SOCIAL SERVICES BENEFIT CHEQUES DELAYED

Canada Post has advised the Ministry of Social Services that some March 2013 benefit cheques may be delayed, including cheques for the Saskatchewan Assistance Program, Transitional Employment Allowance, and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program.

The majority of clients should receive their March cheques today, March 1.  The remainder of the cheques will be delivered one to two business days later than normal.

The Ministry of Social Services has contacted Housing Authorities, SaskPower and SaskEnergy on behalf of its clients and is notifying clients through telephone and website messaging.  Clients who need emergency funds should contact their income assistance worker or assured income specialist; in Regina, call 306-798-7243, or call toll-free 866-221-5200.

About 12,500 cheques, or approximately 8,000 clients, may be impacted (some clients may receive more than one cheque).  Not all of these cases will see a delay in their cheques; the majority were destined for major urban centres where delays are expected to be minimal.  Additionally, 70 per cent of eligible clients on these programs receive their payments through direct deposit and will not be affected.

The ministry has contacted Canada Post to discuss timely notification of potential delays to avoid cheque delivery disruptions in future.

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For more information, contact:

Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916
Email: trish.alcorn@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-1479