R500 Free Electricity Vouchers – The South African government, in collaboration with local electricity distributors, has announced a new relief initiative that provides R500 free electricity vouchers to verified SASSA beneficiary households. This initiative, which begins rolling out in August 2025, is part of a broader energy support programme aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income families during the ongoing winter season. With rising electricity costs, load shedding, and increased household energy needs, many vulnerable South Africans are struggling to keep up with their monthly power bills. Recognizing this, the government is extending support beyond grants like the SRD R350 and child support grants, ensuring that basic utilities such as electricity are within reach of the most financially strained. This article provides a complete and updated guide for August 2025, including eligibility criteria, application process, how and where to redeem your voucher, and all official contact details for assistance. Whether you’re a pensioner, caregiver, or SRD recipient – if your household is registered with SASSA and verified, you could be eligible for this benefit. Let’s explore how to apply and benefit from the R500 free electricity voucher programme this August.
Who is Eligible for the R500 Free Electricity Vouchers?
Only verified households receiving SASSA assistance are eligible under the current roll-out plan. Here are the basic eligibility points:
- Must be a verified SASSA beneficiary (Old Age, Disability, Child Grant, SRD, etc.)
- Must reside in a low-income, prepaid electricity household
- Household must be registered under indigent support programme (in some municipalities)
- Must have a valid, registered prepaid meter number
- Must have not received similar utility relief in the past 3 months
- Only one voucher per household will be issued per month
- Mobile number and ID must match SASSA records for verification
Additional Conditions for 2025 Eligibility of R500 Free Electricity Vouchers
Besides basic criteria, the following changes apply specifically for August 2025 applicants:
- Households must have updated their SASSA records before 15 July 2025
- Only those who received grants in both June and July 2025 are eligible
- Households flagged for fraud or under review will be excluded
- Municipalities participating in the programme may differ – check your area
Step-by-Step Application Process for R500 Free Electricity Vouchers
To make the process simple for all, the application for the R500 electricity voucher can be done via mobile or in-person channels. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Dial 130869# on your mobile phone
- Step 2: Select “Electricity Voucher”
- Step 3: Enter your 13-digit South African ID number
- Step 4: Enter your 11-digit prepaid meter number
- Step 5: Choose your electricity provider or municipality
- Step 6: Wait for SMS confirmation with voucher code
- Step 7: Use the code at your local vendor or online portal
Important Notes During Application
- Application is FREE – do not pay anyone
- You must apply before 20 August 2025
- One phone number cannot be used for multiple households
- Keep your SMS voucher code safe – it cannot be reissued if lost
List of Participating Municipalities and Electricity Providers
Below is a list of areas and service providers currently part of the voucher programme. This list may expand during the month:
Province | Municipality | Electricity Provider | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Gauteng | City of Johannesburg | City Power | Active |
KwaZulu-Natal | eThekwini Municipality | eThekwini Electricity | Active |
Western Cape | City of Cape Town | City of Cape Town | Active |
Eastern Cape | Nelson Mandela Bay | NMB Electricity | Active |
Free State | Mangaung Metro | Mangaung Prepaid Unit | Active |
Limpopo | Polokwane Municipality | Eskom | Pending Approval |
Mpumalanga | Mbombela Municipality | Eskom | Active |
North West | Mahikeng | Eskom | Active |
How to Redeem the Electricity Voucher – Complete Guide
Once you have received the R500 voucher code, redeeming it is easy and can be done in several ways depending on your location and electricity provider.
Redemption Methods for Prepaid Users
- Use the code at any Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer, or Pick n Pay till point
- Load directly using the app of your electricity provider (City Power, Eskom, etc.)
- Use the voucher on vending machines in some municipalities
- If using online methods (municipal portals), follow on-screen instructions
Validity & Conditions of Use
- Voucher valid only until 31 August 2025
- If you use less than R500, the balance will remain for future recharges
- Vouchers are not transferable or exchangeable for cash
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Sometimes, applications or redemptions may face issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Most Reported Issues and Fixes
Issue | Reason | Solution |
---|---|---|
Code not received | Incorrect mobile number | Update number at SASSA office |
Code not working | Expired or previously used | Apply again next month |
Meter not accepting voucher | Incompatible meter or blocked meter | Visit local municipal office |
No response on USSD | High traffic or network downtime | Try again after 2 hours |
Voucher already claimed | Duplicate or shared meter registration | Report fraud on SASSA helpline |
“Not eligible” error | Unverified or missing documents | Visit SASSA branch to update records |
Official Contacts and Helplines for August 2025 Voucher Support
If you are facing issues or have queries regarding the R500 electricity voucher, you can contact the following official departments:
SASSA Contact Points
Department | Contact Number | Purpose | |
---|---|---|---|
SASSA Head Office | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] | General grant or eligibility queries |
Eskom Customer Care | 08600 37566 | [email protected] | Meter or recharge complaints |
City Power Support | 011 490 7484 | [email protected] | Code rejection or credit failure |
NERSA | 012 401 4600 | [email protected] | Electricity regulator – lodge complaint |
eThekwini Electricity | 080 311 1111 | [email protected] | Municipal energy support in KZN |
Cape Town Energy Dept | 0860 103 089 | [email protected] | Support for Western Cape applicants |
Limpopo Energy Hotline | 015 291 1700 | [email protected] | Area-specific voucher queries |
This initiative is a much-needed step toward energy affordability for South Africa’s most vulnerable communities. If you or someone you know is eligible, make sure to apply before the 20 August 2025 deadline and enjoy the relief it brings. Always rely on official government platforms and avoid middlemen or fraudsters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get the voucher even if I only receive the SRD grant?
Yes, SRD beneficiaries are included as long as your ID and mobile are verified.
2. What if I applied but did not receive any voucher code?
Recheck your application and mobile number; if incorrect, update at SASSA and reapply next month.
3. Can I give my voucher to a friend or neighbour?
No, the voucher is linked to your ID and meter number and is non-transferable.
4. Is this voucher available every month?
Currently, it’s part of the August 2025 relief plan. Further months depend on government budget and review.
5. Can I redeem this voucher if I am using conventional (non-prepaid) electricity?
No, only prepaid meter users are eligible under this programme.