The Ministry of Social Services announced today that it is simplifying the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disabilities benefit structure otherwise known as SAID. The Province says their changes will make the program easier to navigate and understand.

In a news release Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said that conversations with clients and those delivering services indicates the SAID program is too complicated which makes it difficult for clients to know what they are eligible for. In turn it also limits how flexible the program is to adapt to individual circumstances.

The changes will begin on April 1st and some of the highlights include combining highly specific policies and benefits into broader categories. Flat rate benefits are being added in place of actual cost benefits. The government says that will cut back on reporting requirements for clients and speed up their ability to access supports.

Some benefits that not currently being used by clients, or are provided through other programs, will be removed. If someone is transitioning to SAID the amount of money they can have in the bank is going up by $500 to $2,000.

There are over 18,000 clients in Saskatchewan receiving SAID and they estimate that about 100 individuals who will actually be affected and says they will not see a reduction in benefits.