PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
It is important to understand how your benefits are calculated and paid. You should also know your ongoing obligations while receiving support. This can help you avoid issues with your benefits.
If your application is approved, you must complete a Service Level Screening to receive ongoing benefits. The screening determines the appropriate services to help individuals become as self-sufficient as possible. You have 30 days after your application is approved to complete the screening.
If eligible, the amount of assistance you receive will depend on your situation. Your family size, income and housing arrangements will be considered. If you live in a remote northern community, you may be eligible for additional benefits. There are several different types of benefits…
Other benefits may be available, including health and safety benefits to cover things like prescribed diet, travel, childcare, and emergencies. Complete information about benefits is available from your nearest Social Service office.
The amount of your monthly benefit is determined by first looking at the total amount of SIS benefits you are eligible to receive. That amount is then reduced by the amount of any non-exempt income or non-exempt assets received in the previous month.
SIS does not provide a benefit for medical expenses, but you and your children can get Supplementary Health Benefits if you are on SIS. You will get a card to show for these benefits. These benefits are for things not covered by your Health Card. It can cover things like eye exams, glasses, nursing services, treatment by a dentist, physiotherapy, prescription drugs, hearing aids, medical appliances and supplies, and ambulances.
All income received from any source must be reported by all applicants. Some income will not, however, affect your benefit amount. Monthly earned income is exempted up to:
Exempt income also includes things like income tax refunds, tax credits, rebates and benefits, as well as insurance payments used to repair or replace an insured item.
You must report any assets you acquire. If an asset is not exempt the value of the asset is considered income. Exempt assets include your primary residence, one vehicle per household and personal assets, such as furniture, appliances and jewellery.
Payment schedules are determined with input from you and are based on your needs. Unless you pick a flexible schedule, you will receive SIS benefits in a single monthly instalment. Payments are usually deposited directly to your bank account. They are not paid in cash. If you cannot get a bank account or you live in a remote area where there are no banks, other arrangements can be made. Other arrangements can also be made if someone is garnishing money from your account for an unpaid debt.
If your situation changes, notify your worker of the change as soon as possible. You must notify your worker if, for example, your income changes or you move. Other changes that must be reported include if you marry, start to live common law with a partner, separate, have a baby or have other changes to your household.
If the change means you should get more money, the increase may only start when your worker has the information. If the change means you should get less money, you may have to pay back the amount you should not have received.
Social services may review your situation at any time. Reviews are used to confirm that you are still eligible for benefits. At the review, the worker looks at your current financial and personal situation as well as changes in your particular needs. Your case plan, including job searches and plans for future training, will also be reviewed.
Keeping a file will help you be prepared for a review. It can also be helpful if you have a disagreement with a decision made by your worker. The file could include:
Our newest project is designed to provide legal information for Indigenous communities through a dedicated website, indigenous.plea.org, and print material. All is available free of charge.