Applications now open for new Sask. Employment Incentive

The Saskatchewan government is taking steps to help working parents who may be facing financial challenges.

On Thursday, the province opened applications for the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive, which offers maximum payments ranging from $400 to $600 each month for working parents earning between $500 and $2,200 per month.

The size of the payment depends on the number of children in the family.

In addition, the incentive will provide working families with low incomes with supplementary health benefits, access to discount bus passes where they’re available, connections to employment supports, and access to the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit.

Gene Makowsky, Saskatchewan’s social services minister, said the program is designed to help low-income working parents maintain their employment by helping them pay for essentials like transportation, clothing and child care.

“These supports will make a significant difference for many families,” Makowsky said in a statement.

According to Makowsky, the program has a very simple online application and reporting process, in order to make the incentive convenient for users.

The new program, which was unveiled in November, replaces the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement and Child Care Subsidy.

“While both programs will continue to be available to existing clients for an additional 12 months, existing clients will be better off with the benefits and supports through the (Saskatchewan Employment Incentive),” the provincial government noted.

“The Ministry of Social Services will help those who are eligible with the transition.”

Details on how to apply for the incentive can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.