South African homeowners under financial strain can now tap into the new R1398 Mortgage Relief Scheme, which kicked off on 1 August 2025. Brought to life by the Department of Human Settlements, the plan aims to give low to middle-income families some relief from rising monthly home loan bills, especially now that living costs and interest rates have climbed.
Who Fits the Plan?
To get the support, your home must be your main house and have a mortgage from a registered South African bank. First-time buyers and staff in the public sector get first dibs. Your mortgage must be in good shape, meaning no arrears more than 90 days. Households already using other housing subsidies can’t apply for this specific scheme.
How the Help Works
The R1398 assistance arrives as a monthly payment from the government to your bank, not as a loan you’ll eventually have to repay. The subsidy simply knocks R1398 off your monthly mortgage. Help starts in August and runs through December 2025, giving you a five-month window to catch your breath and plan ahead.
How to Apply
If you own a home and want to sign up, hand in your form through your bank or straight to the National Housing Finance Corporation. Bring along a few bits of paperwork: your South African ID, the last three payslips, mortgage statements from the last six months, proof that you live at the address you listed, and tax docs. After the thumbs-up, the relief automatically drops into your home loan account every month.
Why the Program Matters
The program isn’t simply about extra cash. The R1398 every month protects families from losing their place, gives a solid housing base for the long haul, nudges borrowers to stick with their loan plans, and guards credit scores. For adults bringing home limited pay, this support is a vital hand up that keeps the dream of homeownership alive when the going gets tough.
Get in Touch
If you need more details, call your bank’s home loan team: ABSA at 0860 111 007, FNB at 087 730 1111, Nedbank at 0800 555 111, Standard Bank at 0860 123 001, SA Home Loans at 0861 888 777, or Capitec at 0860 10 20 43. You can also reach the National Housing Finance Corporation at 011 644 9800 or hop onto their website at www.nhfc.co.za.