Free 600 Electricity Units – In a major relief for millions of low-income households across South Africa, the government has announced that all approved SASSA grant beneficiaries will be eligible to receive 600 units of free electricity during the month of July 2025. This benefit, however, is not automatic—qualifying individuals must submit an online or in-person application before July 12, 2025, or risk missing out on this essential support. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, in coordination with Eskom and local municipalities, is extending the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) program to include a limited-time expanded benefit of 600 units for July only. Typically, the FBE program provides 50–100 free units per month, but this special initiative was launched due to severe winter loadshedding, rising energy costs, and increased financial strain on SASSA recipients. Beneficiaries of the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, and Care Dependency Grant are eligible—provided they update their information and verify their prepaid meter number with their municipality or Eskom. The extra 600 units can significantly reduce monthly costs and ensure consistent power supply during the coldest month of the year. If you or your family members receive a SASSA grant, this article provides a complete breakdown of who qualifies, how to apply, key dates, what documents are required, and what to expect after submission.
Who Is Eligible for the Free 600 Electricity Units in July?
Only verified SASSA grant holders who meet specific requirements will be approved.
- Must be an active SASSA grant recipient (any type)
- Must have a registered prepaid electricity meter
- Monthly household income must not exceed R3,500
- Electricity supply must be under Eskom or participating municipalities
- Must submit an application by 12 July 2025
- Must not have already received more than 100 FBE units in July
Free 600 Electricity Units – List of Qualifying SASSA Grants
The following types of grant recipients are eligible for this electricity relief:
- Old Age Grant
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- War Veteran’s Grant
- Grant-in-Aid
Application Process for Free 600 Electricity Units
Applicants must complete a simple registration process online or at their nearest municipality service centre. The verification can be completed in less than 10 minutes if documents are ready.
- Visit your local municipality office or the Eskom FBE registration portal
- Provide your South African ID or SASSA Card
- Provide your prepaid electricity meter number
- Show proof of residence (municipal account, utility bill, or letter from a ward councillor)
- Submit a copy of your latest SASSA payment receipt or SMS
- Sign and submit the application form
Where to Apply for the Free 600 Electricity Units
Depending on your electricity supplier, application venues vary. Here’s how to identify where to apply:
- Eskom Customers: Apply via the [Eskom Free Basic Electricity portal] or visit Eskom customer service points.
- Municipal Customers: Apply through the local municipal FBE department.
- In-person help: Ward councillor offices, Thusong service centres, and selected SASSA offices.
Required Documents for Application
Make sure you carry or upload the following documents during application:
- South African ID or valid SASSA card
- Recent municipal bill or proof of address
- Prepaid meter slip or meter number
- SASSA grant payment SMS or proof of payment
Once your application is submitted and verified, you’ll receive a token by SMS or printout that can be entered into your prepaid meter.
Important Dates and Deadlines for July 2025
All steps must be completed before July 12, 2025, to avoid missing the July benefit.
| Activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 July 2025 |
| Applications Close | 12 July 2025 |
| Verification by Municipalities Ends | 14 July 2025 |
| SMS Token Distribution Begins | 15 July 2025 |
| Token Expiry Date | 30 July 2025 |
| Meter Loading Must Be Completed By | 31 July 2025 |
How Many Units Will You Get Based on Your Usage?
Not all households will get the full 600 units; allocation may vary slightly.
| Type of Grant Holder | Average Monthly Units | July Bonus Units | Total July Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | 100 | 500 | 600 |
| Disability Grant | 75 | 525 | 600 |
| Child Support Grant | 50 | 550 | 600 |
| Foster Child Grant | 100 | 500 | 600 |
| Care Dependency Grant | 75 | 525 | 600 |
| War Veteran’s Grant | 100 | 500 | 600 |
| Grant-in-Aid | 50 | 550 | 600 |
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you fail to register by 12 July 2025:
- You will not be eligible for the additional 600 units
- You will only receive your regular FBE allowance (50–100 units)
- You cannot reapply for July; no exceptions or late grace period
Can This Offer Be Extended?
While there’s public pressure to extend the 600-unit offer into August, the government has not confirmed any extension. The July 2025 round is considered a once-off winter intervention.
If the July rollout is successful, similar programs might be considered for December 2025 or early 2026.
What If You Already Used FBE This Month?
Even if you’ve already used 50–100 free units this month, you’re still eligible for the extra 500+ units under this special scheme—as long as you apply and qualify again.
You must complete a separate application to receive the additional units.
Additional Benefits for SASSA Grant Holders This Month
July 2025 comes with multiple support measures in place for vulnerable South Africans. Here’s a quick look at other schemes active this month:
| Support Measure | Description | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 600 Free Electricity Units | For SASSA beneficiaries | 12 July 2025 |
| Double Foster Child Grant Payment | Extra R1,250 payout | Paid from 3 July |
| Grocery Voucher Pilot | Free R500 voucher for select rural families | Ongoing |
| Free School Uniform Drive | For households receiving Child Support Grant | Until 28 July |
| Local Travel Subsidy | Up to R300 refund for SASSA cardholders | Until 15 July |
This program is a rare opportunity for SASSA beneficiaries to receive expanded energy relief during a tough winter month. With only a few days left until the 12 July 2025 deadline, it’s crucial to act quickly. Make sure your documents are ready, your meter number is correct, and your application is submitted in time. Don’t let this chance for 600 free electricity units slip away.
FAQs of Free 600 Electricity Units
Q1: Can I apply if I rent and don’t have a meter?
A: No. You must have access to a prepaid meter registered under your name or residence.
Q2: Can I apply for more than one SASSA grant type?
A: You can apply once per household regardless of how many grants are received.
Q3: How long does approval take?
A: Approvals are generally processed within 48–72 hours.
Q4: Can I receive the free units as a cash payout?
A: No. Units are only delivered via prepaid electricity vouchers or SMS token.
Q5: Is this program available in all provinces?
A: Yes, but only municipalities who have registered under the FBE extension are eligible.
Q6: Will I receive a confirmation SMS?
A: Yes. If approved, a message with your free electricity token will be sent to your registered number.
Q7: What if I lose the SMS?
A: You can request a resend from your local FBE registration point or call Eskom’s helpdesk.