CHILD-HEADED AND YOUTH-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS INVITED TO APPLY TO RECEIVE INDIGENT
SUPPORT
A child-headed household is a household where a minor, aged 18 years or younger, is the primary
caregiver due to the absence or inability of parents or guardians.
A youth-headed household is a household where an individual aged 18 to 35 is a primary caregiver. While there may be varying contributing factors to these statuses, the city ensures children and
youth, who are compelled by circumstances to head their households, receive the essential support they need.
Indigent support is approved for these households under the following conditions:
• Compliance with Normal Criteria: The remaining members of the household must meet the
standard qualifying criteria for indigent support.
• Change of Ownership Completed: The deceased parent’s municipal account must be closed
following the lawful change of ownership and the transfer registered at the Deeds Office.
• Verification of Legal Guardian: A legal guardian must present either a “Letter of Authority” from the local magistrate’s court or a Letter of Executorship from the High Court and sign the user agreement.
• Application by Qualified Children: The qualifying matured child or children must apply for
indigent support.
Indigent support is also provided to households with a combined income of less than two (2) monthly minimum wage of a domestic worker as determined by Department of Labour, and the property value does not exceed R150 000, except for pensioners.
The benefits provided to indigents, including child-headed and youth-headed households include
the following:
• Rates rebate;
• 6kl of free basic water and sanitation services per month;
• 50 kWh electricity per month