Joburg: Municipal bill relief for senior citizens

Following the warning by the City of Joburg that property owners prepare themselves for higher-than-normal municipal bills for the month of July 2023, the Senior Citizens were offered some relief.

CITY OF JOBURG EXPLAINS REASONS FOR HIGH MUNICIPAL BILLS

The City of Joburg said the increases in ratepayers’ monthly bills result from the implementation of the annual tariffs on municipal service charges, and property rates, effected by new property values which are aligned to the General Valuation Roll (GVR) 2023, and the lapsing of pensioner rebates.

ALSO READ: City of Joburg warns property owners over annual increases on municipal bills

RELIEF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Relief the City offers to residents on different services. The applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be the registered owner of the property. The owner must own and occupy the property
• Be 60 years of age or older upon application.
• Submit a certified copy of a valid identity document as proof of his/her age.
• Submit proof of his/her monthly income from all sources, including the income of his/her spouse. • All residential properties under the R300 000 threshold will be exempted from paying rates.

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• Residents to receive 6 kilolitres of free water.
• Properties valued at R350 000 and below will be exempted from paying waste charges. Pensioners between ages 60 – 69
• Pensioners whose gross monthly household income is lower than R11 904 and the property value up to R 1.5 million (inclusive of the residential threshold value of R300 000) for pensioners from the age of 60.
• Qualify for 100% rates rebate up to market value of R1.5 million (inclusive of the residential threshold value of R300 000). Rates will be levied on the balance of the values of the properties that exceed the R1.5 million.
• Pensioners whose gross monthly household income is more than R11 904, but equal or less than R20 404, and the property value up to R 1.5 million (inclusive of the residential threshold value of R300 000) for pensioners from the age of 60.

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• Qualify for 50% rates rebate up to market value of R1.5 million (inclusive of the residential threshold value of R300 000). Rates will be levied on the balance of the values of the properties that exceed the R1.5 million. Pensioners of 70 years and above
• Income levels are not considered.
• Qualifies for 100% rates rebate up to market value of R2 million (inclusive of the residential threshold value of R300 000). Rates will be levied on the balance of the values of the properties that exceed the R2million

ALSO READ: City of Joburg INCREASES tariffs for key services from July