LIVING ALLOWANCES INCREASED FOR SOME SKILLS TRAINING BENEFIT RECIPIENTS

The Government of Saskatchewan has helped learners receive the funding needed to continue their studies.

The Skills Training Benefit Regulations have been amended to increase the living allowances under the program to match the new 2010-11 student loan rates. Employment Insurance clients receive living allowances under the program when their needs are unmet by other sources of funding. These changes will benefit up to 500 Saskatchewan learners.

"Our government is committed to helping more Saskatchewan people get the education and training they need," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "Students will be able to spend more time on their studies and more quickly transition into their careers."

The amendments will increase living allowance rates for single persons by $101 per month (from $907 to $1008); $181 per month for single parents (from $1,169 to $1,350); and $199 per month for married couples (from $1,762 to $1,961). Child allowance rates will also increase by $15 per month (from $455 to $470).

"Saskatchewan has seen record employment for each of the past seven months and prospects are still strong," Norris said. "This investment aims to help more Saskatchewan students succeed in their classes and in their careers."

The changes to the Skills Training Benefit Regulations are effective immediately.

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For more information, contact:

Herman Hulshof
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9715