The City of Cape Town is rolling out an indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive in all areas of the metro. Residents are encouraged to visit one of the events taking place at a convenient location in the coming weeks and months. The City encourages residents to make use of the financial support which is available to qualifying beneficiaries.
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 in the past must remember that they need to apply every year for the benefit, except pensioners who may apply to renew their benefit every three years.
Residents are encouraged to find an upcoming event happening near them or visit their nearest municipal walk-in centre and complete an application form to see if they are eligible for the available benefits. Residents may also contact their ward councillor or subcouncil office to apply.
‘The City‘s indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive will continue to be rolled out across the metro in the next few months. A number of events have already been held since the start of the campaign earlier this month and residents have already benefited by qualifying for indigent support or a rates rebate, or entering into a payment arrangement to pay off their debts.
‘We would like to ensure that as many qualifying residents as possible successfully apply for the financial relief that is available to them. We are providing beneficiaries with personal assistance by taking them through the registration process, assisting them with the forms and required documentation, and capturing their information accurately. Help is available and residents are encouraged to approach us for assistance,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.
Upcoming events are as follows:
- 29 September 2022: Glenmoor Baptist Church, Athlone
- 6 October 2022: Steenberg Community Hall
- 13 October 2022: Woodlands Community Hall, Mitchells Plain
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 you are employed, please also include:
- your latest salary/wage pays slip or a letter from an employer stating your income
- a sworn affidavit if you are self-employed stating how much you earn per month
- proof if you receive a disability grant, maintenance grant or pension
If you are unemployed, please also include the following in your application:
- a sworn affidavit stating that you are unemployed
- a sworn affidavit stating that you 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 earning 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
