January 25, 2024 - The Government of Saskatchewan is excited to announce the launch of the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting the province's working families, especially those with low incomes. The SEI is now open for applications, with eligible families encouraged to apply online at the official website: saskatchewan.ca/employment-incentive.
Designed to aid working parents with monthly earnings between $500 and $2,200, the SEI offers a substantial financial uplift with monthly benefits ranging from $400 to $600, contingent on the number of children in the family. This initiative is a testament to the government's commitment to making Saskatchewan a more affordable place for families to thrive.
Gene Makowsky, the Social Services Minister, emphasized the government's dedication, stating, "Our government is making life more affordable for Saskatchewan families. 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."
The SEI package includes:
- A monthly financial benefit tailored to support the specific needs of working families.
- Supplementary health benefits to ensure families have access to necessary health services.
- Discounted bus passes, where available, to ease the burden of transportation costs.
- Connections to employment supports offered through the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, designed to help families achieve long-term employment stability.
- Access to the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit, administered by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, to assist with housing costs.
Minister Makowsky also highlighted the user-friendly nature of the SEI, noting, "The SEI has a simple online application and reporting process to make it more convenient for families to access their monthly benefit. These supports will make a significant difference for many families across the province."
In a move to streamline support services, the SEI will replace the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement and Child Care Subsidy. However, to ensure a smooth transition, existing clients of these programs will continue to receive their benefits for an additional 12 months. The Ministry of Social Services is committed to assisting eligible clients in transitioning to the SEI to ensure they can maximize the benefits and supports available to them under the new program.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the government's efforts to support working families in Saskatchewan, providing them with the resources they need to succeed in the workforce while managing the costs of daily living.
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