Community Empowerment

CHILD-HEADED AND YOUTH-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS INVITED TO APPLY TO RECEIVE INDIGENT SUPPORT

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 2710

The City of Ekurhuleni invites child-headed and youth-headed households to use the city’s Indigent Support Programme as a cushion from the increasing costs of living.

A child-headed household is a household where a minor, aged 18 years or younger, is the primary caregiver due to the absence or inability of parents or guardians.

A youth-headed household is a household where an individual aged 18 to 35 is a primary caregiver.

While there may be varying contributing factors to these statuses, the city ensures children and youth, who are compelled by circumstances to head their households, receive the essential support they need.

Indigent support is approved for these households under the following conditions:

  • Compliance with Normal Criteria: The remaining members of the household must meet the standard qualifying criteria for indigent support.
  • Change of Ownership Completed: The deceased parent’s municipal account must be closed following the lawful change of ownership and the transfer registered at the Deeds Office.
  • Verification of Legal Guardian: A legal guardian must present either a “Letter of Authority” from the local magistrate’s court or a Letter of Executorship from the High Court and sign the user agreement.
  • Application by Qualified Children: The qualifying matured child or children must apply for indigent support.

Indigent support is also provided to households with a combined income of less than two (2) monthly minimum wage of a domestic worker as determined by Department of Labour, and the property value does not exceed R1500 000, except for pensioners.

The benefits provided to indigents, including child-headed and youth-headed households include the following:

  • Rates rebate;
  • 6kl of free basic water and sanitation services per month;
  • 50 kWh electricity per month; and
  • Free refuse removal.

For further information or assistance with the application process, affected households are encouraged to visit the indigent offices at their nearest customer care centre.