Service Delivery

CITY ENCOURAGES QUALIFYING RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR INDIGENT SUPPORT

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 41

The City of Ekurhuleni encourages residents qualifying for indent support to seek relief from the city, so they continue to receive essential municipal services.

The Indigent Support Programme forms part of the city’s commitment to support needy households access basic municipal services such as water, sanitation, electricity and refuse removal services. 

Residents may qualify for registered indigent support where:

  • The combined income of all adults residing in the household is below the income threshold prescribed in the policy (R10 478.92).
  • The municipal services account is registered in the applicant’s name.
  • The applicant is a South African citizen or permanent resident with a South African identity document.
  • The property is used primarily for residential purposes and is not sublet.
  • The municipal value of the property does not exceed R1.5 million, subject to qualifying exceptions for pensioners, persons with disabilities and war veterans receiving social grants.

Child-headed and youth-headed households may also qualify, provided that the relevant requirements and supporting documents are submitted.

Certain households may be classified as deemed indigent based on factors such as the value and category of the residential property. This may include qualifying properties valued at no more than R600 000, households in recognised informal settlements, proclaimed townships, and qualifying tenants in city rental schemes.

Approved registered indigent households gets the benefits listed below:

  • Up to 10 kilolitres of free basic water per month.
  • Up to 50 kilowatt-hours of free basic electricity per month.
  • Free refuse collection.
  • Up to 10 kilolitres of free basic sanitation per month.
  • 100% property rates relief.

Additional assistance may be available for qualifying residents, including indigent burial support and selected rebates relating to municipal facilities and social services, subject to an assessment and the availability of municipal funds.

Applicants must visit their nearest City of Ekurhuleni customer care centre and submit the relevant supporting documents, which may include:

  • A South African identity document or proof of permanent residence.
  • A recent City of Ekurhuleni municipal statement or prepaid electricity token.
  • An affidavit confirming the applicant’s socioeconomic circumstances.
  • Proof of household income.
  • Three months’ bank statements.
  • A pension statement, where applicable.
  • Relevant guardianship, deceased-estate, rental, or property documents, where applicable.

Applications will be assessed and verified before approval. Applicants must provide accurate information and allow authorised City officials to conduct property verification where required.

Application-based indigent relief is granted for a reviewable period of 36 months. Approved beneficiaries must reapply before the relief period expires and inform the City of any improvement or change in their financial circumstances.

The City urges eligible residents not to miss the opportunity to receive assistance.

Residents requiring further information are encouraged to visit their nearest Customer Care Centre or use the City’s official communication platforms.