Monthly financial benefit, supplementary health benefits, employment support available for eligible families
Saskatchewan is providing some relief to low-income families in the province.
The provincial government has officially launched the new Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) for working parents earning between $500 and $2,200 per month.
Eligible workers will receive a benefit ranging from $400 to $600, depending on the number of children they have.
"Our government is making life more affordable for Saskatchewan families," said Gene Makowsky, social services minister. "The Saskatchewan Employment Incentive helps low-income families choose and maintain employment by helping them with essential costs such as transportation, clothing and child care."
Working families with low incomes can now apply online here.
Recently, the Manitoba government called on employers in the province to apply for funding for projects that will improve accessibility and remove barriers for those living with disabilities. The 2024-2025 Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF) will provide employers grants up to $50,000 for these projects.
What is the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive?
The SEI will provide working families who have lower incomes with:
- a monthly financial benefit
- supplementary health benefits
- access to discount bus passes (where available)
- connections to employment supports through the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training
- access to the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
"The SEI has a simple online application and reporting process to make it more convenient for families to access their monthly benefit," Makowsky said. "These supports will make a significant difference for many families."
Saskatchewan launched the SEI on Jan. 16 this year to replace the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement and Child Care Subsidy.
Both programs will continue to be available to existing clients for an additional 12 months, but existing clients will be “better off with the benefits and supports through the SEI,” according to the provincial government.
The Ministry of Social Services will help those who are eligible with the transition, it said.
The benefit comes at a crucial time for Canadians.
Overall, 19.5 million Canadians are currently facing financial vulnerability, according to a report from the Financial Resilience Institute.
