acceptance process, document everything as you apply for the program.

Related: SAID Payment Dates

How to Apply For Saskatchewan Income Support

The Saskatchewan Income Support application process is straightforward and can be completed over the phone or online. Prepare the following with you to make the process faster:

  • An active bank account under your name
  • Completed direct deposit authorization form
  • Details about the individuals in your household, including their SIN and Saskatchewan Health Services Number (HSN) details
  • Documents relating to properties, vehicles, and equipment
  • Evidence of living arrangements, such as a mortgage or lease documents
  • Information on income and accompanying documentation
  • Information on other benefits you’re currently receiving
  • Information related to other monies, like cash on hand, savings, and investments
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Saskatchewan Health Services (HSN) number

You’ll have 30 days to provide this information from the time you submit your application. When applying as a couple, you need to complete the application together.

Is SIS Increasing in 2023?

Yes, as an $11.4 million investment in the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program has been made. This budget increase means the basic and shelter benefits beneficiaries received every month increase to $30 and $25, respectively.

Knowledge is Power

If you’re planning to apply for the SIS Program but don’t know where to start, use this article as your guide. The more you know about the program, the easier it’ll be for you to comply with the necessary requirements.

FAQs

How much is income assistance in Saskatchewan?

The amount depends on various factors. For instance, beneficiaries residing in the Northern Administration District are eligible for $350 and $65 per child, while adults outside the Northern Administration District get $285. The income assistance also provides different amounts for shelter benefits and health and safety benefits.

Can I work while on SIS?

Yes, you can still receive financial assistance if you work but don’t earn enough to pay for your basic needs.

What is considered low income in Saskatchewan?

Families with an adjusted family net income between $33,755 and $70,045 are considered low income.

Who is eligible for income assistance in Canada?

You may be eligible for income support if you find yourself in any of these situations: You’re waiting for other sources of income to arrive, you’re unemployed or not earning enough to pay for your basic needs, or you can’t work at all.

How much is AISH in Saskatchewan?

It’s $6,000 for single beneficiaries, $7,200 for couples, and $8,500 for families.

What are SAID benefit payment dates in 2023?

Saskatchewan Income Support payment dates vary depending on how your account is set up. If you choose for cheque payments, the amount is usually deposited in your account on the last week of the month. For example, a cheque for February 2023 will be mailed to you on January 25, 2023, and then deposited to your account on January 30, 2023.

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu is a personal finance expert and a veterinarian. He has a master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School (Scotland) and has completed several courses and certificates in finance, including the Canadian Securities Course. He also has an MSc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Manitoba and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and has been writing about money matters for over a decade. He has been featured or quoted in Forbes, The Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press, Wealthsimple, CBC News, Financial Post, Toronto Star, CTV News, Canadian Securities Exchange, Credit Canada, National Post, and many other personal finance publications. You can learn more about him on the About Page.

His top investment tools include Wealthsimple and Questrade. He earns cash back on purchases using KOHO, monitors his credit score for free using Borrowell, and earns interest on savings through EQ Bank.

1 thought on “SIS Payment Dates, Benefit Amounts, and Eligibility in 2023”

  1. Gravatar for laurence

    good info

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