The South African Department of Human Settlements provides different housing assistance programmes to help qualifying households access affordable and adequate housing. These programmes include fully subsidised government housing as well as housing finance assistance for qualifying households in the lower-income and affordable housing markets.
If you are looking for information about government housing, an RDP/BNG house, or a housing subsidy, it is important to understand the qualifying requirements and the correct application process before submitting your information.
Government Housing Subsidy
A fully subsidised government house is intended for qualifying low-income households that meet the requirements of the government housing programme.
According to the Department of Human Settlements, applicants for a government-subsidised house must meet specific eligibility requirements. The programme is commonly associated with RDP or BNG housing.
Who Qualifies for a Government Subsidised House?
Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen or otherwise meet the lawful residency requirements of the applicable housing programme.
- Be 18 years or older and legally competent to enter into a contract.
- Be married or habitually cohabit with a partner, where applicable.
- Be single and have financial dependants, where applicable.
- Have a household income within the qualifying income range for the fully subsidised housing programme.
- Be a first-time beneficiary of a government housing subsidy.
- Generally be a first-time homeowner for a fully subsidised housing opportunity.
The Department of Human Settlements currently states that the income requirement for a fully subsidised government house is a household income of less than R3,500.01 per month.
Important: The R7,000 Figure
Some websites and social media posts publish an income limit of R7,000 for government housing applications. Applicants should be careful when relying on older information.
The current Department of Human Settlements FAQ states that applicants for a government-subsidised house must earn less than R3,500.01 per month per household.
Because housing policies and income thresholds can be reviewed by government, applicants should always confirm the latest requirements with their Provincial Department of Human Settlements or municipality before applying.
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Applicants should prepare the documents required to assess their housing application. The Department of Human Settlements lists important documents such as:
- Identity documents of the applicant and spouse, where applicable.
- Birth certificates of children and other relevant dependants.
- Proof of income if the applicant is employed, such as a salary slip.
- Other supporting documents that may be requested by the relevant provincial department or municipality.
Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the specific housing programme.
Where Can You Apply for Government Housing?
Applications for government-subsidised housing are handled through the relevant government housing structures. Applicants can approach:
- The Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
- Their local municipality.
Applicants should use official government channels and should not pay an individual or unofficial organisation to secure a government house.
How to Check Your Housing Subsidy Information
The Department of Human Settlements provides housing information and support through its official channels. Applicants can use the department’s online services where applicable or contact the department directly for assistance.
Applicants should have their identification and relevant application information available when making an enquiry.
Housing Hotline
For housing-related enquiries, applicants can contact the Department of Human Settlements through the national housing call centre.
Housing Hotline: 0800 146 873
Email: info@dhs.gov.za
First Home Finance for Households Earning More Than the Full Subsidy Income Limit
Not every household earning more than the fully subsidised housing threshold is automatically excluded from government housing assistance.
The Department of Human Settlements also has a programme known as First Home Finance. This programme is aimed at qualifying first-time homeowners in the affordable housing or “gap market”.
According to the Department of Human Settlements, qualifying households can generally have a monthly income between R3,501 and R22,000, subject to the programme’s other requirements.
First Home Finance is different from a fully subsidised RDP/BNG house. It can provide financial assistance towards qualifying first-home ownership, subject to the applicable requirements.
Who Can Qualify for First Home Finance?
Applicants for First Home Finance generally need to meet requirements such as:
- Being a South African citizen or qualifying permanent resident.
- Being over 18 years old and legally competent to enter into a contract.
- Being a first-time homeowner.
- Having not previously benefited from a government housing subsidy.
- Having a household income within the programme’s qualifying income range.
- Meeting the applicable requirements relating to the property and financing.
First Home Finance can be used for qualifying housing options, including purchasing a residential property or other approved housing options depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the programme requirements.
Do You Have to Pay to Apply for Government Housing?
Applicants should be extremely careful about anyone asking for money in exchange for a government house or promising to move an application to the front of a waiting list.
The Department of Human Settlements has warned the public about housing scams and fraudulent individuals who falsely claim to be government officials or who offer to arrange government-subsidised houses for a fee.
Applicants should use official government offices and official contact channels when applying for or checking a housing subsidy.
Housing Waiting Lists
Being eligible for a housing subsidy does not necessarily mean that a house will be provided immediately.
The Department of Human Settlements explains that housing waiting lists are locally driven and that waiting periods can differ between municipalities. Housing projects are planned and prioritised according to available developments and local housing needs.
Applicants should therefore keep their contact details and application information up to date and follow up with the relevant provincial department or municipality when necessary.
How to Apply for a Government Housing Subsidy
If you believe that you meet the requirements for a government housing subsidy, the safest approach is to contact your Provincial Department of Human Settlements or local municipality.
Take your required supporting documents with you and ask the housing office to explain the applicable application process for your circumstances.
For official information and housing programme details, visit the Department of Human Settlements official website.
Important Housing Application Advice
- Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you an RDP or government house.
- Do not share personal information with suspicious social media accounts or unofficial housing agents.
- Confirm housing information directly with your municipality or Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
- Keep copies of documents submitted with your housing application.
- Keep your contact information updated with the relevant housing authority.
- Check the latest government requirements before submitting an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for an RDP or fully subsidised government house?
Applicants generally need to meet the government’s housing subsidy requirements, including citizenship or lawful residency requirements, legal capacity, the applicable household income limit, and first-time beneficiary requirements.
How much must I earn to qualify for a fully subsidised government house?
The Department of Human Settlements currently states that the household income must be less than R3,500.01 per month for the fully subsidised government housing programme.
Can people earning more than R3,500 qualify for housing assistance?
Some households earning between R3,501 and R22,000 may qualify for First Home Finance, provided they meet the programme’s requirements. This is different from a fully subsidised government house.
Where do I apply?
Applicants can approach their Provincial Department of Human Settlements or local municipality for information about the applicable housing programme and application process.
How much does it cost to apply for an RDP house?
Applicants should be cautious of anyone demanding money in exchange for access to a government-subsidised house. The Department of Human Settlements has warned the public about housing scams.
How long does a housing application take?
There is no single waiting period that applies to every applicant. Waiting times can differ between municipalities and depend on housing projects, available units, planning and prioritisation.
Official Department of Human Settlements Contact Details
Department: Department of Human Settlements
Housing Hotline: 0800 146 873
Email: info@dhs.gov.za
Official Website: www.dhs.gov.za
Important Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information and guidance to help applicants understand government housing programmes. Eligibility, income thresholds, application procedures and programme requirements may change. Applicants should confirm their eligibility and the latest requirements directly with the Department of Human Settlements, their Provincial Department of Human Settlements or their local municipality.
Dontworry.co.za does not issue government houses, approve housing subsidies or guarantee that an applicant will receive a house. Applicants should not pay anyone who promises guaranteed access to a government housing opportunity.