How to qualify for Free Basic Electricity (FBE)

1.6 million South Africans are currently missing out on their Free Basic Electricity (FBE) allowance.

Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirmed these figures in June 2026.

The government is accordingly working to close this gap, giving eligible South Africans a golden opportunity to apply.

What Free Basic Electricity is

FBE is a national government programme delivered through municipalities and Eskom that gives qualifying low-income households a set amount of free electricity each month.

The standard allocation is 50 kWh per household per month.

The South African government introduced the programme in 2003 to support unemployed, low-earning, destitute, and elderly households.

FBE forms part of a wider basket of free basic services for indigent households.

That basket also includes 6 000 litres of free water per household each month.

According to Eskom, 50 kWh covers genuine daily essentials in a small home.

It can power four light bulbs for four hours and a television for three hours.

It also covers a fridge, a cellphone charger for the day, and a short period of ironing.

Challenges with accessing FBE

The free electricity allowance in South Africa lacks popularity despite its blatant benefits.

While Eskom advertises it on its website, it does not explicitly provide detailed steps for South Africans to obtain it.

According to their site, “customers are advised to contact their local municipal offices and enquire about their qualifying status”.

Eskom will then check eligibility once the customers have been configured on the billing system.

In short, it is more complex than, for example, the online SASSA system.

Checking if you can claim Free Basic Electricity in South Africa

Only those living in indigent households can claim the FBE.

This means that people have to be earning less than a set monthly amount.

The amount is not specified anywhere, as it changes depending on the local municipality’s requirements.

To find out whether you qualify based on income, ask your local municipality for the current income threshold they use.

This way, you can get the most up-to-date information for your area and take the next steps confidently.

The City of Cape Town is one of the few municipalities with clear guidelines.

It allows people to receive indigent support if their monthly income is below R7 500.

The required documentation is the same as that needed to register for free basic services.

Municipalities have different dynamics and thus have a variety of methods to identify indigents.

The following are the most commonly used methods:

• Whether the applicant is a bona fide South African citizen, with a valid identification document
• If the applicant is not a South African citizen, do they have recognised refugee status
• Is the applicant residing in a dwelling (formal or informal)
• Is the combined monthly household income below the income poverty thresholds as set by the municipal indigent by-law
• Applicant to submit proof that they cannot afford to pay (UIF card, bank statements, proof of income, letter from employer confirming salary or wages)

It is also recommended that you bring along documentation like:

• Identity documents
• Birth certificates
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income
• A letter of recommendation from recognised local structures or leaders
• Latest municipal accounts
• Sworn statements/affidavits or declaration from the applicant

And all such documents must be certified.

How to claim your free units each month

Prepaid customers claim their FBE token at a local vendor every month.

You can also claim it by dialling *130*869# or *130*269# from your phone.

You can claim your free token without buying any additional electricity first.

Free units are released on the first of every month.

Claim early in the month, since each token is valid for that calendar month.

Each household may claim only one FBE token per month.

Conventional meter customers receive the free units as a monthly credit on their account.

Energy-saving habits, such as efficient lightbulbs, help your 50 kWh stretch further.

Quick reference and official contacts

For eligibility and registration, contact your local municipality directly.

Eskom-supplied customers can call the Eskom customer care line on 0860 037 566.

You can also confirm your status through Eskom once your municipality has registered you.

Registration costs nothing, and your free allocation continues for as long as you qualify.

Free Basic Electricity is a benefit you can claim once you meet the criteria.

If you meet the requirements above, your next step is a visit to your municipality.