Saskatchewan Assistance Program
Application
An application should be made before arrangements are completed but not later than three months from the date of burial. This time period may be extended with the supervisor's approval in exceptional circumstances. For those, not in receipt of SAP benefits, form 1244 is completed when a friend, relative, or funeral director applies on behalf of the deceased.
Eligibility
All assets (real and liquid) are considered a financial resource including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit and the last Old Age Security (OAS), or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
In the case of a dependent child or spouse, the family’s resources are considered. For veterans, funds through the federal ministry of Veterans Affairs (Last Post) may be available.
The application is denied if:
• assets of the estate are sufficient to cover the cost of a funeral using Ministry rates.
• the funeral costs have already been paid.
If there is eligibility for a funeral benefit, and there is no executor, the family shall be advised that the CPP Death Benefit will be collected by the Ministry to cover the expenses of the funeral if the Ministry pays for the funeral (see Section 10.8.6). If there is an executor, the executor shall inform the Ministry of the anticipated CPP Death Benefit and this amount is deducted from the funeral benefit.
