Enhancements to the Seniors Income Plan (SIP) and the Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB) will improve the quality of life for low income seniors in Saskatchewan. Benefit increases for both programs will go into effect on July 1, 2013.
"Our government has committed in our Plan for Growth to ensuring that everyone is able to benefit from our growing province and economy," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "That's why we've enhanced the benefits available through SIP to help low income seniors with their costs of living."
The monthly maximum SIP benefit for seniors who live in special care homes will double, from $25 to $50. The maximum monthly benefit for seniors living independently is increasing by $10, to a monthly maximum of $250.
SIP is a monthly supplement available to seniors who have little or no income other than the federal Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Currently, more than 16,000 Saskatchewan seniors receive SIP benefits each month.
In addition, the government is increasing the monthly income threshold for the PCHB by $75, to $1,875 per month. The PCHB provides seniors with additional money each month to help them with the cost of living in a licensed personal care home. Those eligible for the program receive a monthly supplement, amounting to the difference between their monthly income and the income threshold. On average, approximately 700 seniors in Saskatchewan receive the PCHB each month.
Applications and further information about the PCHB are available at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/pchb. An inquiry line has been set up at 306-798-7242 (PCHB) in Regina, or toll-free at 1-855-544-7242 (PCHB).
The inquiry line for the Seniors Income Plan is 306-787-2681 in Regina, or toll-free at 1-800-667-7161. Information is also available online at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/sip.
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