Housing is a fundamental issue related to people’s well-being. That is why the governments in some countries are committed to solving housing issues for disadvantaged groups. For example, South Africa provides RDP House. In this passage, we are going to talk about what the RDP housing program is, how to apply for it, and how to check housing status online or offline after applying.
What is RDP Housing
RDP refers to the Reconstruction and Development Programme. RDP Housing is a housing support program launched by the South African government. It aims to address housing shortages among low-income communities, improve the living conditions of disadvantaged individuals, promote socio-economic development of the country, and redress historical injustices.
Who is Eligible for RDP House in South Africa
As a benefits scheme, the program is designed for limited groups of persons. To be qualified for RDP housing, applicants must satisfy the following requirements.
- The applicant must be a South African citizen.
- The monthly household earnings should not exceed the income threshold, like R3,500 or subject to province.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old. Specific age might vary from province to province.
- The applicant is mentally capable of signing a contract.
- The applicant is receiving government benefits for the first time.
- The applicant is a first-time homeowner.
- The applicant is married or habitually cohabiting with a partner. Or,
- The applicant is single with a dependent. Or,
- The applicant is a single military veteran without a dependant. Or,
- The applicant is a single senior without a dependant.
How to Apply for an RDP House in South Africa
All eligible individuals can apply for the RDP housing program online or in person. No matter which way you choose, you have to go through the following steps.
- Prepare the required documents, including proof of identity, proof of income, proof of residence, proof of residence, and additional documents based on your situation.
- Fill out the application form which can be obtained at the nearest provincial or municipal offices of the Department of Housing or be completed on the Housing Subsidy Portal.
- Submit the application form along with all supporting documents, after which you will be registered with the DPR Database.
- Receive a confirmation form that indicates the date and application number.
- Follow up on the application and respond to any extra requirements.
How to Check My RDP House Status Online
Keeping updated with the application status helps you learn whether your application is approved or rejected and whether additional documents are required. It is most convenient and efficient to check housing status online among all checking methods.
How can I check my RDP house status online? It could be done on the Housing Subsidy Portal (HSS) through the steps below.
- Visit the HSS online portal or RDP online portal (Subsidy Administration Portal) and click on the registration link at the top-right corner to create an account.
- Fill in the registration form. Make sure all required fields (red bounding box) are filled, including name, telephone number, and email. Enter the email OTP and set a password. Check the box next to “I have read and accept the terms and condition” and click on the “Accept” button. If you already have an account, skip this step and continue logging in.
- Receive a verification email and confirm your account. It will direct you to the HSS online portal again. Log in with your email address, password, and One-Time PIN (OTP).
- Enter your ID number under “My Housing Subsidy section” and click on the “Search” button.
- View the real-time updates on the screen, such as “Approved”, “Pending”, or “Rejected”.
Alternative Ways to Check My Housing Status
If you have no Internet access, here are some offline or in-person alternatives.
SMS Check
It is one of the most direct way. You can send your ID number followed by your surname to 44108 visa SMS or other designated number of your local housing department. There will be an automated reply indicating the current status. Please note that there might be extra SMS charges depending on your package.
Phone Call
You can call the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) at 0800 146 873 during opening hours (8:00 – 15:30 on weekdays), which is toll-free. The officer might verify your identity and ask for the application number to check your RDP status.
Send Email
Email Inquiries are favorable choices outside of business hours. You are supposed to include your personal information, case number, and why you are writing in the email and send it to info@dhs.gov.za.
In-Person Visits
It will be more convenient if you live near the municipality hall, human settlements departments, or other authorized offices. Just visit the office where you apply with a valid ID and ask for help at the counter.
Utilize Additional Resources
Besides the official channel, you can also turn to some websites or organizations. They will provide blogs, FAQs, customer service teams, etc., but make sure to find a reliable one.
How to Check My RDP House Status in Cape Town
RDP status check online is available nationwide, including Cape Town. Besides the Housing Subsidy Portal (HSS) and general phone/SMS/email information, applicants based in Cape Town can also check DRP status by one of the following methods.
- Online: Cape Town Housing Needs Register Search.
- By phone: 021 444 0333
- by email: housing.db@capetown.gov.za
- ● In person: housing offices in Cape Town.
| Housing Office | Address |
| Adriaanse Housing Office | Cnr Adriaanse Street and Seboa Street, Adriaanse |
| Athlone Housing Office | Dr Abdurahman Avenue, Kewtown, Athlone |
| Belhar Housing Office | Cnr Huguenot Way and Alabama Avenue, Belhar |
| Bishop Lavis Housing Office | Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis |
| Bonteheuwel Housing Office | Kiaat Way, Bonteheuwel |
| Grassy Park Housing Office | Cnr Linda Road and Olga Road, Grassy Park |
| Gugulethu Housing Office | Cnr NY 1 and Steve Biko Road, Gugulethu |
| Hanover Park Housing Office | Civic Road, Hanover Park |
| Heideveld Housing Office | 167 Heideveld Avenue, Heideveld |
| Langa Housing Office | Cnr Washington Road and Lerotholi Roads, Langa |
| Lansdowne Corner Housing Office | Cnr Govan Mbeki and Jan Smuts Drive, Lansdowne |
| Leonsdale Housing Office | 12th Avenue, Leonsdale, Elsies River |
| Lwandle Housing Office | Vulindlela Street, Lwandle, Strand |
| Macassar Housing Office | Bind Avenue, Macassar |
| Manenberg Housing Office | Cnr Vygieskraal Road and Wye Street, Manenberg |
| Melton Rose Housing Office | Cnr Kool Street and Ganna Street, Melton Rose |
| Mitchells Plain Housing Office | 42 Chrysler Crescent, Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain |
| Ocean View Housing Office (Carina Road) | Carina Road, Ocean View |
| Ocean View Housing Office (Klipfontein Road) | Cnr New Eisleben Road and Old Klipfontein Road, Nyanga |
| Parkwood Housing Office | 39 Walmer Road, Parkwood |
| Parow Housing Office | Parow Centre, 1st Floor, Cnr De La Rey and Voortrekker Roads, Parow |
| Parow Park Housing Office | Cnr Frans Conradie (off Giel Basson Road) and Balfour Road, Parow |
| Ravensmead Housing Office | 1 Edgar Bullock Street, Ravensmead |
| Retreat Housing Office | Cnr Joe Marks Street and Cradock Street, Retreat |
| Rusthof Housing Office | Cnr Webb and Lower Gordon’s Bay Road, Strand |
| Scottsdene Housing Office | Eoan Avenue, Scottsdene |
| Valhalla Park Housing Office | 94 Angela Street, Valhalla Park |
| Wesfleur Housing Office | 1st Wesfleur Municipal Office, Wesfleur Circle, Atlantis |
How to Check My Housing Status in Gauteng
How do I check my housing status in Gauteng? The housing waiting list check in Gauteng is available on the Housing Subsidy Portal (HSS). Moreover, housing database checks in Gauteng can also be done in person or by phone through the contact information and address of your nearby municipality office.
| Municipality Office | Address | Contact | Operating Hours |
| Gauteng Human Settlements Ekurhuleni Region | 68 Voortrekker Road Nevada BuildingAlberton1451 | Tel:011 861 3071Email:stanley.luvhengo@gauteng.gov.za | 08:00 – 16:00 from Monday to Friday |
| Gauteng Human Settlements Johannesburg Region | 4th floor, Ikusasa House 129 Fox StreetJohannesburg2000 | Tel:011 630 5176 | |
| Gauteng Human Settlements Sedibeng Central Region | 28 Market Street VereenigingVereeniging1930 | Tel:016 440 1255/1278Email:esther.ngobeni@gauteng.gov.za | |
| Gauteng Human Settlements Sedibeng Region | 1 Loch Street Bobworth CentreMeyerton1961 | Tel:016 360 7725Email:esther.ngobeni@gauteng.gov.za | |
| Gauteng Human Settlements Tshwane Region | 50 Corner Edmund & Hamilton Street 1st Floor ArcadiaPretoria0001 | Tel:012 303 3380/33630Email:lesiba. sekele@gauteng.gov.za | |
| Gauteng Human Settlements West Rand Region | 57 Corner Kruger & Burger Street Lubners BuildingKrugersdorp1739 | Tel:011 662 8328 / 8350Email:libby.molekane@gauteng.gov.za |
How to Check My RDP House in Ekurhuleni
After submitting the application in Ekurhuleni, a confirmation notice (form C) will be issued. As one of the major cities of Gauteng, it allows you to check housing status online, call 0800 146 873, or bring the form to the nearest human settlements department.
How Much Does it Cost to Check RDP Status
According to the newest rules, it is free of charge to apply for an RDP house or check RDP status. However, although the SA government provides fully built houses for underprivileged persons for free, beneficiaries have to pay for all municipal rates, including, water, electricity, gas, Internet, safeguard, and so on.
How Long Does it Take to Process RDP Application
The processing time might vary from a few months to years depending on the length of the waiting list, and the availability of houses. Each city has its own planning for housing development. Therefore, you should wait patiently and check your housing status online occasionally.
FAQ
Q: What to do if my RDP application is rejected?
A: Find out the reasons for rejection from the housing department officers and inquire about whether you can file an appeal or apply again.
Q: How long is the waiting list for social housing?
A: It differs from city to city. There are up to millions of applicants on the waiting list in some provinces.
Conclusion
After reading this passage, you must have found the reasons for “how do I check my housing status”. RDP status check online is convenient and efficient. Alternatively, you can also check it by phone, SMS, email, or in person. It is suggested that you check your housing status online regularly. We hope you will get approval and move into a new house soon.