Households with a combined monthly income of below R7 500 are encouraged to apply for the City’s income-based indigent grant. Following the legally required General Valuation that takes place every three years, some property owners have seen an increase in their property value. As a result, some customers have seen changes to their electricity tariff, while others may now also be liable for refuse removal charges for the first time. The City understands that these changes may place additional pressure on some households and is committed to helping residents access all available forms of assistance. Customers whose property valuations have increased above R620 000 are responsible for the payment of property rates and all other services, unless they qualify for assistance. 
 
Changes:

• Customers whose property value is now between R500 001 and R580 000 have been moved from the Lifeline to the Domestic electricity tariff.
• Customers whose property value is now between R580 000 and R620 000 whose electricity tariff has changed from Lifeline to Domestic are now also being charged for refuse removal. If the refuse removal is not paid, debt deductions may be made from electricity purchases and it could also lead to further debt management action.
• Customers whose property value now exceeds R620 000 have been moved from the Lifeline to the Domestic electricity tariff. They are also liable for property rates and all applicable service charges. In accordance with legislation, outstanding debt may result in deductions from prepaid electricity purchases and other credit control and debt collection actions.

The City is, however, doing all it can to ensure that qualifying residents continue to receive support and assistance during this transition.
 
Customers whose property values have changed are encouraged to apply to see if they qualify for income-based indigent benefits if their household income is below R7 500 per month. Approved applicants will receive monthly relief on their property rates, water, sanitation and refuse charges. Additional support for electricity costs is also available if consumption is less than 250kwh, and 450kwh in the case of customers with a prepaid meter. Please note this is not applicable to Eskom customers.
 
Importantly: The indigent grant, whether qualification is based on household income or property value, applies only to the first refuse bin registered on the property. Any additional refuse bins linked to the property would not qualify for the indigent benefit and would remain chargeable at the applicable tariff.
 
In terms of electricity, the indigent grant, whether qualification is based on household income or property value, pertains only to the main electricity meter on the property. Secondary meters, such as those serving a granny flat or separate dwelling unit, do not qualify for the benefit.
  
Extension of U-Lock on previously approved indigent accounts until 30 November 2026.
 
Previously approved indigent customers who continue to meet the City’s indigent eligibility requirements; have submitted applications for the renewal of their indigent status; and are awaiting the outcome of these applications are not required to make payments towards their municipal accounts until 30 November 2026.
 
The City remains committed to assisting those in need. We encourage customers to apply as soon as possible so that they can access the benefits available to them. Once their indigent status has been approved, the applicable indigent benefits will be activated in accordance with the City’s Indigent Policy.
 
How to apply for an income-based indigent grant

• Website and email: Download the application forms from the City’s website and submit via email to indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za or hand in at a City walk-in centre.
• Visit a City walk-in centre for assistance.

What electricity tariff is applicable for the various valuation bands:

• Lifeline = Property Value of R500 000 and less.
• Domestic = Property Value of over R500 000 and under R1 million
• Home user = Property Value of over R1 million

The value of a customer’s property is indicated on the municipal invoice.
 
Find out more about lifeline and domestic tariffs on the City's website.