REGINA — Increased financial support through the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB) kicked in July 1, with the Seeking Safety from Interpersonal Violence (Seeking Safety) Stream receiving the largest increase in support.
The 2026-27 provincial budget allocated $3.2 million to increase monthly benefit rates to support individuals seeking safety from interpersonal violence, people living in supportive housing and households with low to moderate incomes.
According the SHB, monthly flat-rate benefits have doubled to help cover rent and utilities, with benefit amounts based on household size. Under the increased rates, singles receive $450 per month, households with one dependent receive $550 per month and households with two or more dependents receive $650 per month.
In addition, SHB's Supportive Housing Stream benefit has increased by 40 per cent per month, helping renters who receive supportive housing services offset rent and utility costs. Benefit amounts have increased to $315 per month for single individuals, $385 per month for households with one dependent and $455 for households with two or more dependants. Individuals living in supportive housing receive services for mental health conditions, addictions and behavioural issues, which can affect their ability to find or maintain stable housing.
The Core Stream supports households with low to moderate incomes across the province and provides a flat-rate monthly benefit to eligible renters for their rent and utility costs. Monthly core benefit amounts have increased by 20 per cent. Singles or couples that spend between 35 and 45 per cent of their income on shelter costs receive monthly benefits ranging from $210 to $330, depending on household size. Those that spend more than 45 per cent of their income on shelter costs receive between $270 and $390 per month, depending on their household size.
Over 5,000 Saskatchewan households currently receive the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit: including nearly 3,500 in the Core Stream, more than 1,300 through the Supportive Housing Stream and more than 160 through the Seeking Safety Stream. Since the program began in April 2020, more than 10,000 Saskatchewan households have received the benefit.
The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit is co-funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan under the National Housing Strategy Bilateral Agreement. Through the National Housing Strategy, the province cost-matches federal investments dollar-for-dollar for the SHB program. This includes a federal allocation of $10 million for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Saskatchewan.
