Low-income renters and individuals fleeing domestic abuse in Saskatchewan will see an increase in monthly housing support following a provincial benefit boost that took effect this month.
On July 29, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that more than 5,000 households across the province are now receiving higher monthly payouts through the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB). The enhanced support stems from a $3.2-million investment included in the 2026-27 provincial budget.
The largest increase targets the program’s Seeking Safety from Interpersonal Violence stream, where flat-rate monthly benefits have doubled. Single individuals fleeing violence now qualify for $450 per month, while households with one dependant receive $550, and those with two or more dependants receive $650. New clients in this stream are also eligible for a one-time benefit to help secure independent housing.
“Affordable housing changes lives,” said Buckley Belanger, secretary of state for Rural Development, in a release. “Through programs like the Canada Housing Benefit, we’re making real investments that help people across Saskatchewan build stronger, more secure futures in every corner of our province.”
Support under the program’s Supportive Housing stream has risen by 40 per cent, offering up to $455 per month to help individuals receiving mental health or addiction services cover rent and utility costs.
Meanwhile, monthly rates for the Core Stream — which assists low- to moderate-income households spending a significant portion of their income on shelter — have increased by 20 per cent, with payments ranging from $210 to $390 depending on household size and income percentage allocated to housing.
Social services minister Terry Jenson said the changes aim to improve long-term housing stability across the province.
“These increases strengthen housing stability for people living in supportive housing and help individuals leaving situations of interpersonal violence access safe housing as they build independent futures,” Jenson said.
The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments under the National Housing Strategy Bilateral Agreement, which matches investments dollar-for-dollar.
According to government figures, nearly 3,500 households are currently enrolled in the Core Stream, over 1,300 in the Supportive Housing Stream, and more than 160 in the Seeking Safety Stream. More than 10,000 households have accessed the program since its launch in April 2020.
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