R500 Free Electricity Vouchers – South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries have something to celebrate this August 2025. In a move to provide much-needed relief amid rising utility costs, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), in collaboration with SASSA and Eskom, has launched a special electricity support program. Under this initiative, eligible social grant recipients will receive R500 worth of free electricity vouchers – but only if they apply before the strict deadline of 5 August 2025. The government has recognized that many low-income households are still struggling with the cost of electricity, especially during the cold winter months. This once-off electricity voucher is meant to ease the burden for millions of families reliant on SASSA grants like the SRD R370, Old Age Pension, Disability Grant, and Child Support Grant. The R500 voucher will be distributed via prepaid electricity codes redeemable at approved retailers and electricity vendors. To benefit from the voucher, beneficiaries must complete a simple verification and application process through their nearest SASSA office or designated online platform. It is important to note that only one voucher will be issued per qualifying household, and only if the application is submitted before the 5 August deadline. This article breaks down the full eligibility criteria, application process, voucher redemption methods, deadlines, and official contact points. It also includes frequently asked questions and a complete reference table of provinces, vendors, and key dates.
Who Qualifies for the R500 Free Electricity Voucher?
This electricity voucher is not automatically issued. Only verified SASSA beneficiaries who meet the criteria below will receive it.
- Must be an active SASSA beneficiary as of July 2025
- Household income must fall below R4,000 per month
- Only one voucher per household will be approved
- Applicant must be the primary grant recipient or account holder
- Valid prepaid electricity meter number is required
- Must reside in a participating municipality or Eskom-supplied area
R500 Free Electricity Vouchers – List of Eligible SASSA Grants
Below are the types of grants that make a household eligible for this voucher:
- SRD R370 Grant (Social Relief of Distress)
- Old Age Pension Grant
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- War Veterans Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
How to Apply for the R500 Free Electricity Vouchers Before 5 August 2025
Eligible beneficiaries must submit their application before midnight on 5 August 2025. The process is easy and available through online and offline channels.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID and prepaid meter number
- OR go to the official SASSA electricity voucher portal: www.sassa.gov.za/voucher
- Fill out the application form and verify your SASSA grant details
- Enter your prepaid meter number and confirm your municipality
- Submit the form and wait for SMS confirmation
Required Documents for R500 Free Electricity Vouchers
Make sure to keep these documents ready:
- Valid South African ID
- Proof of SASSA grant (e.g., grant card, SMS, or payment slip)
- Prepaid meter number (located on your electricity token slip)
- Proof of residence (municipality bill or Eskom bill)
Where to Redeem the Electricity Vouchers
Once approved, beneficiaries will receive a voucher code via SMS or printed slip, which can be redeemed at designated retailers or online vendors.
List of Approved Voucher Redemption Outlets
| Redemption Outlet | Type | Location Available | Operation Hours | Online/Offline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoprite | Retail Store | Nationwide | 8 AM – 6 PM | Offline |
| Checkers | Retail Store | Nationwide | 8 AM – 6 PM | Offline |
| Boxer | Retail Store | Nationwide | 8 AM – 5 PM | Offline |
| Pick n Pay | Retail Store | Nationwide | 8 AM – 8 PM | Offline |
| Eskom Online Portal | Web Platform | Eskom supplied areas only | 24/7 | Online |
| EasyPay Kiosks | Digital Kiosk | Urban malls | 9 AM – 6 PM | Offline |
| FNB eWallet Platform | Mobile App | Nationwide | 24/7 | Online |
| Kazang Vendors | Local Spaza Shops | Townships & Rural Areas | 7 AM – 7 PM | Offline |
Important Dates and Deadlines You Must Know
This program operates within a strict timeline. Late applications will not be considered.
Voucher Program Timeline – August 2025
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 20 July 2025 | Open to all qualifying SASSA beneficiaries |
| Application Deadline | 5 August 2025 | No extensions will be granted |
| Voucher Approval Notification | 6-10 August 2025 | SMS sent to registered phone numbers |
| Voucher Redemption Window | 6-31 August 2025 | Must be used before 31 August 2025 |
| Final Expiry of Voucher Code | 31 August 2025 | Code becomes invalid after this date |
Departmental Contact Details for Queries and Support
If you need assistance with your voucher application or redemption process, you can contact the following offices directly.
SASSA Regional Support Contacts
| Province | SASSA Office Helpline | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 011 241 8320 | [email protected] |
| Western Cape | 021 469 0200 | [email protected] |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 033 846 3400 | [email protected] |
| Eastern Cape | 043 707 6300 | [email protected] |
| Free State | 051 410 8339 | [email protected] |
| Limpopo | 015 291 7500 | [email protected] |
| Mpumalanga | 013 754 9334 | [email protected] |
| North West | 018 397 3333 | [email protected] |
| Northern Cape | 053 802 4900 | [email protected] |
For electricity-specific queries:
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
Customer Service: 012 406 8000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.energy.gov.za
Eskom Direct Helpdesk
Call Centre: 08600 37566
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eskom.co.za
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Beneficiaries who fail to apply before 5 August 2025 will not receive the R500 electricity voucher. The program operates on a “first-verified, first-served” basis, and all applications must be submitted by the set date. No grace period will be given, even in case of system errors or late submissions.
Can You Apply If You Already Receive Free Basic Electricity (FBE)?
Yes. This voucher is an additional once-off benefit, not a replacement for your FBE. You can apply for both, but they will not be merged. FBE remains available as per municipality rules, while the R500 voucher is separately funded by the DMRE for August only.
What If My Meter Number Is Not Working or Invalid?
If your meter number is rejected during the application process, contact Eskom or your local municipality immediately. Only verified prepaid meter numbers are eligible. You will need to validate your account with your latest electricity token or receipt.
This free electricity voucher is a welcome relief for millions of SASSA grant holders trying to manage winter costs. Don’t miss the opportunity—apply by 5 August 2025 and claim your R500 voucher before it expires.
FAQs of R500 Free Electricity Vouchers
Q1. Can I apply for the voucher if I live in a household with more than one SASSA recipient?
Only one voucher will be issued per household, even if there are multiple SASSA recipients.
Q2. Will I still get the voucher if I use post-paid electricity instead of prepaid?
No. This voucher is only for prepaid electricity users with a valid meter number.
Q3. How will I receive the voucher if my phone number is not registered with SASSA?
Visit your nearest SASSA office to update your phone number before applying.
Q4. Is the R500 voucher taxable or deductible from my next grant?
No, the voucher is a non-taxable, once-off support benefit and will not affect your monthly SASSA grant.
Q5. Can I share my voucher code with someone else?
No. The voucher is linked to your ID and meter number. It cannot be transferred or resold.