Do you know all the benefits available to South African pensioners?

South African pensioners can enjoy an increase to social security agency grants from April 2024 onwards. The increase in April (and again in October) amounts to R100 extra, or a 4.8% increase in old-age benefits. However, there are actually more benefits available to South African pensioners should you choose to pursue them.

BENEFITS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PENSIONERS

The Western Cape government recently put out a call to action for South African pensioners in need of indigent benefits. Essentially, the benefits amount to a rebate (discount) on municipal rates and taxes, as well as free water and sewage (to a certain amount). Better still, South African pensioners who are homeowners, receive a SASSA old-age grant, and a pension payout up to R22 000 per month still qualify for assistance.

There are some qualifiers, of course, to secure the financial assistance (a maximum of R7 500 household income per month, for example). You can contact the Western Cape government, or you can find out more:

• Phone: 0860 103 089
• Email: rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za
• Email: indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF SOUTH AFRICA?

We wanted to know if similar benefits for South African pensioners were available elsewhere in the country. And while the list below is by no means comprehensive, we’re happy to report that it’s not just limited to the Democratic Alliance-run Western Cape.

South African pensioners living in the City of Jo’Burg may qualify for the Expanded Social Package (ESP). These provide access to free basic municipal services, such as rates, refuse, sewerage, water and electricity. Now, it would be easy to say that the City doesn’t provide any of these to its constituents anyway. But the need for free basic services to South African pensioners who are struggling is a basic human right.

To qualify in Johannesburg, you will need the following:

• Prove you are a South African citizen living within Johannesburg city limits.
• Your income cannot exceed R6 086 a month. Unlike the Western Cape, this does include SASSA pensions, private pensions and all other personal income.
• Bring along proof of income.
• SASSA Card.
• Three months bank statements.
• Proof of residence.
• City of Johannesburg Rates and Taxes account number.
• Valid Identity document.
• Pre-Paid Electricity Meter account.
• Jo’burg Water account.

If you think you may qualify for the Expanded Social Package, you must send your personal details and copies of all of the above to:

• Email: espunit@joburg.org.za
• SMS: 083 708 9589.
• Phone: 011 407 6515/6688/6751 (during office hours).

WHAT OTHER CITIES APPLY?

Below is a list of contacts to all the indigent and free basic services schemes we could find around the country. Follow the highlighted links for more information in the areas applicable to you:

• City of Tshwane (Pretoria).
• City of Ethekwini (Durban).
• Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth).
• Mangaung (Bloemfontein).

These are not the only major metropolitan cities offering indigent benefits to South African pensioners. You should definitely contact your local municipality if you need financial assistance with your water, electricity and other basic services. South African pensioners are some of our most vulnerable citizens and need access to as many benefits as possible.