KNYSNA NEWS - Applications for indigent rebates in Knysna are now open, until 31 May 2018.
The municipality calls upon senior citizens and residents who fall within the council’s indigent category and who are municipal account holders to reapply for rebates on their property rates and services for the 2018/19 financial year.
In terms of the council’s policy, households that currently receive a collective monthly income of less than R4 300 qualify for rebates on rates and service charges (This threshold will be reviewed during the council’s new budget process).
Knysna Municipality prides itself on being a caring town, and these rebates are only one of many ways in which the municipality tries to assist those less fortunate.
Finance and governance portfolio chairperson Cathy Weideman said the municipality is committed to ensuring not only that its financial position is managed effectively and efficiently, but also to assist and provide relief to those that need it most.
Do you qualify?
• The applicant must be a resident of the Greater Knysna Municipal area.
• The applicant must be in possession of a valid South African identity document.
• The combined or joint gross income of all occupants or dependents in a single household that receives services from the municipality does not exceed R4 300. Child support and foster care grant does not form part of a household income.
• Where there are income-earning tenants or any other income-earning people living on the property, that income has to be declared on the application form.
• The applicant must be the owner who receives municipal services.
• The indigent subsidy is limited to one occupied property.
• The indigent subsidy does not apply to vacant stands.
• In terms of estate accounts, the existing account will continue under the indigent relief measures, on condition that only the surviving spouse or dependent children may apply, and provided that the death certificate is submitted, to qualify for the continued support.
An application for the continuance of the indigent relief must be submitted.
Residents who have outstanding balances and would like to apply for the rebate, should either pay their account balances in full or at least have a payment arrangement with the municipality in place before their applications will be considered.
These applicants need to continue paying, even after the rebate is granted, as the municipality will not write off any existing debt.
The application process comes into effect from 1 July. Once a rebate is granted, it will be valid for one year only.
Residents, including existing recipients, need to reapply for rebates every financial year.
Have these documents ready:
Applications must be accompanied by the following:
- Certified copies of all owner’s identity documents.
- The latest municipal account.
- Certified documentary proof of income, or an affidavit declaring lack of income and /or proof of registration as unemployed, plus bank statement (where applicable).
- Particulars of any other grants received by the account holder.
- Recent prepaid electricity token or prepaid electricity meter number.
- Consent letter from the owner in cases where tenants apply for a subsidy.
The municipality will verify every application, including the details of applicants’ salaries or other sources of income. It is important to note that it is fraudulent to submit false declarations.
Get your forms
To obtain application forms and more information, visit your nearest municipal office or call the Credit Control office on 044 302 6482/6581.
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