As living costs continue to weigh heavily on many households, the City of Cape Town is urging qualifying residents not to overlook financial assistance designed to ease the burden of municipal bills, support officials say remains underused despite expanded eligibility.
The municipality has reminded residents that a range of indigent and pensioner relief programmes are currently open for applications, offering help with rates and essential services for households facing financial strain, as per the City.
With revised income thresholds and a significantly expanded social support budget, more residents than ever may now qualify.
Officials have expanded qualifying income limits, allowing pensioners and social grant recipients earning up to R27 000 per month to access rebates and Lifeline tariffs.
Households earning below R7 500 monthly may qualify for indigent assistance, which can include free basic services and, in some cases, a full rebate on property rates.
In a statement issued by the municipality, Mayoral Committee Member for Finance Councillor Siseko Mbandezi encouraged residents to explore available options.
‘Help is available and we encourage indigent residents and pensioners to apply for support with service and rates costs. The qualifying threshold for pensioners and social grant recipients has been expanded to enable even more residents to benefit from the Lifeline tariff and rates rebates, with the qualifying limit now increased to a monthly income of R27 000.’
The City has allocated R5,1 billion toward its 2025/26 social support package, aimed at easing municipal expenses for qualifying households.
A key change this year stems from the General Valuation process, which reassesses property values across the metro. Because 2025 marks a General Valuation year, pensioners currently receiving benefits will need to submit new applications for continued assistance once the new financial year begins on 1 July.
Officials emphasise that residents do not need to wait until July to begin the process.
‘Importantly, we remind our pensioners that as it is a General Valuation (GV2025) year, they will need to reapply for any existing benefits after 1 July 2026… the sooner the better,’ Mbandezi said.
Residents can submit completed applications through several channels:
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In person at Customer Interaction Centres
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Online through the City’s e-Services platform
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Via email at:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
Municipal officials stationed at service centres are available to assist applicants who may need help completing forms or understanding eligibility requirements.
Alongside relief programmes, the City continues to promote flexible payment options for municipal accounts. Residents may settle bills online via eServices, through EFT, or at participating retail outlets including Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, PEP, Ackermans, Woolworths, selected Spar stores and Nedbank branches.
Further details on payment and support options are available through the City’s official information portal.
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