Saskatchewan Assistance

Program Handbook

Information

The Ministry supports citizens at-risk as they work to build better lives for
themselves through economic independence, strong families and strong
community organizations.

saskatchewan.ca | SAP-9 07/18

Program Handbook 1
Saskatchewan Assistance Handbook
Legal information can be found in The Saskatchewan
Assistance Act and The Saskatchewan Assistance
Regulations, 2014. This handbook is not a legal description of
the assistance program.
The Saskatchewan Assistance Act and Regulations are
available from Publications Saskatchewan at a nominal cost.
The policy manual is available on the Central Publications
section of the Saskatchewan Government web site:
http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/details.cfm?p=11386

2 Saskatchewan Assistance
 Table of Contents

Your Rights ....................................................................4

Your Responsibilities.......................................................5
Documents Needed to Support Your Application ..............6
Applying for Assistance...................................................7
Application Approved.....................................................8
Application Denied.........................................................8
Income...........................................................................8
Income Exemptions........................................................9
Assets.......................................................................... 10
The Amount of Your Assistance..................................... 11
Assistance Payments..................................................... 14
Overpayments and Repayment...................................... 15
Health Services............................................................. 16
Referral Services........................................................... 16
How to Contact Your Worker......................................... 17
Complaints................................................................... 17
Your Right to Appeal..................................................... 17
Other Ministry Programs in Social Services..................... 20
Other Government Ministry Programs ........................... 21
Service Centres............................................................. 23

Program Handbook 3
Your Rights
• The Saskatchewan Assistance Program provides assistance
to those in need as a last resort.
• You have the right to apply for social assistance.
• You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Financial assistance is not a loan. You will be given the
money when you cannot meet your basic living expenses
with your own resources and you are eligible for assistance.
• You have the right to live your life, to make decisions and
to accept the services offered. Some decisions you make
may affect your eligibility for assistance but they are your
choices.
• You have the right to all monies and services allowed by
law to meet your needs.
• You have the right to appeal some decisions made by your
worker.
• You have the right to have your affairs handled with
confidentiality.
• You have the right to the protection of your personal
information pursuant to The Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act and The Health Information
Protection Act.
• You have the right to access your file information.

4 Saskatchewan Assistance
Your Responsibilities
• Give true and complete information when you apply.
• Read your cheque stub or benefit deposit slip carefully.
It shows details about your allowance. Your worker can
also use it to give you important information about your
benefits.
• Report all changes in your situation to your worker while
you are receiving assistance. (Example: getting work,
moving to a different place, marriage, separation, new
baby.)
• Access all resources to support yourself and your family.
This includes applying for other benefits (example: federal
child benefit, GST rebate).
• Be involved in working out a plan that will help you to be
as independent as possible. This may include:
-- looking for work if you are able, or
-- taking a job or training course, when offered.
• Repay any overpayment of benefits you received.

Program Handbook 5
Documents Needed to Support Your Application
Please bring information to the interview about those items
below that apply to you, your spouse and your dependant(s).
These are needed to process your application for social
assistance.

Requirement to Provide SIN and HSN

A Social Insurance number and Saskatchewan Health
Services number are required for you/your spouse. If you
cannot provide these numbers within 30 days, one of the
following is required:
• Driver’s license (current)
• Any photo identification
• Band registry number
• Passport/immigration documents
• Birth or baptismal certificate

Assets
• Savings, personal chequing or business account numbers
and statement showing current balance
• Certificate for registered savings plans, bonds, trust funds,
annuities
• Documents/receipts for prepaid funeral
• Documents for notes receivable, mortgages receivable and
agreements for sale
• Mortgage and title documents
• Registration certificates for cars, trucks and other vehicles
• Personal items valued at $10,000 or more (example:
computer, tools, stereo equipment)

6 Saskatchewan Assistance
Income
• Cheque stubs or proof of income from all sources, such as
maintenance payments, wages, pensions, Canada Child
Benefit (CCB) Notice
• Information on your income and expenses if you are self-
employed or a farmer

Needs
• Current or last month’s receipts for rent and utility bills
• Babysitting receipts
• Mortgage payment statement, property insurance
documents, tax notice
• Any court orders or legal documents (divorce or separation
documents, maintenance order).
Discuss your situation with your worker. Some needs are not
provided under the Saskatchewan Assistance Program such
as car insurance and over the counter drugs.

Applying for Assistance

• To apply for assistance, contact the Client Service Centre
(CSC). The phone number is 1-866-221-5200. The TTY
number is 1-866-995-0099.
• Tell the person with whom you are speaking if you have
an emergency. If you are eligible, you may receive help for
food and shelter if you do not have a place to live.
• You apply by completing an application form. Someone
will help you. Do not sign this form until you are sure it is
complete and true. This form is a legal document. When
you sign the consent, you agree that your worker can
check the information you provide. You also agree that
the information on the application form may be shared
with other government ministries or agencies to verify
information.

Program Handbook 7
• You and your spouse must sign the application for
assistance. If this is not possible at your first interview, you
should discuss this with your worker.
• Providing the information required for your application
when you apply will help prevent delays.
• You will receive a letter telling you if your application is
approved or turned down. Please keep this for your records.

Application Approved
If your application is approved, you will receive assistance as
long as you are eligible.
The amount depends on your family size, your needs and
your income. Your worker will figure out the allowance for
these needs, subtract your resources (the money you have)
and then process your payment. This takes a few days.

Application Denied
You will receive a letter telling you your application has been
denied. You will be told the reason for the denial based on a
regulation or policy, and your right to appeal the decision. You
may ask your worker to provide you a copy of the regulation
or policy that forms the basis for the decision made (see
pages 17 to 20 for details).

Income
While you are on assistance:
• ALL money you receive must be reported to your worker.
• Income you receive during the month is used to figure out
your next month’s assistance.
• Some money is deducted from your financial assistance
(example: support payments, Employment Insurance,
pensions, training allowances).

8 Saskatchewan Assistance
• Some money is not deducted at all (example: all wages
earned by children in school, GST rebates, Saskatchewan
Employment Supplement).
• Some money is partially deducted (example: wages,
income from roomers and boarders). The part that is not
deducted is called an income exemption.

Maintenance/Child Support
You are expected to try to get support for your children.
Your worker will discuss this with you. The Maintenance
Enforcement Office at the Ministry of Justice and Attorney
General collects maintenance payments when an Order
or agreement is registered. You may be eligible for the
Saskatchewan Employment Supplement (SES) (see page 20).

Income Exemptions
Work
You can still receive assistance if you work and do not earn
enough to meet your basic needs. If you are able to work at
least 36 hours a week, all of your wages will be deducted
from your allowance for the first three months. Afterwards,
some of your wages will not be deducted.
Your worker can explain this to you.

Farmers/Self-Employed
Farmers and self-employed recipients can deduct some of
their expenses from their income. They do not receive the
earned income exemption.

Recipients who have Roomers and/or Boarders

25% of room and board income received by the client, but
not less than $25 per month, is deducted.

Program Handbook 9
Recipients who rent out suites
40% of income, but not less than $40 per month per suite, is
deducted.

Shared Living Arrangement

No income will be deducted from your benefits if you are
living with someone and they are not paying you for rent,
board and room, or level of care services.

Assets
All the assets you had six months before you apply for
assistance will be reviewed. Your worker will tell you how
your assets affect the amount of money you get.
All assets must be reported. There are three types of assets:
• Liquid Assets - funds in bank accounts, R.S.P.s, bonds or
investment certificates, etc.
• Real Assets are property such as a house or land
• Personal Assets are a car, truck, jewellery, etc.

Liquid Assets
You can keep a certain amount of your liquid assets at the
time you apply ($1,500 for one person, $3,000 for two people
in your family and $500 for each additional family member).
For instance, a family of two can have $3,000 in liquid assets
while a family of five can have $4,500 ($1,500 + $1,500 +
$500 + $500 + $500) in liquid assets.

10 Saskatchewan Assistance
Assets you can keep
You may keep some of your assets and still be eligible for
assistance:
• your home if you are living in it;
• any personal property with a value of less than $10,000
(example: TV, camera, stereo equipment);
• one vehicle.
Other Assets
• You may receive assistance for up to 90 days to give you
time to sell other assets (example: a house you do not live
in, investments or bonds which exceed liquid asset limits).
• You may ask for approval to keep your assets if you have
exceptional reasons.

The Amount of Your Assistance

The amount of your assistance payment is the total of
adding up your eligible needs and deducting your financial
resources. A deduction will be taken off your payment if
you received an assistance advance, or if you received an
overpayment (see page 15).
Adult Allowance — is given for food, personal items, travel,
household and clothing needs. The amounts are set by the
Ministry of Social Services.
Shelter Allowance — maximum limits are set for your rent/
mortgage.
• If your shelter cost is higher than the amount allowed,
check with your worker. A higher amount may be given
in some situations (example: level entry for those with
mobility problems).
• If you are buying your home, your mortgage payment and
property insurance (85% of package policy) is included in
your shelter allowance.
Program Handbook 11
• Rent payments may be issued to you or by a joint payment
cheque made payable to you and your landlord.
• Rather than paying a security deposit, the Ministry
guarantees it to the landlord up to the approved shelter
allowance. The guarantee remains as long as you receive
assistance and stay in your residence. The guaranteed
amount is paid to the landlord if a claim is made through
the Rentalsman or by written agreement between you and
the landlord. If a payment is made to the landlord, the
amount may be deducted from your future benefits.
• In some cases, one-half the security deposit may be
provided when you leave assistance. Please discuss this
with your worker.
Utility Allowance — may be available to cover your costs
for power, gas, fuel oil, water, sewer and basic telephone bills
in your name. When you have to pay for laundry, a monthly
allowance is provided.
• Your worker will need your utility
statements in order to calculate your
utility allowance. It will be
• Talk to your worker if you have arrears. easier to budget
if you ask for
• In some circumstances, the Ministry
equalized billing
may make the monthly payment
from your utility
directly to SaskEnergy and SaskPower
company.
on your behalf.
• You are responsible for long distance
charges and other phone expenses exceeding the flat-rate
for basic telephone services. If you don’t have a phone
because of an outstanding bill, you may contact SaskTel
about a toll restricted phone.

12 Saskatchewan Assistance
Board and Room Allowance — for those living in board
and room arrangements: includes clothing and personal
needs; maximum rates are set in the regulations by
government.
Northern Living Supplement Benefits — because of higher
food costs in northern Saskatchewan, an additional $50 per
person per month is provided. Clients who live north of the
54th parallel as well as those living in Barthel, Cumberland
House and Pemmican Portage may receive this allowance.
Advances — If you are receiving the adult allowance, you
can request an advance for adult clothing and household
needs. The advance amount is part of your allowance for
future months. It will be taken off your monthly payment
until the full amount is paid back.
If the advance will not cover the cost of your household or
clothing needs, you may be eligible for extra money (see
Special Needs below).
Special Needs — extra money may be available in some
situations. Please discuss your needs with your worker. Some
examples are:
• clothing - other than day-to-day (example: maternity)
• travel - for other than day-to-day activities (example: for
medical reasons, to attend a job interview)
• a special care allowance to help people with a disability
buy services necessary to maintain a home (example: snow
removal)
• travel needs for personal activities for persons with
disabilities
• special telephone equipment for a person with a disability
• household items (a repayable advance is usually the first
option)
• school allowance for children

Program Handbook 13
• job and training start-up costs (example: workboots, fees
or permits)
• payment for home care services
• babysitting
• laundry costs due to a medical condition
• moving costs – with prior approval
• basic funeral expenses
• transition benefit for children — may be available for the
month the child is added to the file as federal child benefits
are not paid until the next month
• visiting children allowance — may be available when
children stay with the parent with access for more than 24
hours

Assistance Payments
Assistance is not paid in cash.
Unless exceptional circumstances exist, you are expected
to have your benefits deposited electronically to your bank
account. You are responsible for all bank charges and any
overdrawn accounts. Exceptional circumstances include:
• You have a garnishee in place or garnishee proceedings
have started. You must provide copy of the documentation
of garnishee.
• You live in a remote area where there are no accessible
bank services.
• You are unable to obtain a bank account. You will need to
submit a copy of the refusal letter from the bank.
Payments are issued in advance for each month. If you
started receiving assistance in the middle of the month, you
will get a payment from that date to the end of the month.

14 Saskatchewan Assistance
After that, you will probably receive all your assistance near
the end of the month for the next month. It is important to
report your income before the end of the month.
You may choose to have part of your assistance issued in the
middle of the month.

Overpayments and Repayment

An overpayment occurs when you received assistance for
which you or your spouse were not eligible. Overpayments
happen when you or your spouse do not report changes
when they occur or the Ministry does not make changes to
your allowance in a timely manner.
All overpayments are debts owed to the government which
must be collected. When you are on assistance, a certain
amount is taken off your monthly allowance. Even if you
are not receiving benefits, you are still expected to repay
any overpayment. You will be contacted by the Ministry’s
Accounts Receivable Unit to make payment arrangements
you can afford.
If you do not make arrangements for repayment,
overpayments may be collected from your income tax refund
through an arrangement with Canada Revenue Agency.
You may contact Accounts Receivable Unit at:

Ministry of Social Services

Accounts Receivable Unit
1920 Broad Street, Regina, SK S4P 3V6
Telephone: 1-800-633-5326
FAX: 306-787-2058

Program Handbook 15
Health Services
When your application for assistance is approved by your
worker, you may be eligible for supplementary health
coverage through the Ministry of Health. Call 1-800-266-0695
for enquiries about prescription drugs, dental and optical
services, the hearing aid plan and other medical services.
Your worker cannot provide money for medical or health-
related costs.
If you have a disability and leave assistance to take a job,
your health coverage will continue for one year. If you have
high health costs, you may call the CSC to see about an
assessment for coverage beyond one year. If you have high
medical costs and leave assistance for another reason, speak
to your worker about an assessment for ongoing coverage.

Referral Services
Your worker can refer you to other people or agencies to help
you be as independent as possible such as:
• Employment Insurance
• employment programs
• low-income housing
• addiction counselling
• budget counselling
• parenting skills
• Legal Aid
• Mental Health Services
• Canada Pension Plan
See pages 20-22 of this handbook for other programs. (When
you are referred to these agencies, you are expected to
participate in the programs and services they offer.)

16 Saskatchewan Assistance
How to Contact Your Worker
Ask your worker how and when it is best to contact him or
her.
• By phone — Workers have answering machines. Leave a
short message giving your full name, phone number and
why you are calling. Workers usually respond to their
messages within 24 hours.
• If you don’t have a phone or are away from home a lot
during the day, please let your worker know how to reach
you. If you cannot get through to your worker, ask to speak
to someone else.
• By mail or e-mail — Many things can be dealt with by
writing to your worker. Make sure you state your name.
You may ask your worker for their e-mail address.
• Some offices have mailboxes in the waiting room. You can
write a note or leave information in this mailbox.
• By appointment — If you want to make sure your worker
is available, it is best to make an appointment.

Complaints
If you have a complaint, talk with your worker. If you feel
uneasy doing this or are not happy with the result, you can
talk with your worker’s supervisor. If you still have problems,
you can appeal.

Your Right to Appeal

You have the right to appeal if:
• your application for assistance was denied;
• you were not allowed to apply or reapply for assistance;
• your benefits or request for an increase in benefits was not
processed within a reasonable time;

Program Handbook 17
• your benefits were cancelled, changed or held;
• you feel the amount of assistance does not meet your basic
needs; or,
• you were assessed an overpayment.

Assistance During the Appeal Process

Assistance may be provided, if requested, until the appeal
process is completed with some exceptions.

There are three steps in the appeal process:

• Step One – reconsideration by the Manager, Service
Delivery;
• Step Two – the regional appeal committee; and,
• Step Three – the Social Services Appeal Board.
The regional committee or the Social Services Appeal Board
cannot change the rules under which assistance is determined.
They can only decide if the rules have been applied correctly.

Step One – Submit your appeal to the Service Delivery

Manager.
• Submit your appeal in writing within 30 days from the
date of the decision letter to the Service Delivery Manager
at your nearest service centre listed on page 23 of this
handbook.
• State the reason(s) for your appeal. Briefly explain the
nature of the problem.
• The Manager, Service Delivery will review your case within
10 days.
• If the issues can’t be settled, arrangements will be made
for a regional appeal committee to hear your appeal. These
arrangements will be made within 20 days from the date
of the reconsideration decision by the Service Delivery
Manager.

18 Saskatchewan Assistance
Step Two – The Regional Appeal Committee
• Members of this committee are local citizens, they are not
Ministry employees.
• You may have a person of your choice (an advocate) to
help you present your appeal to the committee. At your
request, a fee of $45 may be provided for your advocate
other than your spouse, dependent child or funded agency.
Expenses at set rates for travel and meals may also be
provided if required outside your community of residence.
Payments are made to you or your trustee. Your worker
may provide names and addresses of people (advocates) in
your area who may be able to help you.
• You can bring information and documents to support your
case. Your worker and other staff from the Ministry will be
at the hearing to answer questions.
• The Ministry will give you a copy of their report three
working days before the appeal. It will refer to the
regulation or policy that applies to your situation.
• The regional appeal committee will hear your appeal
within 20 days of the reconsideration decision by the
Service Manager. You will receive a letter outlining the
committee’s decision within 30 days of the appeal hearing.
• You or the Ministry may appeal the decision of the regional
appeal committee to the Social Services Appeal Board.

Step Three – The Social Services Appeal Board

• If you want to appeal to the Social Services Appeal
Board, the Service Manager must receive your request in
writing within 20 days of the date of the regional appeal
committee’s decision letter.
• The Board will deal with your appeal within 30 days from
the date your appeal is received by the Service Manager.
• Again, you can bring information and documents to
support your appeal as well as someone (an advocate) to
speak on your behalf.
Program Handbook 19
• You will receive a letter outlining the Board’s decision. This
decision is final. It cannot be overturned by further appeals
or by the Minister.

Costs Associated With Your Appeal

Social Services may provide funds at set rates for babysitting
costs and travel outside your community of residence. Contact
your worker about your expenses for travel and child care
needs.

Other Ministry Programs in Social Services

Transitional Employment Allowance
The Transitional Employment Allowance (TEA) is an income
support program for those participating in approved pre-
employment programs and services or for those expecting
other income in a short time.
For information on application and benefits call
1-866-221-5200.

Saskatchewan Employment Supplement

The Saskatchewan Employment Supplement (SES) is a
program to help parents with the child-related costs of
going to work. The supplement is based on gross family
income including all money earned from work, farming
and self-employment as well as child/spousal maintenance
payments.
For information on application and benefits call
1-877-696-7546.

20 Saskatchewan Assistance
Child Care Subsidy
Child care subsidies may be provided to low-income families
who use a licensed family child care home or a licensed non-
profit centre.
Your choice of a child care service should be based on your
opinion of the caregiver and the environment. Involve your
child. Your child’s reaction and feelings are important.
For more information call 1-800-667-7155.

Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability

The Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Program
(SAID) is a long-term income support for people with
significant and enduring disabilities. The program was newly
implemented in the fall of 2009.
For more information, call 1-888-567-SAID (7243).

Personal Care Home Benefit

The Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB) provides eligible
seniors with monthly financial assistance to help them with
the cost of living in a licensed personal care home.
For more information, call 1-855-544-7242.

Other Government Ministry Programs

Ministry of Health
Family Health Benefits
This program provides families with low-income with
additional health benefits. For more information call the
Ministry of Health at 1-800-266-0695.

Program Handbook 21
Ministry of Immigration and Career Training
Labour Market Services
Services to help people find work or upgrade their education
are available at Labour Market Services offices throughout
the province.

Ministry of Advanced Education

Provincial Training Allowance
A monthly allowance may be provided for low-income adult
students enrolled full-time in basic education, workforce
development programs or quick skills training which are
not eligible for student loan funding. Allowances for living
expenses are based on family size and whether or not you
live with your parents.
Information about the Provincial Training Allowance can be
obtained by calling the Ministry of the Advanced Education
at 1-800-597-8278.
For information about post-secondary student financial
programs (student loans) contact the Ministry of Advanced
Education at 1-800-597-8278

Other Programs and Services

Your worker may refer you to other resources such as
Employment Insurance, Legal Aid or Canada Pension Plan.

22 Saskatchewan Assistance
 Client Service Centre
1-866-221-5200 | TTY: 1-866-995-0099

Service Centres
Buffalo Narrows 1-800-667-7685 Moose Jaw 306-694-3647
310 Davie Street 36 Athabasca St. West
Box 220, S0M 0J0 S6H 2B5

Creighton 1-800-532-9580 Nipawin 1-800-487-8594

298 - 1st St. East 210-1st St. East
Box 10, S0P 0A0 Box 1360, S0E 1E0

Fort Qu’Appelle 1-800-667-3260 North Battleford 1-877-993-9911

177 Segwun Ave. S 300-1146 102nd St.
Box 1400, S0G 1S0 S9A 1E9

Kindersley 306-463-5470 Prince Albert 1-800-487-8603

125 - 1st Ave. East 1288 Central Ave.
Box 1658, S0L 1S0 Box 3003, S6V 6G1

La Loche 1-877-371-1131 Regina 306-787-3700

La Loche Avenue 2045 Broad Street
Box 70, S0M 1G0 S4P 3T7

La Ronge 1-800-567-4066 Saskatoon 1-877-884-1687

1328 La Ronge Ave. 160 - 2nd Ave. S.
Box 359, S0J 1L0 S7K 1K5

Lloydminster 1-877-367-7707 Swift Current 306-778-8219

4815 - 50th Street #206 - 350 Cheadle St. W
S9V 0M8 S9H 4G3

Meadow Lake 1-877-368-8898 Weyburn 306-848-2404

U.5, 101 Railway Pl. #205 - 110 Souris Ave. N.E.
Box 2260, S9X 1Z5 S4H 2Z8

Melfort 1-800-487-8640 Yorkton 1-877-786-3288

107 Crawford Ave. E #200 - 72 Smith St. E
Box 4100, S0E 1A0 S3N 2Y4

This document can be made available in multiple formats. Please call us, and we’ll
work with you to get you this document in the format you need.
All offices are wheelchair accessible.

Program Handbook 23