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 2023 | Date Cheques are Mailed | Direct Deposit Date |
| January | December 22 | December 28 |
| February | January 25 | January 30 |
| March | February 22 | February 27 |
| April | March 27 | March 30 |
| May | April 24 | April 27 |
| June | May 25 | May 30 |
| July | June 26 | June 29 |
| August | July 25 | July 28 |
| September | August 25 | August 30 |
| October | September 25 | September 28 |
| November | October 26 | October 30 |
| December | November 27 | November 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
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.
Yes, you can still receive financial assistance if you work but don’t earn enough to pay for your basic needs.
Families with an adjusted family net income between $33,755 and $70,045 are considered low income.
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.
It’s $6,000 for single beneficiaries, $7,200 for couples, and $8,500 for families.
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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