Guidepost

Free new-parent guide · SK

Having a Baby in Saskatchewan (2026): Paperwork Checklist

Here is everything you need to do after your baby arrives in Saskatchewan — from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.

Step 1 — Register the birth

eHealth SK / Vital Statistics · within Must be registered -- see eHealth SK for the current requirement

No specific day-count deadline is published on the official page. Register promptly after birth.

The bundle includes:

Bundled Birth Service (paper form): birth registration, SIN, CCB, SK Health Card, and birth certificate

Birth certificate: $40 (long form) / $35 (short form)

eHealth SK / Vital Statistics

Step 2 — Baby's Social Insurance Number (SIN)

The SIN can usually be applied for through the birth-registration bundle. If you did not include it in the bundle, apply directly to Service Canada. No fee.

Service Canada SIN application →

Step 3 — Canada Child Benefit

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Apply via: (a) the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) during birth registration — no separate proof of birth needed; (b) CRA My Account under “Apply for child benefits”; or (c) Form RC66 by mail. CCB is income-tested. Both parents must file taxes. First payment within approximately 8 weeks.

CCB overview at canada.ca →

Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit (SLITC)

No separate provincial child benefit stacks on CCB in Saskatchewan. SLITC is delivered via GST/HST credit.

Step 4 — Newborn health card (Saskatchewan Health Card)

Included in the birth-registration bundle

SK Health Card enrollment for the baby is included in the paper bundled birth registration form.

Step 5 — Parental leave & EI benefits

Job-protected leave (Saskatchewan Employment Standards)

  • Pregnancy/maternity leave: 19 weeks (up to 6 additional weeks for medical reasons)
  • Parental leave: 59 weeks (if took maternity leave) / 71 weeks (if no maternity leave taken)
Saskatchewan parental leave rules →

EI maternity + parental benefits (the money)

  • Maternity: 15 weeks
  • Parental (standard): up to 40 weeks shared (max 35 per parent) at 55% of insurable earnings
  • Parental (extended): up to 69 weeks shared (max 61 per parent) at 33% of insurable earnings
  • Waiting period: 1 week

Apply early: Apply at Service Canada as soon as you stop working. Waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day of work can result in lost benefits.

2026 weekly maximums: approximately $729 (standard) / $437 (extended). These figures update each January — verify current rates at canada.ca.

EI maternity/parental at canada.ca →

Step 6 — Optional: start an RESP

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) lets the federal government add money to your child's education savings:

  • CESG:Government adds 20% on contributions up to $2,500/year (max $500/year; lifetime max $7,200/child). 2026 rate — verify at canada.ca.
  • CLB:For lower-income families: $500 in the first year plus $100/year until age 15 (up to $2,000 total). No contributions required to receive the CLB. 2026 income thresholds — verify at canada.ca.
CESG and CLB at canada.ca →

Free download

New-Parent Paperwork Checklist — Saskatchewan

Download a printable PDF checklist covering all steps above: birth registration, SIN, CCB, health card, parental leave, and RESP.

Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.

Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change — verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.

Other provinces

Last updated: June 2026