The City is continuing its indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive throughout the metro, with the next stops in Lansdowne tomorrow, 3 November 2022, and in Lotus River next week on 10 November 2022. The campaign drive will also be visiting Salt River and Khayelitsha this month. The City encourages residents who may benefit from indigent assistance to apply for assistance and to visit one of the upcoming events to speak to an official about whether they might qualify. The City’s Customer Relations Department will also be in attendance at the events to provide additional support to residents.

The cost of the City’s social package for the 2022/23 financial year amounts to R4,7 billion, and includes R2,3 billion for indigent relief and R1,45 billion for rates relief. Those who have qualified for indigent benefits in the past must remember that they need to apply yearly for the benefit, except pensioners who may apply to renew their benefit every three years.

Upcoming events are as follows:

3 November 2022            09:30 – 15:30       Lansdowne Civic Centre

10 November 2022          09:30 – 15:30       Lotus River Recreation Centre

17 November 2022          09:30 – 15:30       Salt River Community Hall

24 November 2022          09:30 – 15:30       Solomon Mahlangu Community Hall, Khayelitsha

‘Residents are encouraged to visit an upcoming event happening near them or visit their nearest municipal walk-in centre and complete an application form to see if they are eligible for the benefits. Residents may also contact their ward councillor or subcouncil office to apply. Whether residents qualify for indigent support or indigent rates relief depends on monthly household income. If the total household income is R7 500 or less per month, residents could qualify for a discount on water, sewerage, electricity, waste collection and property rates.

‘Officials will be at the upcoming events and are ready to assist residents. Help is available and residents are encouraged to approach us. A number of residents have already benefited by qualifying for indigent support or a rates rebate, or entering into a payment arrangement to pay off their debts. We would like as many qualifying residents as possible to apply for the financial relief which is available. We are taking beneficiaries through the registration process, assisting with the forms and required documentation, and capturing information accurately. Depending on circumstances, rebates of up to 100% on municipal rates and refuse removal can be granted. We are visiting your neighbourhood and are ready to help,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.

‘The City’s Customer Relations Management Mobile Office will also be in attendance at these events. Residents will have the opportunity to engage with officials on general municipal queries, and officials are also ready to assist residents with logging faults via the C3 service request system. By taking advantage of this public engagement session, residents can not only secure much needed financial relief, but also interact with officials on municipal account queries or service issues in their area. Please remember to bring along your ID and/or municipal account to allow our officials to assist,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.

Residents may qualify for indigent support if they:

•          are a homeowner

•          earn R7 500 or less per month

•          own only one property

•          are the full-time occupant of the home

•          use the home mainly for residential purposes

•          are a child who lives in the home of a parent who has passed away

•          received the house in a divorce settlement

•          depend on a pension or a social grant for their livelihood

Applicants will need:

•          proof of identification (ID book/card or passport)

•          a bank statement for the last three months or a sworn affidavit stating that they do not have a bank account

•          a bond statement for the last three months or a sworn affidavit stating that they do not have a bond account

•          a copy of the estate documents if the applicant has inherited his or her house

If residents are employed, they must also include:

•          latest salary/wage pay slip or a letter from an employer stating their income

•          a sworn affidavit if they are self-employed stating how much is earned per month

•          proof if a disability grant, maintenance grant or pension is received

If residents are unemployed, they must include the following in the application:

•          a sworn affidavit stating that they are unemployed

•          a sworn affidavit stating that they have no other source of income

Useful contacts and information:

For rates or services relief

•          Visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief or a City customer office.

•          Email: indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za 

Pensioner rates relief

•          Pensioners 60 years or older and people who receive social grants amounting to no more than R17 500 may qualify for a rates rebate of between 10% and 100%. They are invited to go to the nearest City customer care office or send an email to rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za

•          For more information on how to apply for pensioner support: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support 

For payment arrangements

•          Visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection

•          Email: Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za

For a list of the City’s Cash Offices and Walk-in Centres, please visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Walk-in%20centres

Source: City Of Cape Town