What is the basic municipal services subsidy policy?
It is a policy whereby the Johannesburg City Council is obliged by the Constitution and Municipal Systems Act to provide basic municipal services to the poor. These services include water, electricity, rates, sanitation and refuse removal.

Why was the subsidy introduced?
The increased urbanisation of poverty, escalating unemployment and increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS coupled with the vision to transform Johannesburg into a world class city by 2030 offering better quality of life and higher standards of living form the roots of this policy.

How will the policy benefit Johannesburg residents?
The R355m social package announced by the Executive Mayor on May 30, 2002 includes:

• 6kl of water free to all
• 50kw of electricity free to all
• No assessment rates charged on properties valued less than R20 001
• Free sanitation and refuse removal to particular vulnerable groups who register.

Who will be eligible for free sanitation and refuse removal?
Only people living on properties of less than 300 sqm in size will be eligible.

Is this a new welfare system?
No. The payment of municipal services remains the responsibility of the user/account holder. It is envisaged that people utilising the system will be linked with social development initiatives and that the poverty register created as an outcome of the process could be used for poverty mapping of the city.

• Account holders who are pensioners as well as unemployed, self-employed, or employed people with a total family income of less than R1 100 a month.
• Account holders receiving disability grants who have a total family income of less than R1 100 a month.
• An account holder whose partner also receives a government pension and has a total family income of less than R1 241 per month - the equivalent of two government pensions plus R1.
• HIV+/AIDS breadwinners and/or their orphans.

How to apply for a subsidy?
Application forms are available from municipal offices, pay points, clinics, libraries and community centres.

 Can I get assistance in filling out the form?
Yes. The People's Centre will assist applicants in completion of forms – go to the People’s Centre nearest your home

What documents must accompany the application form?

• A certified copy of your ID (Identity Document)
• Your latest municipal account
• Your pay slip or receipt of government pension or a certified copy of your pension card or disability grant or an affidavit if you are unemployed.
• Death certificate of the account holder if the applicant is not the account holder
• In the case of AIDS patients and/or orphans, attach a letter stating your HIV/AIDS status. This information will be treated confidentially.

Where can I go to get copies certified?
Your local police station. 

Where can I hand in the application?
Completed application forms can be handed in at your nearest Revenue pay point upon which a receipt will be issued.

How will I know whether my application has been successful?
You will be notified in writing.

If my application is successful, how long will I be eligible for the free sewage and refuse charges applicable to erfs up to 300 sqm?
The subsidy period is for 12 months, after which account holders can apply for further subsidy.

What happens if I provide false information on the application form?
This will lead to immediate disqualification and credit control action and you will not be allowed to apply for this municipal subsidy for 5 years.