New social packages aimed at assisting vulnerable citizens will be rolled out by the City Of Cape Town on July 1 2019, the start of the City’s financial year. The revised package includes new rates, rebates and free basic services. People who are disadvantaged, over the age of 60, or have been diagnosed with a special need and earn a certain amount per month will be eligible to apply for the assistance plan.
Home-owners who earn an amount of up to R17 500 will be eligible to receive discounted rates on certain services. With the implementation of new property valuations on July 1, pensioners and those who are older than 60 who have been receiving rebates are encouraged to re-apply as the three-year-cycle ends on this date.
Those under the age of 60 and struggling to make their way through the month and earn an income that comes to R6,000 per month or less can apply for the support package. Rebates on applications that have been approved will be backdated to July 1.
The closing date for all applications is August 31.
“Residents who are in arrears with the City should not let this deter them from applying for indigent support, as they may qualify for a once-off 100% writing-off (cancellation) of this debt, but only if they have a prepaid electricity meter and a water management device. As part of the indigent benefits, these devices will be installed at their property for free,” said Alderman Ian Neilson, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance.
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