SHELTER ALLOWANCES FOR SOME LOW-INCOME PEOPLE TO INCREASE OCTOBER 1

For the second time this year, shelter allowances administered by the Ministry of Social Services will increase for many families in several Saskatchewan communities, as the Government of Saskatchewan continues to assist those most affected by escalating housing costs.

The increases will take effect October 1 for allowances provided under the Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP), Transitional Employment Allowance (TEA) and the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement (SRHS).

"Indexing shelter allowances is necessary to ensure that those most vulnerable to housing cost increases are protected," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "To keep our shelter allowances current in every major community, the province now indexes rates twice a year, based on rental market data compiled by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation."

As part of this latest round of increases, SAP and TEA shelter allowances will rise moderately for childless couples and parents with one or two children in communities such as Prince Albert, Yorkton, Melville, Weyburn, Kindersley, Rosetown, Macklin, Creighton, La Ronge and La Loche. Clients who benefit will see the increased rates on their cheques at the beginning of October. Since these changes to the program were made in July 2008, shelter allowances for Saskatchewan's major urban communities have now increased by nearly 12 per cent overall. In Regina and Saskatoon, the combined increases have been more than 25 per cent.

The SRHS, available for families with children and people with disabilities, will also increase for more than 300 families and people with disabilities in the above communities. 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. As it is paid at the end of each month, clients will see the increased rates on their cheques at the end of October.

Also, in recognition of the rapidly rising housing costs in Estevan, residents of that city will now receive the same shelter allowances and SRHS benefits as the urban centres of Regina, Saskatoon and Lloydminster.

Shelter rate indexing was one of the recommendations of the province's Task Force on Housing Affordability.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca