The City of Cape Town has increased its total social support package by more than half a billion for 2023/24 to assist more pensioners and indigent households. We urge all pensioners 60 years and older and people who receive social grants, or a pension amounting to no more than R22 000 income per month, to approach the City for assistance. They may qualify for a rates rebate as well as indigent benefits if applicable.

Help is available for pensioners

‘We ask pensioners to make use of the available support. It is important to remember that applications from residents 60 years and older will remain valid until the next municipal valuation of their property comes into effect. This is expected to be from 30 June 2026 or until a supplementary valuation is implemented,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.

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He added, “Our support package has increased dramatically to ensure we are able to assist as many vulnerable residents as possible.  The City’s Customer Interaction Centre and Cash Office officials have assisted many residents over the recent weeks and our teams are ready to assist many more with their applications.”

May qualify for a rates rebate

‘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%. Residents can visit our website for more information on how to apply or visit their nearest customer office,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.

The total social package is now at R4,3bn

Cape Town’s assistance package is among the highest of metros in South Africa.

• Everyone under the R7 500 monthly household income threshold receives a 100% rebate for property rates and refuse removal on approval of their applications. Those in residential living units with a property value of R450 000 and below will also qualify. Around 192 500 households across Cape Town benefit from this assistance.
• All residential properties valued at R5 million and under are also receiving a R450 000 reduction in the property valuation for rates calculation purposes. This translates into R450 000 of a residential property valuation not being rated. Over 700 000 properties are expected to benefit, representing 80% of all properties in the city.
• Lifeline Tariff Customers using 350 – 600 units will pay R2,11 in this usage band. 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.

Social support package to assist pensioners and indigent households

• 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 rebate@capetown.gov.za 

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

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-reliefor a City customer office.
• Email: relief@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 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

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE MEDIA OFFICE OF THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN