The City of Cape Town has encouraged pensioners, social grant recipients, and registered indigent beneficiaries to reapply for relief before 1 July 2026, when the new General Valuation comes into effect.

The City says it is also proactively contacting registered beneficiaries via SMS to assist. The SMS will outline steps to reapply via a new WhatsApp chat box.

Should beneficiaries be unsure about the origins or authenticity of the SMS, they can call the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089 to verify.

The Metro says it is a legal requirement to reapply to confirm whether beneficiaries still meet the requirements for social package assistance.

It comes as the City has proposed more than R8,3 billion in social assistance to qualifying residents, starting in the new financial year from 1 July.

This includes:

• A 100% rates rebate for indigent households (property value of R620 000 or less, or R7 500 maximum monthly household income)
• Free Basic Water and Sanitation (15KL water / 10,5KL sanitation monthly for indigent households)
• Rates-Free Benefit (first R620 000 of property value rates-free for homes up to R8m)
• Lifeline electricity qualifying threshold (property value R500 000 or less, monthly household income of R7 500 or less. Usage <450kWh monthly-average to stay on lifeline)
• Pensioner benefits (10-100% rates rebate and lifeline electricity for pensioners with a monthly household income of R27 000 or less, regardless of property value)

How to reapply:

• For pensioner rates rebate renewals (application once every three years): rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za
• For indigent benefit renewals (annual application): indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za

New applications can also be made using the same email addresses above. Applications and renewals can also be done in person at your local City of Cape Town Walk-in Centre or sub-council office.

For payment arrangements, contact payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za

Required Documents:

• ID document (for you and your spouse/partner)
• Proof of income (or an affidavit stating you are dependent on a state pension/grant)
• Bank statements for the last three months from all financial institutions
• Proof of investments/dividends (if applicable)

More information HERE.