$35,000 SSI Grant Guide: Apply Before March 2027

Saskatchewan homeowners can receive up to $35,000 back from the government when building a legal basement suite. Here's everything you need to know about the Secondary Suite Incentive (SSI) Grant program — now extended to 2027!

Looking for a contractor? Learn about our basement suite development services and how we help Saskatoon homeowners maximize their SSI Grant.

What is the SSI Grant?

The Saskatchewan Secondary Suite Incentive (SSI) Grant is a provincial government program that reimburses homeowners for 35% of the cost of building a new, legal secondary suite at their primary residence. The maximum grant is $35,000 per property.

The program was launched in January 2024 to address Saskatchewan's housing shortage and help homeowners generate rental income. With Saskatoon experiencing record population growth, rental vacancy rates have dropped significantly, making this an ideal time to add a basement suite.

SSI Grant Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the SSI Grant, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

Property Requirements

• Primary residence: The property must be your main home where you live. Investment properties and rental properties do not qualify.
• Home type: Must be a single-family detached home, semi-detached home, or townhouse. Condos and apartments do not qualify.
• New suite only: You must be creating a NEW secondary suite. Renovating an existing suite does not qualify.
• One suite per property: Only one secondary suite per property is eligible for the grant.

Suite Requirements

• Full kitchen: Must include a sink, stove, and refrigerator
• Full bathroom: Must include a toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub
• Separate entrance: Required in Saskatoon for legal suites
• Building code compliant: Must meet National Building Code of Canada standards
• All permits obtained: Must have municipal permits and pass all inspections

Suite Types That Qualify

• Basement suites
• Laneway homes
• Garden suites
• Garage suites

What Costs Are Covered by the SSI Grant?

The SSI Grant covers 35% of eligible costs directly related to constructing your new secondary suite:

Eligible Costs

• Engineering and architectural design services
• Materials and contract labour for construction
• Interior finishing (drywall, flooring, painting, trim)
• Electrical work and fixtures
• Plumbing installation
• HVAC and mechanical work
• Building permit fees
• Standard appliances (up to $5,000 total) – fridge, stove, washer, dryer, dishwasher

Costs NOT Covered

• Renovating an existing secondary suite
• Renovating the primary residence (main living area)
• Landscaping
• Driveway expansion or paving
• Labour performed by the homeowner
• Furniture and decorations
• Land acquisition costs

SSI Grant Deadlines (Extended to 2027!)

Great news! On February 3, 2026, the Saskatchewan government announced a one-year extension to the SSI Grant program. Here are the updated deadlines:

What this means for you: You now have until March 31, 2027 to incur your construction costs and still qualify for the grant. This gives homeowners who were on the fence a full extra year to plan and build their suite.

How to Apply for the SSI Grant

The application process happens AFTER your suite is completed. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Complete construction: Your suite must be fully built and pass all inspections
2. Obtain occupancy certificate: Get the final approval from the City of Saskatoon
3. Gather documentation: Collect all invoices, receipts, contracts, and proof of payment
4. Complete application form: Download from the Saskatchewan government website
5. Submit to Ministry of Finance: Mail or submit online before December 31, 2027
6. Receive grant payment: Typically 6-8 weeks after approval

How to Maximize Your SSI Grant

Here are strategies to get the most money back from the SSI Grant:

1. Plan for $100,000+ in Eligible Costs

To receive the maximum $35,000 grant, your eligible costs need to total at least $100,000 (since 35% x $100,000 = $35,000). Most legal basement suites in Saskatoon cost between $70,000 and $110,000, so reaching this threshold is achievable with quality finishes.

2. Include All Eligible Appliances

Up to $5,000 in appliances is covered. Don't leave money on the table—include a refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, and dishwasher in your project.

3. Keep Meticulous Records

Save every invoice, receipt, and contract. Take photos of construction progress with dates. The more documentation you have, the smoother your application will be.

4. Work With an Experienced Contractor

A contractor experienced with SSI Grant projects will know exactly what documentation is needed and ensure your suite meets all code requirements. At Meadow Contracting, we've completed 7+ legal SSI-eligible suites in the past 6 months alone. We know exactly what inspectors look for. Learn more about our basement suite services →

Combining SSI Grant with PST Rebate

If you're building a new home that includes a secondary suite, you may also qualify for the PST Rebate for New Home Construction. This provides up to 42% of the PST paid on a newly-constructed home.

When combined, these two programs can provide qualifying homeowners with up to $46,340 in total savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do the work myself and still get the grant?

Homeowner-performed labour is not an eligible cost. However, materials you purchase and any work done by licensed contractors would be eligible.

Do I need to actually rent out the suite?

No. The program requires that the suite be legally rentable (meeting all codes and having proper permits), but you don't need to prove it's being rented to receive the grant.

What if my suite costs less than $35,000?

You'll receive 35% of whatever your eligible costs are. For example, if your costs are $50,000, you'd receive $17,500.

Can I apply if I already started construction?

Yes! Costs incurred from April 1, 2023 onward are eligible. If you've already started or completed your suite, you may still qualify.