After the City of Johannesburg increased its monthly income threshold for the Expanded Social Package (ESP), more residents are now able to apply for indigent benefits.
The package income threshold increased to R5 578.91. This changed on 1 November, from R5 308.20, in line with the consumer price index.
The ESP is designed to help those living on a monthly income of less than a certain amount to gain access to water, electricity, refuse removal and property rates rebates.
According to MMC for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse, Joburg residents with no income, or earning an income of up to but not exceeding the amount of R5 578.91, qualify to register and benefit from a rates rebate.
Currently, there are 321 984 residents registered as indigent. The MMC said as part of the City’s pro-poor agenda, it calls upon all residents who meet the new ESP threshold to register.
She asked that residents also help those who qualify, but are unaware of the benefits, by urging them to contact their local ward councillors or register at their nearest City office.
Residents who wish to register for the ESP programme and benefit from rebates must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Live within the City’s boundaries (for this, proof of residence, such as a billing statement, a letter of confirmation from the local ward councillor or an affidavit from the local police station, is required)
- If they have a monthly income, it must not be more than R5 578.91 per month.
- The following benefits are offered to Pensioners (aged 60 and above):
- Rates rebates for properties valued under R2 million
- The account must be in the pensioner’s name
- Electricity rebates on both prepaid and conventional accounts (City Power and Eskom)
- Water rebates on conventional accounts
- The citizen does not have to be a homeowner to qualify for the metered service benefits
- Referral to social work interventions on programmes for the elderly and services offered by City departments.
- Working-age citizens and the unemployed (aged 18–59):
- Rates rebates on properties valued under R450 000
- Electricity rebates on both prepaid and conventional accounts (City Power and Eskom)
- The citizen does not have to be a homeowner to qualify for this benefit
- Water rebate on conventional accounts (the ESP water rebate is issued if the individual uses more than 6kl per month)
- The citizen does not have to be a homeowner to qualify for the metered service benefits
- Referral to programmes and services offered by City departments like skills development, social service interventions, food resilience, youth programmes, and intervention programmes for the homeless.
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