Released on January 29, 2009
Shelter allowances will increase across Saskatchewan as the Province continues to help those most affected by escalating housing costs. The increase will take effect February 1 for allowances administered by the Ministry of Social Services and provided under the Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP), Transitional Employment Allowance (TEA) and the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement (SRHS). The Provincial Training Allowance (PTA), administered by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour will see similar increases effective March 1.
To keep shelter allowances current, the Province now indexes rates twice a year, based on rental market data compiled available from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on Saskatchewan communities.
"Indexing of shelter allowances is essential in a growing economy to help low-income people meet the rising cost of affordable housing," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "Our government remains committed to ensuring that all Saskatchewan residents benefit from the opportunities and prosperity that we're experiencing."
"It is important that our Government increase the shelter allowance to provide relief to students receiving the Provincial Training Allowance," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "This increase will help low-income students with rising housing costs, enabling them to focus their attention on their studies and on achieving their educational goals."
Shelter rate indexing was one of the recommendations of the Province's Task Force on Housing Affordability.
SAP and TEA shelter allowances are being increased to help offset inflationary pressure on the cost of rental housing. People living in Regina, Saskatoon and Lloydminster will see some of the biggest increases, commensurate with rental pressures in those cities. Clients will see the increased rates on their cheques at the beginning of February.
The SRHS, available for families with children and people with disabilities, will also increase. The SRHS covers up to 30 per cent of the average market rent for families, and up to 40 per cent for people with disabilities. The SRHS is paid at the end of each month, so clients will see the increased rates on their cheques at the end of February.
Maximum supplements for families under the SRHS will increase by as much as $18 per month in Regina, Saskatoon and Lloydminster. Maximum supplements for people with disabilities in those communities will increase by as much as $24 per month.
The PTA has also been indexed and is scheduled to increase across Saskatchewan effective March 1. The PTA provides income support to low-income students enrolled in approved basic education, Workforce Development initiatives or in Quick Skills Training.
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For more information, contact:
Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca