The City’s indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive has visited areas throughout the metro since September this year and thus far, approved more than 700 applications for benefits and relief, including assistance for pensioners

The indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive will continue in the New Year and the City encourages all qualifying residents to visit an event when it reaches their area and to speak to a City official about available assistance.

'The campaign has done very well over recent months. We have approved more than 709 applications and more than 557 are in process. The officials have assisted a high number of residents older than 60 years and we urge more residents to make use of this opportunity for assistance in 2023.

'The City thanks all the officials for their work in assisting residents with their unique matters and applications. When the campaign kicks off again in the New Year, we will once again help residents with the registration processes, forms and required documentation, and ensure that information is captured accurately.

'Residents are reminded that rebates of up to 100% on municipal rates and refuse removal can be granted, depending on their unique circumstances. We once again urge residents to make use of this opportunity. Our officials are ready to assist you,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.

Remember

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.

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.

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