Lekwa Municipality helps with indigent applications
an indigent household is one that qualifies for financial assistance due to low income and limited means to pay for municipal services.
The Lekwa Local Municipality (LLM) is actively assisting residents in applying for indigent status to ensure financial relief for those who qualify.
According to the LLM’s free basic services and indigent support policy, an indigent household is one that qualifies for financial assistance due to low income and limited means to pay for municipal services.
Who qualifies for indigent status?
Residents who may apply for indigent status include households with a combined income of less than R5 200 per month; child-headed households; and pensioners dependent on social grants.
Requirements and benefits
LLM communications officer, Lubabalo Majenge, explained that applicants must agree to install a 20-amp circuit breaker and a prepaid electricity meter. Additionally, households must meet the following consumption limits:
Water use: Below 6 kiloliters (Kl) per month.
Electricity use: Below 300 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.
If a household exceeds these limits for three consecutive months, their indigent status will be re-evaluated, and restrictions may be applied. Furthermore, account holders must be registered occupants of the property receiving municipal services.
Pensioner subsidies
- Pensioners can qualify for subsidies based on their income:
- 100% subsidy – pensioners fully dependent on government grants.
- 50% subsidy – pensioners earning between R5 201 and R10 000 per month.
- 25% subsidy – pensioners earning between R10 001 and R13 000 per month.
Application process and required documents
- To apply, residents must be registered in the municipal indigent database and submit the following documents:
- A certified copy of their ID.
- Proof of residence.
- Latest bank statement.
- Households granted indigent status will undergo a review every 12 months to ensure continued eligibility.
“Indigent households may receive a 100% rebate on assessment rates, and their municipal arrears may be written off with Council approval,” Majenge added.
Registration dates
- Indigent registrations will continue throughout February, with upcoming opportunities as follows:
- Ward 6: February 18 and 19.
- Ward 10: February 24 at the municipality’s main administrative building.
Residents who qualify are encouraged to apply to benefit from the available financial relief programs.
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