Community Empowerment

SECURE MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT THROUGH INDIGENT RELIEF

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 5028

The City invites all qualifying residents to apply for indigent relief, a comprehensive support package designed to provide tangible monthly benefits that ease the cost of basic living expenses.

Residents who previously registered for application-based indigent relief should note that support is granted for a reviewable period of 36 months, as determined by Council. After this period, households must re-apply and meet eligibility criteria to continue receiving benefits.

Additionally, indigent relief is also available to those deemed indigent based on their property value. Relief is granted to approved households where the municipal property value does not exceed R1,500,000 as listed in the City’s valuation roll, with an exception for pensioners who qualify regardless of property value. Property owners who qualify under this category receive relief proportional to the assessed value of their property.

Approved indigent households benefit from essential services, including:

  • Free Basic Water: 10 kilolitres per month, ensuring access to safe water for health and hygiene.
  • Free Basic Electricity: 50 kWh monthly to keep homes powered and safe.
  • Free Refuse Collection: Reliable waste removal at no cost.
  • Free Basic Sanitation: 10 kilolitres per month supporting a cleaner living environment.
  • Reduced Property Rates: Significant relief on property taxes for qualifying owner-occupied homes.
  • One-time Debt Write-off: Accumulated municipal debt is cleared upon approval of indigent status.
  • Deceased Estate Rate Relief: No application fees for property rates clearance for approved indigent beneficiaries; municipal debts up to the date of death are written off, with post-death charges excluded from this relief.

To access these benefits, residents, including deemed indigents, must apply and meet national and municipal eligibility criteria. Relief is granted monthly in line with City policies and budgets, and accounts are credited only up to the value of services consumed.

Qualifying residents struggling to pay municipal bills and basic services are encouraged to apply in person at any customer care centre across the city.

For more information, visit the city’s official website at www.ekurhuleni.gov.za.