Cape Town extends important deadline for pensioners

Cape Town pensioners and social grant recipients have been given more time to apply for property rates relief, with the City extending the deadline to 30 November 2026.

The relief is available to qualifying registered owners of residential properties who rely on pensions or social grants, with the rebate determined by the gross monthly household income of everyone living at the property.

For pensioners aged 60 and older with a gross monthly household income of R10 000 or less, the City says a 100% rates rebate may be available.

Those earning between R10 001 and R27 000 per month may qualify for a rebate ranging from 10% to 90%, depending on their income.

Who can apply for rates relief?

Applicants must be registered owners of residential properties and meet the City’s income and age requirements.

The City says applicants must declare and provide proof of all sources of income, including:

• Private pension income
• Investments and dividends
• SASSA grant slips or confirmation letters
• Proof of income for the property owner and spouse or partner, where applicable
• Bank statements for the past three months for all accounts held at financial institutions

The City has urged qualifying residents not to wait until the deadline and to submit their applications by 30 November.

Application forms are available from City walk-in centres, through the City’s website and via its chatbox on 060 042 5572.

Completed applications can be submitted at the nearest City walk-in centre or emailed to rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za.

You will be charged in full – for now

One important detail for pensioners applying for the rebate is that their municipal account will continue to be charged at the full rate until the application is approved.

However, successful applicants will thereafter receive a credit adjustment on a subsequent account.

The City says the benefit will be backdated to 1 July 2026, meaning qualifying applicants will not lose the relief while their applications are being processed.

The renewal is required because of the City’s 2025 General Valuation. All pensioners and social grant beneficiaries who previously received the benefit must reapply.

Once approved, the status of the benefit will remain valid until 30 June 2029.

The City said it is legally required to reassess beneficiaries after a new General Valuation to confirm that they still meet the requirements for social package assistance.

It also acknowledged that its teams are dealing with a high volume of applications.

Relief also available to some life right holders

The City has also confirmed that pensioner rates relief is available to life right holders of separately valued sectional title schemes.

Residents aged 60 and older with a household income of up to R27 000 may qualify.

The City said the same benefit will eventually be extended to life right holders of freehold properties once those properties have been separately valued.