Working parents who continue to face challenging financial times may benefit from the Government of Saskatchewan’s recently launched incentive program.
The Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) program was first unveiled in November 2023, and starting Jan. 25, the program is now open for applications. The SEI affects working parents with dependent children who earn between $500 and $2,200 per month.
The program is designed to support low-income working parents and helps maintain their employment by assisting with essential expenses such as childcare.
“Our government is making life more affordable for Saskatchewan families,” announced Gene Makowsky in an official statement. Makowsky is the Social Services minister for the province.
“The Saskatchewan Employment Incentive helps low-income families choose and maintain employment by helping them with essential costs such as transportation, clothing and childcare.”
In the new program, eligible applicants may receive a maximum monthly benefit that ranges from $400 to $600, depending on how many children they have.
The new program helps support working families with the following benefits:
- A monthly financial benefit
- Supplementary health benefits
- Access to discount bus passes where they are available
- Connections to employment support resources
- Access to the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
“These supports will make a significant difference for many families (in the province),” Makowsky said in the statement.
The new SEI replaces the former Saskatchewan Employment Supplement and Child Care Subsidy, which will remain available to existing clients for the next 12 months. Both programs will continue in tandem, however, new applicants will be enrolled in the revised SEI and existing clients in the former program may receive better support by switching to the new program.
Anyone interested in further information about the new program or who wishes to transition to the SEI may do so by contacting the Ministry of Social Services. Makowsky said the application process is designed to be efficient and now features a simplified application and reporting process.
For more information about the program or to apply, visit Saskatchewan.ca/employment-incentive.
The Ministry of Social Services in Moose Jaw can be reached at 306-694-3647.
