Relief for pensioners

The level of income pensioners may earn and still receive a rebate on property rates has been raised, in an effort to ease their financial burden.
THE City has increased pensioners’ income rebate level from R5 300 to R5 600 on the lower level and from R9 600 to R10 300 on the upper level. The changes came into effect on 1 July.

The increase in rebate rates means that pensioners earning less than R5 600 will receive a 100 percent property rates rebate and those earning R5 600 to R 10 300 will receive a 50 percent rates rebate.

However, pensioners on a national security grant will continue to receive a 100 percent rates rebate. The rebate is a subsidy offered by the City to low income homeowners.

In a statement the member of the mayoral committee for finance, Geoffrey Makhubo, said that the increase will ease the financial burden of pensioners. “We recognise the financial difficulties faced by pensioners and resolved to increase the upper threshold for pensioner rebates.”

In order to qualify for pensioners’ rates rebate;

Pensioners must be property owners and live in the property for which the rates rebate is applied;
The property value must not exceed R1,5 million.
Upon application the following documents are required as evidence to support pensioners’ applications:

Certified copy of the South African ID;
Certified copy of pension card;
Proof of income/bank statement; and
Certified application form by Commissioner of Oaths.
Application forms are available on the City of Joburg website. Applications can be faxed to 011 723 0189 or sent via the post to The Director of Rates and Taxes, PO Box 1450, JHB, 2000.

For more information on how to apply for a pensioner property rates rebate, email: ratescomment@joburg.org.za or contact 011 375 5555 or fax: 011 727 0189.