​Saskatchewan Housing Benefit: A Lifeline for Renters Facing Housing Affordability Challenges​

In response to the growing housing affordability challenges faced by many residents, the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB) offers crucial financial assistance to eligible renters across the province. Jointly funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan under the National Housing Strategy, the SHB aims to alleviate the burden of shelter costs for low-income households.​Government of Saskatchewan+5namerindhousing.ca+5Government of Saskatchewan+5

Understanding the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit

The SHB provides a monthly benefit to help eligible renters with their shelter costs, which include rent and utilities. The amount received depends on household size and the percentage of income spent on shelter:​650 CKOM+10Government of Saskatchewan+10Pubsask Dev+10Government of Saskatchewan+7211 Saskatchewan+7Government of Saskatchewan+7

• Households spending 35–45% of income on shelter:
  • Single or couples: $175
  • Single or couple with one dependent: $225
  • Single or couple with two or more dependents: $275
• Households spending more than 45% of income on shelter:
  • Single or couples: $225
  • Single or couple with one dependent: $275
  • Single or couple with two or more dependents: $325​650 CKOM+8211 Saskatchewan+8Government of Saskatchewan+8Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation+5riverbankdevelopment.ca+5WOWA+5WOWAGovernment of Saskatchewan

These benefit amounts were increased as of June 1, 2022, to better support renters amid rising living costs .​Pubsask Dev+3Government of Saskatchewan+3SaskToday.ca+3

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SHB, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Spend 35% or more of their annual before-tax household income on shelter costs.
• Have less than $300,000 in household assets.
• Have an annual before-tax household income at or below:
  • $43,100 for singles and couples.
  • $52,900 for single or couple with one dependent.
  • $63,800 for single or couple with two or more dependents.​Home – Benefits Wayfinder+7Government of Saskatchewan+7211 Saskatchewan+7Government of Saskatchewan+9211 Saskatchewan+9Government of Saskatchewan+9

Applicants are ineligible if they:

• Receive shelter support from another Government of Saskatchewan income assistance or training program.
• Rent from a housing authority under the Social Housing Program.
• Are sponsored newcomers to Canada.
• Are full-time post-secondary students .​211 Saskatchewan+1Government of Saskatchewan+1Government of Saskatchewan+4Government of Saskatchewan+4211 Saskatchewan+4

Specialized Streams for Vulnerable Populations

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by certain groups, the SHB includes two additional streams:​SaskToday.ca+5Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation+5Government of Saskatchewan+5

• Supportive Housing Stream: Designed for individuals living in Saskatchewan Housing Corporation-approved housing who receive on-site support services, such as mental health counseling or life-skills training.
• Seeking Safety from Interpersonal Violence Stream: Aimed at individuals fleeing domestic violence, providing financial support as they transition to independent living .​Government of Saskatchewan+1riverbankdevelopment.ca+1Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Both streams offer monthly benefits based on household size:​namerindhousing.ca+7Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation+7riverbankdevelopment.ca+7

• Single or couples: $225
• Single or couple with one dependent: $275
• Single or couple with two or more dependents: $325​namerindhousing.ca+10riverbankdevelopment.ca+10WOWA+10650 CKOM+8211 Saskatchewan+8Government of Saskatchewan+8namerindhousing.ca+7WOWA+7211 Saskatchewan+7

These benefits are typically provided for a 12-month period, with the possibility of renewal if eligibility criteria continue to be met .​riverbankdevelopment.ca

Application Process

Interested applicants can apply for the SHB through the following methods:​Government of Saskatchewan+5Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation+5riverbankdevelopment.ca+5

• Online: Complete the application form available on the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation website.
• PDF Application: Download, fill out, and submit the application via email, fax, or mail to the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.​

Required documents include:​211 Saskatchewan

• Most recent Notice of Assessment or tax return for all household members aged 18 and over.
• Verification of any income not reported on the tax return.
• Copy of rent receipt or lease agreement .​211 Saskatchewan

For the specialized streams, referrals must be made through a Saskatchewan Housing Corporation-approved organization.​Pubsask Dev+5riverbankdevelopment.ca+5Government of Saskatchewan+5

Impact and Importance

The SHB serves as a vital support system for low-income renters in Saskatchewan, helping to reduce the financial strain of housing costs. By providing targeted assistance, the program aims to prevent homelessness and promote stable living conditions for vulnerable populations.​Government of Saskatchewan+3SaskToday.ca+3Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation+3

For more information or to apply, visit the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit website or contact the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation at 1-844-787-4177.​