The Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) is a government program for Saskatchewan residents with disabilities that impede them from acquiring basic needs and participating in their community.
This program considers individuals' typical and exceptional needs and aims to fill any disability-related income gaps.
If you or someone you know has an enduring disability that greatly impacts their financial capacity and other aspects of their daily life, these benefits can make a big difference.
Key Takeaways
- The SAID program provides financial support to Saskatchewan residents with a significant and permanent disability.
- There are 3 income components to the SAID program and multiple additional benefits available.
- SAID payment dates usually fall within the last week of the month.
- You can apply for SAID benefits online, by phone, or in-person.
SAID benefits in Saskatchewan
SAID benefits comprise three income components:
- Living Income
- Disability Income
- Exceptional Need Income
Each income component has corresponding rates that are modified based on certain factors, like location and the presence of other family members.
Beyond these three components, SAID also offers several additional benefits for eligible beneficiaries. Below is a complete list of SAID benefits accompanied by short summaries and their corresponding monthly rates for 1 adult beneficiary.
| Benefit | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Living Income/Modified Living Benefit | * Living Income (no children): $991 - $1,129 * Living Income (with children): $1,099 - $1,529 * Modified Living Benefit: $865 | A fixed monthly income for the purposes of food, shelter, basic transportation, and other staple needs. |
| Personal Living Benefit | * $305 | Assistance for beneficiaries living in a hospital, a treatment centre or care facility, or any other assisted living arrangement not covered by the Living Income. |
| Disability Income Benefit | * $70 | A monthly benefit for beneficiaries who suffer from a disability and receive the Living Income or Modified Living Income benefit. |
| Northern Living Supplement | * $50 per family member | Additional income support for beneficiaries living north of the 54th parallel and those residing in Barthel, Cumberland House, and Pemmican Portage, which have higher food costs. |
| Activity Benefit | * $25 | A benefit for recipients living in homes licensed by The Mental Health Services Act, The Residential Services Act, or The Personal Care Homes Act. |
| Utilities | * Beneficiary can choose to receive the actual cost of utilities or a fixed rate total of $267 | A monthly allowance for the beneficiary’s phone, electricity, energy and home heating, and water and sewer bills. |
| Child Care | * $20 per day or $10 per half day (1 child) | Unsubsidized child care for up to 4 or more children (Costs increase with more children by approx. $4 per child for half a day, and $7 per child for a whole day). |
| Transportation | * Varies | A transportation allowance for work attendance, medical treatment, funeral attendance, school attendance for children, and other valid reasons. |
Please note that this is an aggregated list. For a more detailed breakdown, see the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Rates.
SAID payment dates
SAID beneficiaries may opt to receive their payments by cheque or by direct deposit.
The payment dates for 2025 are as follows:
| Date cheques are mailed | Date direct deposits are issued |
|---|---|
| December 24, 2024 (for January 2025) | December 30, 2023 (for January 2025) |
| January 28 | January 30 |
| February 25 | February 27 |
| March 25 | March 28 |
| April 24 | April 29 |
| May 27 | May 29 |
| June 25 | June 27 |
| July 28 | July 30 |
| August 26 | August 28 |
| September 25 | September 29 |
| October 28 | October 30 |
| November 25 | November 27 |
Eligibility criteria for the SAID program
To ensure that SAID’s financial assistance reaches those who need it the most, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Saskatchewan resident (individuals living in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel may also apply)
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have inadequate income to acquire basic needs due to a disability
During the application, you will also have to undergo a Disability Impact Assessment to confirm you have a significant and enduring disability.
How to apply for the SAID program
The SAID application process changed in early 2023 with the introduction of an online application system.
To apply for SAID, navigate to the Saskatchewan Account Login and create an account or log into an existing one. Then, answer all of the application questions and attach the necessary documents.
You must submit your application within 15 days of starting it.
If you have trouble applying online, you can call the SAID inquiry line at 1-888-567-7243 or visit a Social Services office close to you. The Ministry of Social Services provides Assured Income Specialists to help you along the way.
For beneficiaries of the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program, you may apply for SAID through your Income Assistance Worker.
FAQ
What is the SAID program?
The Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program is offered by the Ministry of Social Services in Saskatchewan. Its goal is to aid Saskatchewan residents living with a disability that prevents them from generating enough income to cover their basic needs.
What are the SAID program payment dates?
We cover the exact payment dates for 2025 above, but you can generally expect payment near the end of the month. If you receive your benefit via cheque instead of direct deposit, it may take a few days longer.
How do I apply for SAID in Saskatchewan?
To apply for SAID in Saskatchewan, complete an application through the online portal. You’ll be asked several questions to verify your eligibility. After you submit your application, you’ll be contacted for further assessment to determine the best support for you.
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