Saskatchewan Social Security

The Problem

The cost of living is out of control, people need help, yet our Social Security system is a siloed, bureaucratic mess that often denies dignity more than it offers relief.

The Promise

The existing Saskatchewan Social Security system will be overhauled into a single front-facing system that is simple, easy, and dignified.

The Plan

The NCP will introduce the Saskatchewan Social Security Act. This Act will unify the disparate existing supports and benefits provided by the Ministry of Social Services into a single upfront benefit and service to be known as Saskatchewan Social Security (SSS).

As it stands now, there are several different benefit programs in Saskatchewan. Each program has its own application, its own means testing, and its own procedures. The programs rarely interact except for clawbacks and rules stating you can't be on some at the same time, or if you are, they subtract from each other. It's confusing. It's messy. It's undignified.

By introducing a single system, we will be able to reach more people, deliver better benefits, and reduce waste and needless bureaucracy. There are only two current exceptions to the unified system:

• Cognitive Disability Strategy
• Financial Help for Home Care

How It Works:

There will be a single case, a single profile, a single application, a single front door. No more multiple accounts, multiple cases, and multiple workers. Residents will apply with their Saskatchewan Account on Saskatchewan.ca or by phone if they prefer.

The application will be kept simple, where residents will be asked a series of questions to determine their eligibility for all components of the SSS. The information required from clients, and their family members if applicable, will include:

• Signed Application Form
• Income Tax Return(s) or Notice of Assessment(s)
• Health Card(s)
• Social Insurance Number(s)
• Direct Deposit Information (cheques will only be issued in extenuating circumstances)
• Address Information
• Lease Agreement (if applicable)
• Medical Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Custody Arrangements (if applicable)

All Saskatchewan Social Security benefit amounts, income exemptions, and phase-out thresholds will be automatically indexed to Saskatchewan's inflation, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to ensure SSS keeps up with the cost of living.

The program year will be from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Renewals will be kept simple and automatic where possible and relevant. Most people will only need to submit their current year's Income Tax Return or Notice of Assessment. Other updates will be specifically requested by the Ministry of Social Services.

Mid-year updates provided by the client(s) will be required should any of the following change:

• Address
• Renter Status
• Household Composition
• Child Custody
• Saskatchewan Residence Status
• Disability Status
• Banking / Direct Deposit Information

Those eligible for the Disability component will only need to provide proof either once for permanent disabilities, every 3-5 years for long-term disabilities that are not permanent, or on a 6-month basis for short-term disabilities.

The SSS will be made of eight (8) components that smoothly interact and stack. Residents will be able to get all the support they are eligible for without missing out on programs they aren't aware of. The components of the SSS are as follows:

Core

This replaces the basic Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) benefit. It is meant to target low income individuals, and stack with the other benefit components where eligible.

The Benefit:

• The benefit will start at a maximum of $4,200 annually ($350 / month), and is reduced by 20 cents for every dollar earned above an annual personal income of $12,000.

Eligibility:

• The client must be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status.
• The client must be a Saskatchewan resident, living in Saskatchewan, with a valid Saskatchewan Health Card.
• The client must be aged 18 years or older.
• The client must earn under an annual personal income of $33,000.

Additionally, if residents are eligible for the Core component, they are eligible for Discounted Bus Passes and Supplemental Health Coverage.

Dependents

This component replaces dependent-related add-ons under SIS and incorporates the family-support function of the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI). It is intended to provide additional income support to families with children under 18.

The benefit will range depending on how many children there are in the family:

• For those with one (1) child, a maximum of $3,000 annually ($250 / month), reduced by 20 cents for every dollar earned above an annual family income of $40,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual family income of $55,000.
• For those with two (2) children, a maximum of $4,500 annually ($375 / month), reduced by 20 cents for every dollar earned above an annual family income of $40,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual family income of $62,500.
• For those with three (3) or more children, a maximum benefit of $6,000 annually ($500 / month), reduced by 20 cents for every dollar earned above an annual family income of $40,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual family income of $70,000.

Eligibility:

• The client family must be Canadian Citizens, permanent residents, or have refugee status.
• The client family must be Saskatchewan residents, living in Saskatchewan, with valid Saskatchewan Health Cards.
• The client applying must be aged 18 years or older.
• The client family must earn under an annual family income of $55,000 for one dependent, $62,500 for two dependents, or $70,000 for three or more dependents.
• The dependent(s) must be under 18 and ordinarily reside with the applicant, or be subject to a shared-custody arrangement.
• Benefits will be split if there is shared custody based on the custody arrangement and both parents qualify for the Dependent component. If only one parent qualifies they receive the whole benefit.

Additionally, if residents are eligible for any Dependent component, they are eligible for Discounted Bus Passes and Supplemental Health Coverage.

Note: family income means the combined income of the applicant and their married or common-law spouse/partner. Dependent children are not counted toward family income. Unrelated roommates and other non-partner adults in the dwelling are assessed separately and do not reduce a family's benefit.

Rental Support

This replaces the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB) and the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement (SRHS). It is meant to provide relief for low to middle income families who pay rent. This benefit even applies to those who live in subsidized and social housing. However, this does not apply to those who own their home and are paying a mortgage, or those who are renting to own.

The benefit will range depending on how many children there are in the family:

• For renters without any children, a maximum benefit of $4,200 annually ($350 / month), reduced by 20 cents for every dollar earned above an annual family income of $26,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual family income of $47,000.
• For renters with one (1) child, a maximum benefit of $6,600 annually ($550 / month), reduced by 20 cents for every dollar earned above an annual family income of $34,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual family income of $67,000.
• For renters with two (2) children, a maximum benefit of $7,800 ($650 / month), reduced by 20 cents for every dollar earned above an annual family income of $38,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual family income of $77,000.
• For renters with three (3) children, a maximum benefit of $9,000 ($750 / month), reduced by 20 cents for every dollar earned above an annual family income of $42,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual family income of $87,000.

Eligibility:

• The client family must be Canadian Citizens, permanent residents, or have refugee status.
• The client family must be Saskatchewan residents, living in Saskatchewan, with valid Saskatchewan Health Cards.
• The client applying must be aged 18 years or older.
• The client family must earn under an annual family income of $47,000 for no dependents, $67,000 for one dependent, $77,000 for two dependents, or $87,000 for three or more dependents.
• The dependent(s) must be under 18 and ordinarily reside with the applicant, or be subject to a shared-custody arrangement.
• The benefits will be split if there is shared custody based on the custody arrangement and both parents qualify for the Rental component. If only one parent qualifies they receive the whole benefit.

Additionally, if residents are eligible for any Rental component, they are eligible for Discounted Bus Passes.

Note: family income means the combined income of the applicant and their married or common-law spouse/partner. Dependent children are not counted toward family income. Unrelated roommates and other non-partner adults in the dwelling are assessed separately and do not reduce a family's benefit.

Disability

This replaces the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) benefit. It is meant to provide drastically better support for those living with disabilities that limit their ability to work. The eligibility will remain the same as SAID, but the benefits will change to be more accommodating.

The Benefit:

• The benefit will start at a maximum of $18,000 annually ($1,500 / month), and is reduced by 30 cents for every dollar earned over an annual personal income of $30,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual personal income of $90,000.

Eligibility:

• The client is a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or has refugee status.
• The client must be a Saskatchewan resident, living in Saskatchewan, with a Saskatchewan Health Card.
• The client applying must be aged 18 years or older.
• The client must earn under an annual personal income of $90,000.
• The client has a significant and enduring disability that is of a permanent nature, substantially impacts daily living activities, and which results in a person requiring assistance in the form of an assistive device, assistance of another person, a service animal or other accommodation.

Additionally, if residents are eligible for the Disability component, they are eligible for Discounted Bus Passes and Supplemental Health Coverage.

Care Home Supplement

This is the only program left as is from its original Personal Care Home Benefit. The benefit will remain at its current support level as the private operators transition to public stewardship, as per Policy 03 - Universal Health, at which point the rental amount will be strictly limited to a percentage of annual income.

The Benefit:

• The benefit will start at a maximum of $42,000 annually ($3,500 / month) and will work as a top-up to the resident's monthly family income as determined by their annual income tax. For example, if it is determined that a resident's monthly family income is $2,000 then the monthly benefit would be $1,500.

If a married or common-law couple both reside in care homes (even if they are in separate care homes) they are both eligible for their own benefit, but will use the same family income to determine such benefits.

Eligibility:

• The client must be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status.
• The client must be a Saskatchewan resident, living in Saskatchewan, in a licensed Personal Care Home, with a valid Saskatchewan Health Card.
• The client must be aged 65 years or older, or 55 years or older in exceptional circumstances.
• The client must earn under an annual family income of $42,000.
• The client must be receiving all other provincial or federal benefits that they qualify for, such as Old Age Security.

Additionally, if residents are eligible for the Care Home component, they are eligible for Discounted Bus Passes and Supplemental Health Coverage.

Note: family income means the combined income of the applicant and their married or common-law spouse/partner. Dependent children are not counted toward family income.

Seniors' Supplement

This replaces programs such as the Seniors Income Plan (SIP). It is meant to help low income seniors who have served their time working and are ready to enjoy their golden years.

• The benefit will start at a maximum benefit of $6,000 annually ($500 / month), and is reduced by 30 cents for every dollar earned above an annual family income of $18,000. The benefit is fully phased out at an annual family income of $38,000.

Eligibility:

• The client must be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status.
• The client must be a Saskatchewan resident, living in Saskatchewan, with a valid Saskatchewan Health Card.
• The client must be aged 65 years or older.
• The client must earn under an annual family income of $38,000.
• The client must be receiving all other provincial or federal benefits that they qualify for, such as Old Age Security.

Additionally, if residents are eligible for the Seniors' Supplement component, they are eligible for Discounted Bus Passes and Supplemental Health Coverage.

Childcare Supplement

This is meant to reintroduce the benefit formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). It is meant to help low income families where the caregiver(s) currently work, study, or are in training.

The Benefit:

• The benefit will be a maximum of $900 annually ($75 / month), and is attached to the Rental component.

Eligibility:

• If the client qualifies for the Rental component with dependents, then they qualify for this supplement, so long as they are either working, studying, or in training.

Northern Supplement

This is meant to replace the additional benefits granted in several of the old programs for residents living in the north. If you live in the North and qualify for any of the new Saskatchewan Social Security benefits, you qualify for the Northern Supplement.

The Benefit:

• The benefit will be $1,800 annually ($150 / month), and is not reduced by income level. This is purely a top-up.

Eligibility:

• If the client qualifies for any of the SSS components and lives in the North of Saskatchewan, they will receive this top-up benefit.

Here is a table that provides the exact numbers and details for each component of the SSS:

The Funding

The payments will come out of the General Revenue Fund.

The money will come from a variety of factors, like increased taxes, royalty rates, and Crown dividend payments.

For more information see Policy 21 - Funding.

What It Means For You

It means you have a little more room to breathe.

It means your dignity is not something you budget around.

It means you matter.

FAQ

• What is Saskatchewan Social Security?
• Saskatchewan Social Security is a single front-door provincial income support system. It replaces the current patchwork of siloed programs with one application, one case, and multiple benefit components depending on a person's situation.


• Is this a Universal Basic Income?
• No. Unlike a UBI, Saskatchewan Social Security is targeted. It is designed to direct more help to low and middle income renters, families, seniors, disabled residents, and northern residents at a much lower cost than a universal cash payment.


• Which programs does this replace?
• It replaces and consolidates programs such as SIS, SAID, SHB, SRHS, SIP, and related provincial income supports into one unified framework with multiple components.


• How often do I have to apply?
• In most cases, once per year. Residents will renew using their latest tax return or notice of assessment, along with any updates to rent, family status, address, direct deposit, or disability documentation where required.


• Can I still apply if I do not use, or am comfortable with, the internet?
• Yes, while applying online will be encouraged for most residents, there will always be an option to apply by phone.


• What happens if I lose my job or my situation gets worse during the year?
• You can request a mid-year review. Saskatchewan Social Security is designed to allow upward reassessments when someone loses work, separates from a partner, has a child, develops a disability, or faces another major negative change.


• If I get a raise, will I lose my benefits right away?
• No. Benefits are generally set for the benefit year and renewed annually. The goal is to give residents stable monthly support they can actually budget around, instead of constant clawbacks and surprises.


• Do roommates count against my income?
• No. Unrelated roommates are assessed separately. Family income means the combined income of the applicant and their married or common-law spouse or partner, not everyone who happens to live at the same address.


• Does Rental Support apply only to private market renters?
• No. Rental Support applies to renters, including those in subsidized or social housing, so long as they otherwise qualify under the program rules.


• Do any benefits come with extra supports?
• Yes. Several components also unlock Discounted Bus Passes and Supplemental Health Coverage, depending on the stream a resident qualifies for.


• How does shared custody work?
• If both parents qualify, dependent and rental-related family benefits will be split according to the custody arrangement. If only one parent qualifies, that parent receives the full benefit.


• Are benefits indexed to inflation?
• Yes. Benefit amounts, income exemptions, and phase-out thresholds will be automatically indexed each year so support keeps pace with the cost of living.


• Why not just do a UBI instead?
• A UBI is simpler to explain, but it is far more expensive. Saskatchewan Social Security is intended to provide more meaningful targeted support while still keeping total costs far below a universal payment model.