Government Of Canada And Saskatchewan Expand Housing Benefit To Make Renting More Affordable For More People

Released on December 21, 2020

Every Canadian deserves a place to call home that meets their needs and that they can afford.  The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB), launched in April by the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to help people with low incomes have more affordable rent, has now been expanded to support more low income renters in the province.  The SHB is a monthly benefit available to people with low incomes who pay 50 per cent or more of their income on housing.  The program, which was previously available only to people with low income who live in community housing, has now been expanded to support Saskatchewan renters in the private market as well.  Through SHB, renters will receive a flat, monthly benefit based on their family and living situation.

All eligible renters receive a flat, monthly benefit based on their household.  For example, a single person or couple in a one-bedroom apartment will receive $150 per month; a family in a two-bedroom apartment will receive $200 per month; and a family living in an apartment with three bedrooms or more will receive $250 per month.

The SHB was co-developed and is jointly funded by both the federal and provincial governments under the National Housing Strategy.  A total of $6.8 million has been committed for the benefit this year.

For more information or to apply for the SHB, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/housing-and-renting/renting-and-leasing/saskatchewan-housing-benefit.

“Under the National Housing Strategy, our government is taking steps to ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.  “Many renters need long-term, predictable assistance to pay their rent and we are providing that through the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit.  With this announcement, we are taking significant action to continue to build strong communities where Saskatchewan families can prosper and thrive.”

“I’m pleased to announce the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit is now available to renters in the private market to help cover part of their rent, allowing individuals to live more comfortably and securely,” Social Services Minister Lori Carr said.  “I encourage Saskatchewan people who are eligible to apply for the program so they can have an easier time making ends meet.”

Quick Facts: 

• The Canada Housing Benefit funding initiative was announced as part of the National Housing Strategy to fund portable housing benefits across Canada.
   
• The SHB is funded by the federal and provincial governments through the Canada Housing Benefit initiative of the National Housing Strategy.  The federal contribution to the SHB for the 2020-21 fiscal year is $3.41 million, which the province has cost-matched.
   
• The SHB was included as part of the 2020-21 provincial budget.  The program started on April 1, 2020. 
   
• The SHB was designed to be a portable benefit.  This means that recipients remain eligible for the benefit if they move between community housing or private rentals, as long as housing costs are 50 per cent or more of their income.

Associated Links:

As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry.   For more information, please visit www.cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

In November 2019 the Government of Saskatchewan released the Saskatchewan Growth Plan: The Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the government’s vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030.  The plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province.  Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $763 million to develop or repair more than 16,000 housing units across our province.  To learn more, visit www.saskatchewan.ca.

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