The province of Saskatchewan has a range of social systems available to residents. These benefits have been in place, one way or another, for decades, though they have recently been rebranded under the title Social Income Support (SIS).
According to a recent report by Maytree, there were 17,632 recipients of the disability income program alone. Factoring in the number of people who require income support due to job loss, illness, or low income, the necessity of the SIS program becomes clear.
However, despite its importance, many aren’t aware of the full range of these benefits. A full understanding can help you or a loved one access the assistance you need.
Social Income Support (SIS) – Main Takeaways
| What does SIS stand for? | SIS stands for Social Income Support. It is a government program to help individuals and families cover basic living expenses. |
| SIS Eligibility | The SIS program is available to Saskatchewan residents with a low income. |
| SIS Max Payment | The maximum payment you can receive through the program depends on a variety of factors including your income, family composition and the types of benefits you qualify for. |
| SIS Payment Dates | Payments are made monthly at the end of the month. For exact details, please check the table below. |
When Will I Receive My SIS Payments?
Depending on the delivery method you choose to receive your benefit, the SIS payment dates will vary slightly. Payments are either directly deposited or mailed via cheque at a set time. Here’s when you can expect to receive your SIS payments:
Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) Payment Dates 2024
| Payment Month For 2024 | SIS Payment Dates For Mailed Cheques | SIS Payment Dates For Direct Deposits |
| January | December 22 | December 28 |
| February | January 25 | January 30 |
| March | February 26 | February 28 |
| April | March 25 | March 27 |
| May | April 25 | April 29 |
| June | May 28 | May 30 |
| July | June 25 | June 27 |
| August | July 25 | July 30 |
| September | August 27 | August 29 |
| October | September 25 | September 27 |
| November | October 28 | October 30 |
| December | November 26 | November 28 |
What Is The SIS Program?
The SIS program is short for Saskatchewan Income Support. It is a social support program available to individuals and families who are unable to access basic living necessities because of financial hardship.
The SIS program provides these individuals or families with a monthly payment to help cover basic needs. It also provides employment and training support from social service staff.
Are You Eligible For The Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) Program?
To be eligible for this social support program, you must meet the following criteria. If you are living with a spouse or partner, then these factors must apply to them as well.
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, a person with a refugee status or a Ukrainian citizen in Canada under the Canada Ukraine authorization for emergency travel.
- You are a Saskatchewan resident and are of the age of majority (over the age of 18).
- You have a low income or no income.
- You have made every other attempt to support yourself such as trying to find a job, getting child support, etc.
How Much Can You Get Through The SIS Program: Saskatchewan Income Support Benefits And Amounts
The amount you can access through the SIS program differs based on your circumstances. The following factors are assessed regularly and determine the funding benefit amount:
- If you have a spouse or partner, as this adds to the amount needed to support the family
- If you have children, since children add to the overall basic living expense of the household
- Whether you rent, have a mortgage, or live in a remote northern community, since this plays into the actual cost of living
- If you are working, and whether the income you receive from your job falls below the exempted amount
- Single recipients: $325 exemption
- Couple without dependent children: $425 exemption
- Family: $500 income exemption
What SIS Program Benefits Can You Receive?
Factoring in the above, the benefits are broken down into different categories, each representing a different aspect of regular living expenses.
SIS Basic Benefit
The basic benefit covers the cost of food, clothing, travel, and personal and household items. This benefit is paid out monthly.
| Basic Benefit – Adult | Basic Benefit – Children | |
| Within Northern Administration District | $410 | $65 per child |
| Outside Northern Administration District | $345 | N/A |
Source: Government of Saskatchewan
SIS Shelter Benefit
The sis program offers a shelter benefit to help address the cost of rent, mortgage payments, land taxes, utilities and other shelter-related costs. Here’s how much you can get:
| Singles | Couples (no dependent children) | Families (1-2 children) | Families (3+ children) | |
| If you live in Saskatoon or Regina | $630 | $805 | $1030 | $1,205 |
| If you live in any other province in Saskatchewan | $570 | $695 | $795 | $895 |
Source: Government of Saskatchewan
SIS Health And Safety Benefits
Meant to address a wide range of issues, this section is broken down into specific categories. These are also assessed regularly to ensure that the recipient qualifies for the benefits received and that they are getting all the help needed.
Household Health and Safety Benefit. Residents can receive up to $500 to help set up a new home (due to violence or disaster) or to replace household items.
Shelter Stabilization Benefit. $150 to help anyone who has trouble maintaining a permanent resistance.
Short-Term Emergency Assistance. There is no specified amount for this benefit. It is meant to help in emergencies. Specifically where no action would result in harm.
Prescribed Diet Benefit. A monthly payment of $50 to $150 for recipients of the SIS benefit who require a specific diet due to medical conditions.
Travel Benefit. This benefit pays for travel outside of the beneficiary’s community for medical reasons, for job interviews, or to start a new job. There are predetermined rates for mileage, meals and shelter.
Alternate Heating Benefit. $130 monthly to residents living in an area where natural gas is inaccessible. It enables those without access to this utility to pay for an alternate fuel to heat their residence.
SIS Change In Circumstances Benefits
Life is constantly in flux, and this subset of the SIS benefit arrangement is meant to help cover certain changes in your life.
- You can get $140 to assist with the costs of starting a new training program or job.
- If you’re not eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, you can get $400 from the SIS program for the day-to-day expenses of having a child.
- If you’re looking for a job and have a child, you can get $30 a day to cover the cost of a babysitter or daycare while you attend job interviews.
- If you need to relocate due to an illness, a new job or an eviction, you can get $200 or $300 to help with moving expenses.
You may get additional support for funeral costs, security deposits for rentals and travel (for employment reasons).
How Do You Apply For The Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) Program?
It’s fairly easy to apply for this program, and the application can be completed either online, over the phone or in person.
| Apply Over The Phone | Call: 1-866-221-5200 or TTY: 1-866-995-0099. |
| In-Person | Simply visit your local Social Services office. |
| Online | Sign in or register to create a Saskatchewan Account. |
Documents Required To Apply For The SIS Program
To make it as smooth a process as possible, be sure to have the following information with you:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Saskatchewan Health Services (HSN) number
- Details about those living in your household, including SIN and HSN details
- Information related to any money you have, such as savings, cash on hand, investments, RRSPs, and any other income like stocks and bonds
- Details relating to items you own (real estate, vehicles, etc.)
- Information on other benefits you are currently receiving, including pensions
- Proof of living situations such as a lease or mortgage paperwork
- Bank statements for all your accounts (joint and individual)
- Your direct deposit authorization form completed
- The mandatory service questionnaire complete
From the time you submit your application, you get 30 days to supply all of this information, lest the benefits be impacted or halted.
Final Thoughts
The Saskatchewan Income Support system is there as a safety net, helping prevent the province’s vulnerable population from falling through the cracks. It offers each person the ability to live securely, regardless of their social circumstance. The application process is straightforward. Anyone living in Saskatchewan who meets the eligible criteria should apply to receive the government assistance they deserve.
