Joburg pensioner rates rebate: who gets 100% off and how to apply
Johannesburg homeowners aged 60 and older can get up to 100% off property rates. The income limits, value thresholds, documents you need and how to apply, including if you get a SASSA grant.
If you are 60 or older, own your home in Johannesburg and live in it, you may be able to pay less, or nothing, in property rates. City Power reminded residents on 13 November that SASSA grant recipients can also apply for the City of Johannesburg pensioner rates rebate (City Power on X).
The rebate is not automatic for new applicants. You have to apply on the City's form (City of Johannesburg).
How much can you get?
The rebate depends on your age, your income and the value of your home (City of Johannesburg media release).
| Age | Gross monthly income | Rebate | Value covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 69 | R13,519 or less | 100% | Up to R1.5 million |
| 60 to 69 | Above R13,519, up to R23,172 | 50% | Up to R1.5 million |
| 60 to 69 | Above R23,172 | No rebate | None |
| 70 and older | Any income | 100% | Up to R2 million |
Sources: City of Johannesburg pensioner rebates page and 2026/27 rates policy.
If your home is worth more than the threshold, you still pay rates on the part above it. For example, a 72-year-old whose home is valued at R2.4 million pays rates on R400,000 (City of Johannesburg).
The City says a pensioner aged 60 to 69 who receives a "National Security Grant" qualifies for the 100% rebate, subject to the value threshold and other conditions (application form).
Who qualifies?
According to the City (pensioner rebates page):
- You must be at least 60.
- You must own the property and live in it.
- The property must be residential, with one dwelling.
- The rebate covers one property only, even if you own more.
- It covers property rates only, not electricity, water or refuse.
Owners who became pensioners because of an injury on duty, and owners of a registered long-term lease, may also apply (City of Johannesburg).
Your municipal account must not be in arrears unless you have an approved payment arrangement or have lodged a formal dispute (media release).
What documents do you need?
For ages 60 to 69, the City asks for (application form):
- A certified copy of your ID, not older than three months
- Your last three months' bank statements
- Certified proof of monthly income, or a certified copy of your SASSA card
- Your most recent SARS income tax assessment
For 70 and older, a certified copy of your ID is listed (City of Johannesburg). Only signed forms with all the documents are processed (application form).
How to apply
- Download the form: ages 60 to 69 or ages 70 and older.
- Or ask for the form by email at [email protected], or collect one at a City customer service centre.
- Hand in the completed form at any City customer service centre and make sure you get a reference number attached to it (City of Johannesburg).
The rebate starts from the date you apply, unless otherwise stated, so it pays to apply as soon as you qualify (City of Johannesburg).
Already getting the rebate?
You do not need to reapply. The City says existing approved rebates continue automatically until 30 June 2027 (media release). If your income or circumstances change, you must tell the City (application form).
In 2025/26 the City gave rebates to 38,308 pensioner homeowners, worth more than R329.8 million (media release).
Living in Cape Town? See the Cape Town pensioner rates rebate and its 30 November deadline.
FAQ
Can SASSA grant recipients get the Joburg rates rebate?
Yes. City Power said on 13 November 2026 that SASSA recipients can apply, and the City accepts a certified copy of a SASSA card as proof of income.
What is the income limit for the Joburg pensioner rebate?
For ages 60 to 69, R13,519 or less a month gets 100% and up to R23,172 gets 50%. There is no income limit for 70 and older.
Do I need to reapply every year?
No. Existing approved rebates continue automatically until 30 June 2027, the City says. New applicants must apply.
Is there a deadline to apply in Johannesburg?
The City does not list one, but the rebate applies from the date you apply, so apply as soon as you qualify.