HUGE BOOST FOR LOW-INCOME SENIORS

Government More Than Doubles Benefit and Number of Seniors Who Qualify

Release has been updated as of Nov, 5, 2008. 

The Saskatchewan government today more than doubled the Seniors Income Plan (SIP) benefit (formerly known as the Saskatchewan Income Plan), from $90 to $190 per month for single seniors, and from $72.50 to $155 each per month for couples. This is the first increase in the SIP benefit since 1992.

"Our government is working to build a better life for Saskatchewan seniors, and we recognize that many seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to deal with higher costs," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "This investment will improve their quality of life by providing Saskatchewan seniors with as much as $1,200 more per year."

Prior to this change, $14,993.64 was the maximum income for a single senior to be eligible to receive benefits; the new maximum is $16,313.64. For a couple, the previous maximum income was $24,356.64; the new maximum is $26,468.64. As a result of this new $19.5 million investment, the number of Saskatchewan seniors eligible for SIP will double from approximately 10,000 to about 20,000.

SIP helps seniors with little or no income other than the federal Old Age Security pension (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Seniors do not have to apply for SIP. Enrolment is automatic based upon income reported on applications for the federal GIS and/or the previous year's income tax return.

Health Minister Don McMorris said that in addition to the financial benefits, seniors eligible for SIP will continue to receive the following health care services:

• one free eye examination per year;
• free chiropractic services;
• reduced deductible on prescription drugs;
• home care subsidy;
• loan of some low-cost devices through Saskatchewan Abilities Council;
• supplementary health benefits for SIP recipients living in special care homes.

"This means those benefits will now be available to about 10,000 more seniors in Saskatchewan," McMorris said. "We want to ensure that all Saskatchewan people, including low-income seniors, are sharing in the benefits of our new prosperity."

These changes take effect January 1, 2009.

For more information about SIP, contact Social Services at 1-800-667-7161 or www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca or contact Saskatchewan Health at 1-800-667-7581, in Regina at 306-787-3317 or www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

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

Karen Hill
Health
Regina, Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: karen.hill@gov.sk.ca