Pensioners assisted by city to apply for rebates

Qualifying pensioners have been given an opportunity to apply for the rebates until September 30.

“Those who apply within this window will have their rebates backdated to July 1 when existing rebates lapsed. Should pensioners apply after then, the rebate will be applied and approved from the date of application,” says Kgamanyane Maphologela, director of communications and stakeholder relations for the City of Johannesburg.

Rebates offer financial relief on some payments for monthly municipal bills.

The rebate, or removal of some charges, is granted to pensioners who meet certain criteria.

The city hosted an open day last week at the Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre to help the elderly submit their applications. The nearest municipal office for those in the area is Randburg which is currently closed due to a fire there in recent weeks.

“We host regular open days for rebate applications to make it easier for our community to engage with us and register for services, or like today for rebates,” said deputy director for stakeholder relations in the revenue department Jabu Dhlamini.

On site were police officials from the Sophiatown police to certify documents, a printer to make copies of relevant documents, and a host of city staff to assist with filling out the required forms.

“We regularly host these open days across the city to make it easier for the elderly to apply,” said Dhlamini.

To qualify, pensioners must own the property and live there. Only one rebate is permissible regardless of if the owner has more than one property.

If the pensioner receives a SASSA grant, they automatically qualify for a 100% rebate.

All residents receive 6 kilolitres of free water and those with residential properties valued below R300 000 are exempted from paying rates.

Properties valued at R350 000 and below will be exempted from paying waste charges.

Pensioners aged between 60 – 69

Monthly household income is lower than R11 904

• The property is valued at no more than R1.5 m, they qualify for 100% rebate
• If the value of the house is more than that, rates will only be charged on the balance amount

Monthly household income is more than R11 904 but less than R20 404, and the property value is up to R 1.5 m

• Qualify for 50% rebate up to market value of R1.5 m
• If the value of the house is more than that, rates will only be charged on the balance amount

If the household income exceeds R20 20 404, no rebate will be offered.

Documentation required:

• Certified copy of ID
• 3-month bank statement
• Certified proof of monthly income or copy of SASSA card
• Recent SARS tax assessment
• Application form

Pensioners aged 70 years or older

• The property is valued at no more than R2 m
• Qualify for 100% rebate regardless of income
• Rates will be charged only on the additional value amount of the property over R2 m

Documentation required:

• Certified copy of ID
• Application form

Related article:

Pensioner scammed out of almost R1million in sophisticated ruse spanning four years

Joburg pensioner rebates will still be back-dated if applied for before end September