How to apply for RDP Housing – Housing for Underprivileged in South Africa

Everyone dreams of owning their very own home, and for many that dream can become a reality with the aid of RDP and government-subsidized houses. The South African government has established a subsidized housing programme for all South African citizens, formally known as RDP houses. The RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) allows beneficiaries the opportunity to have their very own, fully built house completely free of charge. However, beneficiaries of these RDP houses are still required to pay municipal rates such as water, electricity, and/or other service charges.

What is RDP housing?

RDP housing is a government programme that ensures underprivileged people can live in decent homes. The late Nelson Mandela established the RDP programme in 1994 with the aim of promoting South Africa’s social and economic growth. To date, the government still runs this project with the application process being completely free.

Who qualifies for RDP houses?

The National Housing Subsidy Scheme’s requirements for RDP beneficiaries are listed below:

Applicants must be a South African citizen
Applicants must be 21 years or older
Applicants must be contractually capable (mentally able to sign a contract)
Applicants must be married OR habitually live with a partner OR be single and have financial dependents
Applicants must earn less than R3500.01 per month (per household)
Applicants must be a first time government subsidiary recipient
Applicants must be a first time home owner

RDP Housing is also available to single Military Veterans without financial dependent

How to apply for RDP Housing

Applications for RDP Housing can be done online or in-person.

For online applications:

Step 1: Visit Human Settlements System Online
Step 2: Click on “Register” to create an account
Step 3: Once you have registered your account, log into the RDP online application portal
Step 4: Select “New Application”
Step 5: Fill in and verify your details
Step 6: Submit your application

For in-person applications:

If you are a qualifying citizen, visit your nearest Provincial Department of Human Settlements/ Local Municipality.
You will then be given an RDP housing subsidy application form.
To complete the application form, you will need to register with the Municipal Housing Demands Database/ National Housing Needs Register (this will depend on your location).
You will then be listed on the waiting list and receive a Form C that will indicate your application date and number (this information is vital as you will need these details during the RDP housing status check).
Be sure to photocopy a few copies of the below documents and certify them at your nearest magistrates’ court/ police station/ before submitting a copy to the satellite office.

Please note, this government does not charge and application fee for this programme.

Read RDP Housing Questions and Answers here

What documents do you require for your application?

Your Identity Document
Your spouse/ partner’s Identity Document
Your children’s birth certificates
Proof of income of all employed individuals (such as a payslip)

When will you receive the outcome of your housing subsidy?

The waiting lists for RDP Housing is a locally driven initiative, meaning that the waiting period differs in each community. Housing development usually happens within a planned and prioritised process, whereby the local conditions decide which areas should receive assistance first. Housing development does take time and usually spans across two years before a house is ready to be inhibited.

How do you check your housing subsidy status?

You can check the status of your RDP housing application in either of the following ways:
Online:

Visit Human Settlements System Online
Insert your ID number into the “My Housing Subsidy” search box
The next screen will show the progress of your application

Telephone: call the Housing Hotline number on 0800 146 873 and follow the prompts
Email: the Department of Human Settlements at info@dhs.gov.za
In-person: visit your nearest housing provincial office with your Form C.

Where can I find a Department of Human Settlements in my province?

Eastern Cape branch: Steve Tshwete House, 31-33 Phillip Frame Road, Waverly Park, Chiselhurst (Tel: 043 711 9901 / 043 7112 / 043 7113)
Free State branch: 7th Floor, OR Tambo House, Cnr Markgraaff & St Andrews Streets, Bloemfontein, 9300 (Tel: 051 403 3379 / 051 403 3392)
Gauteng branch: 11 Diagonal Street, Marshalltown, 2107 (Tel: 011 355 4000)
KwaZulu-Natal branch: 353-363 Pixley kaSeme Street, Durban, 4001 / 203 Church Street, Pietermartizburg, 3201 (Tel: 031 336 5300 / 033 392 6400)
Limpopo branch: Hensa Towers Building, 28 Market Street & 20 Rabe Street, Polokwane, 0700 (Tel: 015 284 5000)
Mpumalanga branch: 7 Government Boulevard, Building 6 & 7, Riverside Park, Mbombela, 1200 (Tel: 013 766 6088)
North West branch: 1st Floor West Wing, University Drive, Garona Building (Tel: 018 388 5176)
Northern Cape branch: Larry Moleko Louw Building, 9 Cecil Sussman Street, Kimberley, 8301 (Tel: 053 830 9400 / 053 830 9422 / 053 830 9425)
Western Cape branch: 27 Wale Street, Cape Town, 8001 (Tel: 021 483 6488 / 021 483 3112 / 021 483 0623 / 021 483 0611).

Stay tuned for our next article, where we will discuss and answer some FAQ’s relating to RDP housing.

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QUERIES AND CONTACT

For any further queries, please contact SASSA directly:
Contact the SASSA Toll Free Call centre on: 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on: 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: SASSA contact details