Saskatchewan is hiking monthly benefits for some seniors in the province.
In a media release Thursday, the provincial government said the maximum monthly benefit given out under the Seniors Income Plan (SIP) will increase by $30 per month. It’s the second straight year there has been an increase.
“Our government is following through on our commitment to make life more affordable for Saskatchewan seniors,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said in the release.
“This investment in the Seniors Income Plan will help seniors across the province participate in their communities while living more comfortably and securely.”
The government said the maximum monthly SIP benefit will rise from $300 to $330 for singles and from $265 to $295 for each senior in a married, two-pensioner household for a total of $590 per month.
Seniors who have little or no income other than Old Age Security or Guaranteed Income Supplement payments are eligible for the program. Seniors get varying levels of support depending on the amount of their pension, taxable income or living arrangement.
Around 14,500 seniors in the province receive payments from SIP. The government said it will increase payments by a maximum of $30 per month again in 2023-24.