The City of Cape Town says there is still time for pensioners, social grant recipients and indigent residents to apply for or renew their municipal relief benefits. Officials are currently processing a high number of applications and say residents will be notified once a decision has been made.

Residents renewing their rates rebates must apply by 31 August 2026 to qualify for benefits that will be backdated to 1 July 2026. Indigent support applications remain open until 30 December 2026, although approved applicants will only receive benefits once their applications have been processed.

Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Siseko Mbandezi says the City is required by law to review the financial circumstances of beneficiaries to ensure they still qualify for assistance.

“The City is also proactively contacting registered beneficiaries for renewals via SMS to assist with the renewal applications via the City’s new WhatsApp chatbot called Hello-RITA. If in doubt, call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to verify the SMS message. Pensioners may also contact rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za for individual assistance from one of our team members or visit their nearest Customer Interaction Centre.”

Mbandezi says the City remains committed to supporting vulnerable residents.

“The City has proposed more than R8.3 billion in social assistance to qualifying pensioners and indigent residents for the 2026/27 financial year. We encourage those who have previously received help to reapply without delay and we also welcome new applications as soon as possible.”