Support income sees increase

The Government of Saskatchewan is following through on a commitment to enhance the quality of life for people with significant and long-term disabilities. More than 10,000 people will receive increased monthly benefits through the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program, effective June 1, 2013.

"The SAID program is a true made-in-Saskatchewan success story," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "Not only is the program assisting more than 10,000 people in our province to enjoy a better quality of life with greater dignity and respect, but it is also helping us meet our goal of making Saskatchewan the best place to live in Canada for persons with disabilities. As our province and our economy grow, programs like SAID are helping to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to benefit from that growth."

Overall, the government has committed to raising average SAID benefits over four years by $100 per month for individuals in residential care, $350 a month for singles living independently, and $400 per month for couples. The first increases went into effect in June 2012.

Effective June 1, monthly SAID benefits for single individuals in independent living arrangements will rise by $50. Couples will receive a $60 monthly increase, and the benefit for persons in residential care will rise by $20 per month.

The program was introduced in October 2009 after extensive consultations with members of the disability community. The program is designed to provide people with significant and enduring disabilities a dignified income support program separate from the Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP), in order to recognize the unique needs and experiences of persons with disabilities.

The same spirit of collaboration and public consultation used to create SAID is being employed in the development of the provincial Disability Strategy. Nominations from Saskatchewan residents interested in serving on the Citizen Consultation Team are being accepted until June 28, 2013. Nomination forms and additional information on the Disability Strategy can be found at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/disability-strategy.