Veronica is a single, divorced parent supporting three children. She earns R2 500 per month doing odd domestic duties. She has never received a housing subsidy before and would now like to apply. Will she qualify and how can she apply for a subsidy?

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

The law says that a person may apply for an individual housing subsidy if they are South African, over 21 years of age and earning between R0-R3 500 R0-R3 500 per month. The person must also either be married or single but with dependants, they cannot have owned a house or property anywhere in South Africa, and may not have received a housing subsidy in the past. According to these criteria it seems that Veronica will qualify for an individual housing subsidy.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Veronica can apply to the local council housing department for a housing subsidy. She will have to take the following documents with her:

• Identity document,
• Birth certificates of her children,
• Her divorce papers
• Recent payslip as proof of income. (See Individual Subsidy: Buying a house as an individual household)