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Indigent and other Support


Lydi Geja 044 801 9363 or Rene Lindoor 044 801 9130
indigentsupport@george.gov.za
Debt Pack: 041 450 8676
Email kobusdk@debtpack.com

DOCUMENTS
Click for Documents Required with Indigent Application
Click for Letter to Sassa to request proof for Indigent application.
Click for Letter to SARS Consent Form in terms of Section 69(6)(b)
Click for Application Form for Rebate on Property Rates (household income of more than two times state pension (SASSA\) per month.
Click for Letter to Sassa to request proof for Rebate Application.

 

INDIGENT SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Are You Struggling to Pay for Municipal Services?
George Municipality is committed to helping residents who are financially vulnerable. Through our Indigent Support Programme, we assist qualifying low-income households by subsidising essential municipal services.

What is the Indigent Support Programme?

  • Subsidise basic municipal service charges for residents who cannot afford to pay the full cost of services such as water, electricity, sewerage, refuse removal, and property rates.
  • Recognise the financial struggles faced by many households due to unemployment, low wages, or reliance on social grants.
  • Maintain affordability by applying tariff reductions as per the municipality’s approved tariff policy.
  • Ensure fair access to support by providing clear guidelines, criteria, and application procedures.
  • Implement the subsidy sustainably, based on the financial and administrative capacity of George Municipality, ensuring the programme remains available to those who need it most.

Who Can Apply for Indigent Support?

  • You are the registered owner, spouse, legal occupant, or backyard dweller (with a maximum of two backyard structures) of a residential property within the George municipal area.
  • You are a pensioner, legal guardian, or primary caregiver of minors residing on the property.
  • You are a South African citizen with a valid ID document.
  • You live full-time on the property for which the application is made.
  • The property is used exclusively for residential purposes and not for business or rental income. You may be subject to a site visit for verification purposes.
  • You do not own any other property anywhere in South Africa.
  • You are not a registered company director or business owner.

How to Apply?

  • Electronic Applications can be completed at any of the following locations:
    • Main Municipal Building (Cashier Hall)
    • Municipal Area Offices
    • Debt Pack Office: 83 Victoria Street, Millwood Building, George
  • To improve efficiency and tracking, all indigent support applications must be submitted electronically. Trained officials are available at various municipal offices to assist residents with online applications.
  • Approved applications are valid for one (1) year and must be renewed annually, unless you are over 65 years old.
  • Your total household income will be assessed to determine eligibility:
    • Indigent Level 1: Household income of R6 000 or less qualifies for a 100% subsidy.
    • Indigent Level 2: Household income between R6 001 and R9 000 qualifies for a 50% subsidy.
  • Households must immediately update their details (e.g. income, number of occupants, employment status) if their circumstances change.
  • If your cell phone number changes, notify the Indigent Support office immediately to avoid delays.

 

Documents You Need to Submit
Make sure you bring or submit the following:

  • A copy of your South African ID (for yourself and all household occupants).
  • Your latest municipal account.
  • Your latest prepaid electricity token/slip that includes your meter number.
  • If employed: Salary slip (not older than 3 months) and 3 months of bank statements.
  • If unemployed: Stamped affidavit confirming your unemployed status.
  • If receiving a SASSA grant: A letter from SASSA confirming the type of grant and your SASSA card.
  • Additional documents may be requested depending on your circumstances.

Deceased Estates – What You Need
If the registered owner is deceased and you wish to apply:

  1. Report the estate to the court or an attorney, depending on the estate’s value.
  2. Submit the death certificate and proof that estate was reported to the Master’s Office, ID documents of all residents, and a copy of the will/testament (if applicable).
  3. Provide authority letters, a valid electricity slip, and current municipal account.


TAKE NOTE: CHANGES TO LEVEL 1 AND 2 ARE ONLY APPLICABLE FROM 1 JULY 2025


Income Brackets & Types of Support
Level 1: Full Indigent Support (100%)

Qualifying Criteria:

  • Household’s total monthly income is R6 000 or less.
  • Only residential properties qualify.

Subsidies Offered:

  • Water: 100% subsidy on the basic monthly charge, plus 6 kilolitres (kl) of free water per month.
  • Electricity: 100% subsidy on the basic charge for 30 Amp connections and above, plus  70 kWh of free electricity per month.
  • Refuse Removal: 100% subsidy on monthly refuse collection.
  • Sewerage Disposal: 100% subsidy of monthly sewerage charges.
  • Property Rates: 100% subsidy on property rates for properties valued under R230,000.
    Properties over R230,000 will be subject to property rates, but households not qualifying for Indigent Support can apply for a percentage rebate.
    Download the Rebate Application Form, complete it, and email it with the required documents to accounts@george.gov.za.
    Rebates are determined annually as part of the budget process and updated in the annual tariffs list.

 

Level 2: Semi-Indigent Support (50%)
Qualifying Criteria:

  • Household income is between R6 001 and R9 000 per month.
  • Property must be for residential use only.
  • Support is subject to availability of Equitable Share Grant (EQS) funding.
  • No backyard dwellers will be considered for Indigent Support under Level 2.

Subsidies Offered:

  • Water: 50% subsidy on the basic charge, and 6kl of free water per month.
  • Electricity: 50% subsidy on the basic charge for 30 Amp and higher connections.
    Take note – no free kWh provided on Level 2.
  • Refuse Removal: 50% subsidy on monthly refuse charges.
  • Sewerage Disposal: 50% subsidy on monthly sewerage charges
  • Property Rates: 100% subsidy on property rates for properties valued under R230,000. Properties over R230,000 will be subject to property rates, but households not qualifying for Indigent Support can apply for a percentage rebate.
    Download the Rebate Application Form, complete it, and email it with the required documents to accounts@george.gov.za.
    Rebates are determined annually as part of the budget process and updated in the annual tariffs list.

What Happens After Approval?

  • Applicants will be contacted with progress updates via SMS on their application, provided accurate cell phone details have been provided.
  • Once registered, your monthly subsidies are automatically applied to your municipal account.
  • Your free electricity tokens are sent directly to your prepaid meter number each month.
  • You are still responsible for paying for any excess electricity or water used beyond the subsidy limits.

Repairs, Leakages & Installation Costs Covered for Level 1 and 2
Some costs may be covered through the Equitable Share Grant:

  • Water leak detection and repairs.
  • Faulty or damaged electricity meters.
  • Sewerage issues and repairs.
  • Installation of pre-paid (PPM) or smart/split meters.
  • Conversion to pre-paid meters is compulsory for indigent households.

Handling Arrears on Indigent Accounts
If your application is approved:

  • All arrears will be written off once only, giving you a clean slate.
  • Accounts will be blocked in exceptional circumstances.
  • Once the account is settled, full services will resume.
  • If you do not meet your payment responsibilities:
    • Auxiliary charges will recover your debt:
      • 55% repayment for arrears between 30 days and 60 days
      • 65% for arrears between 60 and 90 days.
      • 75% for arrears older than 90 days.
    • The process continues monthly until the full arrears are paid.

Home Visits for Elderly or Disabled Applicants
If you are elderly or living with a disability, municipal officials can arrange a home visit to help you complete the electronic application.