​

Once they have registered as indigent, successful applicants need only re-apply every 12 months from the date of approval. However, applications from residents 60 years and older, will remain valid until the next municipal valuation of their property comes into effect, which is expected to be from 30 June 2026 or until a supplementary valuation is implemented.

'We have expanded the qualifying threshold for pensioners and social grant recipients to enable additional residents to benefit from the Lifeline tariff and rates rebates, with the qualifying limit now increased to a monthly income of R22 000, up from R17 500. The City has also increased the social support package to R4,3 billion in total for rates and services relief for 2023/24.

'The City offers South Africa's highest allocation of free water at 15kl, the highest allocation of free sanitation at 10,5kl, up to 60 free electricity units, and the most of every metro linking social relief to property value. We encourage residents to approach us for help,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.

Help available

Everyone under the R7 500 monthly household income threshold and owners of residential properties with a municipal valuation of R450 000 and less will get a 100% rebate for property rates and refuse removal, benefitting about 192 500 households across Cape Town.

All residential properties valued at R5 million and under are also receiving a R450 000 reduction in the property valuation for rates calculation purposes. Over 700 000 properties are expected to benefit, representing 80% of all properties in the metro.

Electricity Lifeline tariff customers using between 350 and 600 units will pay R1,84 in this usage band, compared to R3,15 per unit in 2022/23. This will help to protect households using more electricity this winter, while an average usage of 450 units over a 12-month period still applies to remain in this tariff category. The City has also upped the property value criteria to qualify for the Lifeline tariff, from R400 000 to R500 000. It is important for all to remember that residents with a property value higher than R500 000 may also still qualify for the Lifeline tariff if their household monthly income is below R7 500.

Notice about the Lifeline tariff

Customers who have moved from the Lifeline tariff to the Domestic tariff because their properties are now valued at more than R500 000 after the General Valuation (2022) may, however, qualify for rates rebates, indigent or pensioner support. If they do, they could receive their supply at the Lifeline tariff on application.

What can these customers do?

• Visit the local municipal office for advice.
• Apply to qualify for indigent benefits or for a pensioner/social grants rates rebate. Household income must be below R22 000 per month.
• Keep usage below 450 kWh per month on average over a 12-month period.
• Limit purchases to below 600 kWh per month to help cope with the Eskom-driven price increase

Tips to manage household bills

• Reduce geyser temperature to 60 degrees Celsius
• Buying electricity in bulk is not cheaper. Rather buy small amounts as required to stay on the cheaper tariff band.
• Use less, pay less
  
   
  
  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: /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 or a pension amounting to no more than R22 000 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: /city-connect/apply/financial-relief-and-rebates/individuals/apply-for-senior-citizen-support  
  
   
  
  For payment arrangements
• Visit: /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: /explore-and-enjoy/see-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/walk-in-centres

End