There is no single national online application for Free Basic Electricity. Municipalities deliver the benefit through their own indigent-support rules and means tests, even where Eskom supplies the electricity. Find the municipality for the property, check whether it offers an online, email or in-person indigent application, and use that municipality’s current form and evidence list.
What to do
A safe route from question to action
Find the responsible municipalityUse the address where the electricity is supplied, not only the account holder’s current location. If Eskom supplies the property, the municipality still funds and determines local Free Basic Electricity implementation.
Open the indigent-support routeSearch the municipality’s official website for indigent support or free basic services. Some metros accept digital forms; others require a customer centre, municipal office or ward route.
Prepare the local evidenceCommon requests include identity, household income, municipal or Eskom account, address and prepaid-meter details, but the exact checklist and income threshold are municipal.
Submit and keep proofUse the official channel, save the receipt or reference and ask how the free units are collected or reflected after approval.
Renew when requiredIndigent registers are reviewed. Follow the municipality’s renewal and verification rules so an existing allocation does not lapse unexpectedly.
Check your situation
See who may qualify and what to do next
Common questions
Direct answers
Can I apply for free basic electricity online?
Only where the responsible municipality provides an online or digital indigent-support route. There is no single national application form.
How many free electricity units do I get?
The national government guide describes 50 kWh a month for a qualifying grid-connected household, but municipalities implement local policies and can differ. Check the current local rule.
What if Eskom supplies my electricity?
National guidance says local government remains responsible for Free Basic Electricity implementation and can arrange delivery through Eskom. Apply through the municipality’s indigent-support process.