Debt write off incentive available until 30 June, apply now
17 May 2022
The City of Cape Town urges those who qualify for its historic debt write-off incentive to apply for the assistance before 30 June 2022.
‘More than R2 billion debt has been written off thus far. This is part of the City’s Council-approved special assistance initiative to write off old debt in an effort to help customers. It also acts as an incentive to encourage residents to pay off their current debts. There is about R2 billion left and qualifying customers are encouraged to take up this offer.
‘This is in addition to the other relief available, such as some R3,4 billion in rates and services relief in this financial year, as well as no interest payment arrangements for residents and businesses who have been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. Customers must approach us for this assistance. Individual circumstances differ, and the City does not have the means to provide blanket relief.
‘The City has an excellent payment ratio of about 98%, which indicates most ratepayers are able to pay their accounts. Without the revenue from rates and services, we would not be able to provide services and we thank the residents who are paying their accounts. However, we are sympathetic to residents who are struggling financially,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.
More about the debt write-off incentive
Customers are required to enter into a debt payment arrangement.
Outstanding debt older than 1 July 2018 will then be written off.
This incentive is only available until 30 June 2022.
Customers are encouraged to visit a Contact Centre to enter into a payment arrangement to benefit from this incentive.
A condition of the payment arrangement is that the debt which is written-off, will be reinstated if customers default on their instalment plans.
Contacts:
Debt write-off incentive
Visit: https://bit.ly/debtwrittenoff
For rates or services relief
Visit: https://bit.ly/applyrelief 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 earning not 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://bit.ly/applyseniorsupport
Rental housing relief
If you are renting a community residential unit from the City, you may also apply for additional financial support if you are struggling to pay your rent and qualify for rental housing relief.
Human Settlements Directorate's Call Centre: 021 444 0333 or WhatsApp: 063 299 9927
For payment arrangements
Visit: https://bit.ly/arrangepaymentplan
Email: Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za
Businesses in financial hardship due to the economic pressure from the Covid-19 lockdown can approach the City for relief based on the merits of each application.
Email: Covid19.Relief@capetown.gov.za
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
