The City says it has received very few applications for indigent grants from residents in Dunoon, Atlantis, Phoenix, Brooklyn, Langa and Scottsdene.
“I urge residents from these areas to enquire as to whether they qualify for the indigent grant, which offers a considerable amount of financial relief during these tough economic times,” said Suzette Little, mayoral committee member for area north.
She said some residents were not aware of their rights and whether they qualified for the grants.
The indigent grants are part of the City’s credit control ad debt collection policy, and they help struggling individuals, pensioners, businesses, people with disabilities, sports clubs, and non-profit organisations to continue to receive their basic City services such as water and refuse collection.
The grants are also available to City tenants struggling to make monthly rental payments.
Johan van der Merwe, mayoral committee member for finance, said residents needed to meet various criteria to be considered for an indigent grant.
“Depending on the resident’s circumstances, if their property valuation is of R400 000 or less, and if they qualify for the grant, it is possible for some applicants to receive a 100% rebate on their property rates and to receive other basic services for free,” he said.
Homeowners wanting to apply for the grant must first register as an indigent with the City.
Qualifying residents will need to provide the IDs of all those living on the property, their latest municipal account, proof of income and expenses (including wage and pension receipts), as well as bank statements for the past three months.
Residents under 60 need to reapply for the grant annually. Those over 60 need do so only once every three years within the general valuation cycle.
Residents can visit a City walk-in centre or housing office or phone the City’s call centre at 0860 103 089 for more information.