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Renters can now access housing benefit program

Benefit amounts are based on household size and percentage of income toward shelter costs.
SASKTODAY.ca
rental housing
Qualified renters can tap into the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit program starting June 1.Sarinyapinngam/iStock/Getty Images Plus

REGINA — The government of Saskatchewan has announced an expansion to the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB) program, so more households can receive the benefit which supports people with low income.

As of June 1, eligible renters who pay 35 per cent or more of their pre-tax household income on rent and utilities can receive the monthly benefit. Benefit amounts are based on household size and how much income is paid toward shelter costs.

The amount of the monthly benefit has also been increased by $25 for households that spend between 35 to 45 per cent of their income on shelter, and by $75 for households that pay more than 45 per cent of their income on shelter. For example, a single person or couple living with a dependent who spends 35 per cent of their income on shelter will now receive $225 a month, while a single person or couple with two or more dependents who spends more than 45 per cent of their income on shelter will now receive $325 a month.

In addition, the asset eligibility limit has increased to $300,000 and the previous rent limits have been removed.

The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit was co-developed and jointly funded by the federal and provincial government through the National Housing Strategy, with up to $11.5 million is available in 2022-23.

For more information or to apply for the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/housing-and-renting/renting-and-leasing/saskatchewan-housing-benefit.

Quick facts:

  • The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB) is funded by the federal and provincial governments through the Canada Housing Benefit initiative of the National Housing Strategy. The federal contribution to the SHB is cost-matched by the province.
  • The SHB is a portable benefit. This means that recipients remain eligible for the benefit if they move between community housing or private rentals, as long as housing costs are 35 per cent or more of their income.
  • The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit funding initiative was announced as part of the National Housing Strategy to fund portable housing benefits across Canada.