Saskatchewan Family & Children Tax Credits & Benefits (2025 Guide)

Saskatchewan offers a suite of provincial credits and benefits to help families and caregivers reduce their tax bill and increase their annual refund. These programs are designed to support parents, guardians, and children in a variety of situations—from low-income households to those with sports, arts, or adoption expenses. Most Saskatchewan family credits can be claimed alongside federal benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Child Disability Benefit, and federal child care deductions, maximizing your total support.

Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit (SLITC): Quarterly cash benefit for low- and moderate-income families, automatically paid by the CRA based on your tax return. Eligibility is income-tested and payments are made even if you owe no tax.
Active Families Benefit: Refundable benefit for children's participation in eligible physical, cultural, or recreational activities. Claim up to $150 per child under 18 (or $200 for children with disabilities).
Child Care Expense Deduction: Deduct eligible child care costs (daycare, babysitting, day camps, etc.) to reduce your taxable income. Claimed on your federal return (T778), but reduces both federal and provincial taxes paid.
Adoption Expenses Tax Credit: Non-refundable provincial credit for eligible adoption-related costs, stackable with the federal adoption credit.
Other Family/Dependent Credits: Includes spousal and eligible dependent credits, infirm dependent credits, and caregiver credits for supporting family members.

Saskatchewan family enjoying sports event, representing family tax credits and benefits

Key Saskatchewan Family & Children Tax Credits

Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit (SLITC)

The SLITC is a quarterly cash benefit for Saskatchewan families and individuals with low to moderate income. Payments are based on your previous year's income tax return, and are issued automatically by the CRA if you qualify. You must file your tax return each year to remain eligible. The credit amount increases with family size and is gradually reduced at higher income levels.

Active Families Benefit

This refundable benefit supports the cost of enrolling children under 18 in eligible physical, cultural, or recreational activities. Parents can claim up to $150 per child (or $200 if the child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit). Activities must be supervised, ongoing, and meet Saskatchewan's eligibility criteria. Receipts must be kept for all claims.

Child Care Expense Deduction

Parents and guardians can deduct eligible child care expenses (such as daycare, babysitting, day camps, or after-school programs) paid to allow you to work, study, or conduct research. This deduction is claimed federally but also reduces Saskatchewan tax. Child care expenses are subject to annual per-child limits and can only be claimed by the lower-income spouse/partner, with some exceptions.

Adoption Expenses Tax Credit

Saskatchewan provides a non-refundable provincial tax credit for qualifying adoption expenses, including fees paid to licensed agencies, legal fees, travel, and other costs. The provincial credit can be claimed alongside the federal adoption amount. Proof of expenses is required if requested.

Other Provincial Credits for Families & Dependents

Additional credits available to Saskatchewan families include:

Spousal Amount and Eligible Dependent: Claim for supporting a spouse or a dependent relative.
Caregiver Amount: Support for caring for an infirm family member living with you.
Infirm Dependent Amount: For supporting an infirm child or grandchild.

Stacking with Federal Credits

Most Saskatchewan family and children credits can be claimed alongside federal credits and benefits, such as:

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Child Disability Benefit
Federal Child Care Expense Deduction
Federal Adoption Expense Credit
GST/HST Credit

Filing your tax return on time each year ensures you receive both provincial and federal benefits automatically.

How to Claim & Documentation Tips

File your annual tax return with accurate, up-to-date information. Even if you have no income, file to get all benefits.
Keep receipts for all child care, activity, and adoption expenses. You do not submit receipts when filing, but must produce them if requested by the CRA or Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance.
Claim federal deductions and credits (T778 for child care, federal adoption credit) to reduce both federal and Saskatchewan taxes.
Check your Notice of Assessment for confirmation of credits paid and to correct any missed claims (via T1-ADJ or ReFILE).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim both Saskatchewan and federal child care or family credits?

Yes, most Saskatchewan credits and benefits can be claimed in addition to federal programs. The Canada Child Benefit, federal child care deduction, and provincial Active Families Benefit are all stackable for eligible families.

How do I get the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit?

You must file your Saskatchewan tax return each year. The CRA automatically calculates eligibility and issues payments quarterly if you qualify. No separate application is needed, but timely tax filing is essential.

What documentation do I need for the Active Families Benefit?

Keep receipts from eligible organizations showing your child's name, the program/activity, and the fee paid. Receipts must be produced on request by the province.

Are there credits for adoption or foster care?

Yes. The Saskatchewan Adoption Expenses Tax Credit can be claimed for eligible adoption costs. Foster care may qualify for other supports; check with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services for details.