Saskatchewan seniors with low incomes have seen an increase to the benefits they receive through two programs: the Personal Care Home Benefit and Seniors Income Plan. The increase came into effect July 1.
Increases to the Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB) will help approximately 800 Saskatchewan seniors with the costs of living in a licensed personal care home. The maximum monthly income for inclusion in the program or "threshold" will increase by $75, from $1,875 to $1,950, on July 1.
Those eligible for the program receive a monthly supplement that provides the difference between their monthly income and the maximum monthly income amount. This is the second increase to the threshold since the program's implementation in July 2012. The Government of Saskatchewan has committed to increasing the monthly threshold again in 2015.
"This increase will make it more affordable for seniors who reside in a private personal care home, and do not qualify for subsidized long-term care," said Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer.
In addition, approximately 15,000 senior citizens who require financial assistance under the Seniors Income Plan (SIP) will also receive an increase to their benefits. Maximum monthly benefits increased from $250 to $260 for single individuals and from $215 to $225 for each member of a couple household. Since 2007, government has nearly tripled the maximum benefits under the SIP program from $90 to $260 for singles and from $72.50 to $225 for each member of a couple household.
"Our government is proud to provide financial assistance to help Saskatchewan seniors meet their basic needs," Harpauer said. "In addition to the income support, seniors receiving SIP also receive additional health benefits that help improve quality of life."
