GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality supports indigent residents with subsidies in their municipal accounts.
Residents should note that, to receive this subsidy, they have to be registered as ‘indigent households’ with the municipality.
To be registered, residents must meet the municipality’s criteria, which have been laid down in terms of its Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy and Indigent Policy. Those who apply must occupy a property within the municipality’s jurisdiction.
Household income
The verified combined or joint gross monthly income of all occupants or dependants in a single household that receives services from the municipality may not be more than the thresholds the municipality determine every year when they budget for the next financial year.
The guideline in relation to the household income threshold is as follows:
- Level 1: Full indigent support (100% subsidy)
The household’s total income must not be more than four times the amount of the state-funded social pension (Sassa). - Level 2: Semi-indigent support (50% subsidy)
The household’s total income must fall between level 1 and six times the amount of the state-funded social pension (Sassa).
Who can apply?
- Registered owner(s) and spouse(s) of residential properties; or
- Occupier(s) and spouse(s) (not tenants); or
- Backyard dweller(s) and spouse(s) (maximum of two structures);
- Pensioners;
- Legal guardian or primary caregiver of minors.
Required supporting documents
- Identity documents of owner and spouse(s)
- Birth certificates of all children residing in the household
- Affidavit confirming that the applicant or dependants over 18 years is unemployed (affidavit must not be older than six months)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree or proof of divorce (if applicable)
- Latest municipal account
- Electricity purchase slip
- Proof of income (not older than three months)
- List of all residents on the premises
- Proof of pension/allowance from Sassa
- Proof of income of all occupants residing on the premises
- Death certificate(s) of the owner(s) (if applicable)
- Letter of Authority / Letter of Executorship (if applicable)
- Three months’ bank statements (not older than three months)
- Testament (if applicable)
- Permission letter of authorised person(s) (not older than six months)
- Affidavit confirming the applicant’s relationship to the deceased where no testament exists or the estate is not registered (not older than six months).
Levels of support
Indigent Level 1 (100% subsidy)
This applies to households whose income is no more than four times the state-funded social pension.
Income range: R0 – R9 680
- In respect of water, a 100% subsidy on the basic charge and a maximum of 6kL per month will apply per household.
- In respect of electricity, a 100% subsidy of 80kWh per month will apply per household, including the basic charge for amp selection on 30 amps and higher levels.
- In respect of refuse removal services, a 100% subsidy per month will apply per household.
Indigent level 2 (50% subsidy)
This applies to households whose income is no more than six times the state-funded social pension.
Income range: R9 681 – R14 520
- In respect of water, a 50% subsidy on the basic charge and a maximum of 6kL per month will apply per household.
- In respect of electricity, a 50% subsidy on the basic charge for amp selection on 30 amps and higher levels.
- In respect of refuse removal services, a 50% subsidy per month will apply per household.
- In respect of sewage disposal services, a 50% subsidy per month will apply per household.
Backyard dwellers
- A maximum of two backyard dwellers is allowed per application.
- Each approved backyard dweller will receive:
- 6kL water per month
- 80kWh electricity per month.
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