All pensioners 60 years and older are encouraged to apply for City financial support. They may qualify for a rates rebate of up to 100%. This includes residents who receive social grants or a pension amounting to no more than R22 000 per month.
“The City encourages all pensioners to approach us for support as help is available,” said Mayco Member for Finance Councillor Siseko Mbandezi. “We would like to assist many more pensioners and offer support to the households who need it most. Pensioners who receive a social grant or pension amounting to no more than R22 000 may qualify for a rates rebate of between 10% and 100%.
“From 31 January 2024, a total of 10 156 residents meet the criteria for pension and social grant support and are registered to receive rates rebates for the 2023-’24 financial year. A massive 4 786 of these residents are receiving the 100% rebate.
“We are trying our best to ensure the most vulnerable pensioners receive the assistance they need. The City unfortunately cannot provide blanket relief for all pensioners but we hope to assist as many people as possible. Residents may visit our website for more information, contact our call centre or visit their nearest Walk-in Centre for assistance.”
Cape Town’s assistance package is among the highest of metros in South Africa . Anyone under the R7 500 monthly household-income threshold receives a 100% property-rate rebate and a refuse removal one after they apply. They are encouraged to apply for the City’s indigent benefits, which include provision of up to 15 kl water and 10,5 kl free sewerage disposal. Those in residential units with a property value of R450 000 and below also qualify. Around 192 500 households, in all, benefit from this assistance. . All residential properties valued at R5 million and under also receive a R450 000 reduction in property-valuation-for-rates calculation purposes. . The City has also upped the property-value criteria to qualify for the Lifeline tariff from R400 000 to R500 000. Note, residents with a property value higher than R500 000 may also still qualify for the Lifeline tariff if their monthly household income is below R7 500.
Pensioner rates relief
. Pensioners 60 years or older and people who receive social grants or a pension amounting to no more than R22 000 a month are invited to visit the nearest City customer care office or send an email to rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za. 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
Residents 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 their 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 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
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
