R750 Energy Relief – In a powerful move aimed at protecting South Africa’s most financially vulnerable citizens, the government has officially announced the launch of a R750 Energy Relief Grant, beginning June 5, 2025. This vital intervention is designed to help eligible households manage the increasing burden of electricity, water, and municipal utility bills in an era of rising costs and ongoing economic challenges. With load shedding, municipal tariff hikes, and inflation creating stress across income levels, this relief is expected to bring massive monthly support to millions of low-income families across the country. The program is being rolled out by SASSA in partnership with municipalities and Eskom, with a focus on those struggling to pay for energy and basic utilities.
Who Is Eligible for the R750 Energy Relief?
The R750 Energy Relief is for South African citizens or permanent residents earning below R5,000 monthly. Applicants must not receive other SASSA grants (except child support), and must provide valid ID, proof of address, utility bills, and income documents. The grant supports households struggling with rising electricity and utility costs.
Eligibility is targeted to ensure the grant reaches households most in need. If you or your family is facing financial distress and struggling to pay monthly utility bills, you may qualify under the following conditions:
- You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- The total monthly household income should be less than R5,000
- The applicant must not be receiving any other SASSA grant, with the exception of child support grants
- Must have an active municipal utility account, or verifiable shared meter usage
- Must provide valid proof of residence
- Applicants must reside in a formal or informal housing structure with access to electricity or utilities
Important Notes on Eligibility
- If your household receives free basic electricity (FBE), you can still apply if your total energy costs exceed R600/month.
- Applicants in rural areas with prepaid systems are also eligible, provided they meet the income and documentation criteria.
Documents Required
To successfully apply for the R750 Energy Relief Grant, applicants must provide valid and up-to-date documents that prove their identity, income status, and utility expenses. These documents help SASSA and local municipalities verify eligibility and ensure the grant reaches those truly in need. Incomplete or incorrect documentation will lead to immediate rejection, so it’s essential to prepare everything carefully before submitting your application.
To avoid rejection or delay, prepare and upload the following documents:
| Document Type | Required Format | Use |
|---|---|---|
| South African ID | Copy & Original | Identity verification |
| Proof of Income | Payslip/Bank statement | Confirms financial status |
| Utility Bill | Municipal/Eskom bill | Verifies utility expenses |
| Proof of Address | Lease/Affidavit | Verifies location |
| Bank Statement (3 months) | Recent transaction log | Shows financial hardship |
| Declaration of Unemployment | Signed affidavit | For unemployed individuals |
Applications without full documentation will be automatically rejected.
How to Apply for the R750 Monthly Utility Grant
You can apply either online from the comfort of your home or by visiting your nearest municipality, ward councillor, or SASSA service center.
Online Application Process
- Go to the official SASSA portal or your local municipality’s official website
- Click on the link marked “R750 Energy Relief Grant”
- Complete the digital application form
- Upload all required documents (PDF/clear image format)
- Submit and save your application reference number
The application portal will remain open throughout the year, and approvals will be processed in 14 working days, subject to volume.
Offline Application Process
For those without internet access:
- Visit a local municipal energy office, ward office, or SASSA branch
- Ask for the Energy Relief Application Form
- Fill in the form with clear, legible handwriting
- Attach hard copies of supporting documents
- Submit at the desk and collect an acknowledgment receipt
You can track your application status by calling SASSA’s toll-free line or by checking on the municipal website under “Application Tracker.”
Reapplication & Revalidation
- Reapplications can be made after 6 months
- Applicants must revalidate documents annually to continue receiving benefits
Who Will Receive the Most Benefit from the Energy Relief?
Target Groups That Qualify for Support
The energy relief grant is strategically designed to benefit vulnerable households most affected by economic instability and energy poverty. These include:
- Pensioners not receiving old age grants
- Unemployed adults or youth without any income
- Families living in government-subsidized RDP houses
- Residents of informal settlements with prepaid meters
- Single mothers managing households on child support grants
- Households caring for persons with disabilities
- People dependent on electrical medical devices (e.g., oxygen machines)
Common Beneficiaries & Their Relief Estimates
| Household Type | Avg Monthly Utility Bill | Energy Relief Support | Out-of-Pocket Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pensioner Couple | R880 | R750 | R130 |
| Family of Four (Low Income) | R1,150 | R750 | R400 |
| Informal Settlement Resident | R620 | R620 | R0 |
| Single Parent on Child Grant | R800 | R750 | R50 |
| Disabled Person’s Household | R1,600 | R750 | R850 |
| Youth-Headed Household | R730 | R730 | R0 |
| Medical Equipment Dependent Household | R1,500 | R750 | R750 |
This grant will cover up to 90% of total monthly utility costs for most qualifying households.
Grant Distribution Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 5, 2025 | Applications Open Nationwide |
| June 10, 2025 | First Batch of Applications Reviewed |
| June 20, 2025 | First Approvals & Payment Notifications Sent |
| June 25, 2025 | First Payments Begin |
| Ongoing | Monthly Disbursement on the 25th of Each Month |
How to Track Your Application Status
Tracking Options
- Visit your local municipality’s grant portal and enter your application reference number
- Call SASSA customer service
- Walk-in queries at the municipal energy relief desk
- Receive status updates via SMS or email notifications
How Will You Receive the R750 Energy Grant?
The payment system has been designed for flexibility and accessibility:
| Payment Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Sent directly to your bank account |
| CashSend Option | Collect cash using ID & cellphone number at major banks |
| Municipal Voucher | Redeemable against utility bill or prepaid electricity |
Recipients will receive their first R750 payout by June 25, provided they apply early and are approved in time.
The R750 Energy Relief Grant is one of the most targeted support mechanisms launched in recent times. It will ease the load for households dealing with electricity cuts, water shortages, and the ever-rising costs of municipal services. Whether you’re a pensioner trying to keep the lights on or a young adult struggling to pay your first utility bills, this relief could be your safety net. Apply without delay from June 5 and ensure your home stays powered, your water flows, and your financial stress goes down.
Departmental Contact Details
If you have questions or need help during the application, contact the relevant departments below:
| Department/Office | Phone Number | Email Address | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA Call Centre | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
| Eskom National Support | 0860 037 566 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm |
| City of Tshwane Grants | 012 358 9999 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm |
| Cape Town Utility Office | 021 444 6111 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
| Buffalo City Municipality | 043 705 9100 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm |
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered
How long will the grant last?
The grant is valid for 12 months, subject to review and possible extension depending on government funding and performance evaluations.
Can I receive the energy grant along with other benefits?
Only recipients of the child support grant may receive both. Recipients of old age pension, disability, or care dependency grants are not eligible for this energy relief.
What happens if I move to another province?
You will need to update your residence details with SASSA. Benefits are tied to municipal service records.
Can I get the grant if I live in a shared household?
Yes, but you must provide a signed affidavit and breakdown of household utility expenses to show your proportional responsibility.
What if I was rejected before?
You may reapply 30 days after rejection, but only if your circumstances have changed or you can provide improved documentation.