City encourages pensioners to apply for pensioner rebates
Only one property will be granted if pensioner has multiple properties.
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) encourages pensioners to apply for property pensioner rebates which are in place to assist elderly citizens.
Pensioners from 60 years upwards who own residential properties may qualify for rebates to get relief amid financial difficulties.
It must be noted that pensioners who receive pensioner rebates don’t need to reapply for the benefits.
Pensioner rebates are in place for all qualifying pensioners in different categories to choose from when applying. The city categorises pensioners into various segments to determine suitable rebate value, which includes age, property value, and household income.
Pensioner rebates have the following two categories:
60 to 69 years: Pensioners and co-owners earning R12 474 qualify for a 100% rebate. Pensions and co-owners earning up to R21 382 qualify for a 50% rebate.
Rates will be levied on properties with a market value of more than R1.5m. The 60 to 69-year applicant must attach:
• Certified copy of ID not older than 3 months
• Three months’ recent bank statement of all owners in case of multiple owners
• Proof of income or copy of certified SASSA card or other proof of income applicable to the council
• Death certificate in case of a deceased property owner.
70-year-old and upward: Rates will still be levied on properties with a market value of more than R2m. The 70-year-old and upward applicant must attach:
• A certified copy of ID, not older than three months.
Kgamanyane Maphologela, director of customer communication said, “The city is recognising the contribution made by pensioners who are 70 years and older by providing them with a rebate without considering how much the applicant is earning hence no proof of income is required for pensioners who are 70 and above.”
Should a pensioner meet all other requirements, while the property exceeds the value threshold, a rebate will be granted within the property value they qualify for.
“It is important pensioners understand the importance of applying for these rebates to derive the much-needed relief which is in place as incentives to property owners,” said Maphologela.
Application forms can be downloaded from the city’s website.
Once completed, submit it at any nearest customer service centre, accompanied by the required supporting documents.
Pensioners can only apply and qualify for rebates on primary residence properties; these properties must be in their names. If a pensioner owns multiple properties, the benefit will only be granted to one property. Pensioners must own the property and personally occupy that property.
The city would like to reiterate its understanding of the trying economic times facing property owners and calls on property owners to continue paying their municipal accounts every month when they are due to avoid further indebtedness.
