The Saskatchewan government announced plans to restructure its income assistance program for people with disabilities, with changes designed to improve financial support and remove barriers to employment. The announcement was made on July 9, 2026, by the Ministry of Social Services.
Key Changes to the Program
According to the province, the restructured program will increase monthly benefits for recipients and introduce a new earnings exemption that allows individuals to keep more of their income from work without losing benefits. The changes are expected to affect approximately 30,000 residents who currently receive disability income assistance.
Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky stated, "These changes are about dignity and opportunity. We want to ensure that people with disabilities have the support they need to live independently and participate fully in their communities."
Details of the New Structure
The new program will replace the existing Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program. Key features include a base benefit increase of 15%, bringing the monthly maximum for a single person to $1,200. The earnings exemption will rise from $200 to $600 per month, meaning recipients can earn up to $600 without any reduction in their benefits.
Additionally, the asset limit for eligibility will be raised from $10,000 to $25,000, allowing individuals to save more without losing assistance. The province estimates the total cost of the changes at $45 million annually.
Impact on Recipients
Advocacy groups have welcomed the changes but called for further reforms. The Saskatchewan Disability Income Support Coalition said in a statement that the increases are a positive step but noted that the base benefit still falls below the poverty line for many. "We appreciate the government's recognition that the old system was inadequate, but more work is needed to ensure no one is left behind," the coalition said.
The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The government plans to consult with disability advocates and recipients during the implementation phase.
