Canada Post has resumed service with a significant backlog of mail, and it will take several weeks to return to normal operations and delivery standards.
To ensure there is no delay for clients and caregivers who usually receive benefits by mail, the Ministry of Social Services is continuing with in-person pick-up of benefit cheques at local service centres across the province at this time.
If you receive your payment by direct deposit, you will receive it as usual in your bank account. We encourage clients who still receive cheques by mail to switch to direct deposit
The ministry is prioritizing in-person distribution of benefit payments that support client and caregiver basic needs, basic maintenance, and special needs (so they can pay rent, buy food, and care for children).
- In-person pick up of benefit payments is also available for providers of basic needs services (such as trustees, Approved Private Service Home Operators, and landlords and housing authorities that receive direct pay for shelter).
- Cheques to other vendors are also being made available for in-person pick up.
Client and caregiver monthly benefit cheques that are usually distributed by mail at the end of December/beginning of January will be available to pick up in person during regular business hours at local service centres across the province, starting on the following dates:
Starting Friday, December 27
- Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS)
- Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disabilities (SAID)
- Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB)
- Child and Family Programs payments to youth
Starting Tuesday, January 7
- Child and Family Programs payments to caregivers
About Cheque Pick Up
Call 1-800-667-7155 for cheque pick up locations and confirmation that their cheques are available for pick up.
While the majority of benefit payments occur at the end of each month, there are some basic needs cheques that are distributed daily. The ministry will share information with clients and caregivers as they are arranging daily payments.
If you receive a benefit payment by mail not listed above, please contact your worker or ministry contact.
Ongoing Updates
The ministry will return to mail delivery of benefit cheques once Canada Post can confirm standard delivery timelines. We will share updates:
- by phone toll free at 1-800-667-7155; and
- in person at our service centres across the province.
We also encourage clients and caregivers to reach out to your worker or ministry contact with any questions.