Editorial Policy

This page explains how I research, write, fact-check, and update every guide on SassaHelp.co.za. It also covers how I handle errors and corrections. I want readers to understand exactly where the information comes from and how confident they should be in it.

SassaHelp is written and edited by Paul Geddes. I'm the founder and the only person responsible for the content here. There is no editorial team - just me reading legislation, testing SASSA's systems, and writing guides that explain what I find.

Core Editorial Principles

1. Primary sources first

Every factual claim - a grant amount, an eligibility rule, a deadline - must be traceable to an official document: a Government Gazette notice, a SASSA press release, an Act of Parliament, or a statement on gov.za. I do not publish amounts or rules based on what other websites say.

2. Honest about what I don't know

When SASSA changes a policy without making a clear public announcement (which happens), I say so. I'd rather write "SASSA has not confirmed the exact timeline" than give a confident but unverified answer. Readers are making real decisions about their income - accuracy matters more than looking authoritative.

3. Plain language, not jargon

Most readers are on a mobile phone with limited data. I write short sentences, avoid government jargon, and put the most important answer at the top of the page - not buried in paragraph seven.

4. No paid content or undisclosed relationships

I do not accept sponsored articles, paid placements, or affiliate fees. The only revenue this site earns is from Google display ads. No advertiser has any influence over what I write or whether I publish a guide.

5. Corrections are made promptly and transparently

If I publish something incorrect, I fix it as soon as I become aware. Significant corrections are noted at the top of the relevant page. If you spot an error, please use the contact form - I take these seriously.

Sources I Rely On

SASSA Official sassa.gov.za - grant amounts, policy changes, office information

SRD Portal srd.sassa.gov.za - application status, appeal portal, direct testing

Government Gazette gov.za/gazette - legislative changes, annual grant increases

Department of Social Development dsd.gov.za - policy documents and social assistance legislation

National Treasury treasury.gov.za - budget allocations, grant extension confirmations

Department of Labour / UIF labour.gov.za - UIF contribution rates, benefit calculations

I do not use other SASSA information websites as sources - only official government documents. When I quote a figure or rule, I try to link directly to the source document so you can verify it yourself.

Update Schedule

Content Type	Review Frequency	Trigger for Immediate Update
Payment dates	Monthly	Any SASSA payment date announcement
Grant amounts (SRD, OAP, CSG, DG)	After each National Budget	Budget speech or Government Gazette confirming increases
Eligibility rules	Quarterly	Any DSD policy announcement or court ruling
Process guides (how to apply, appeal, reapply)	Quarterly	Any change to the SASSA portal UI or process flow
Contact information & offices	Quarterly	Any announced office change or new SASSA contact number

Every page shows the date it was last reviewed at the top. This reflects the last time I actively verified the content is still accurate - not just the last time I edited the text.

What This Site Is Not

SassaHelp is an information resource, not a service provider. I cannot:

Check your SASSA status on your behalf
Submit or process an application for you
Speed up a declined or pending application
Provide legal advice for complex grant disputes

For complex situations - especially disability grant assessments or legal appeals - I recommend contacting Black Sash, a South African non-profit that provides free legal assistance to grant recipients.

Reporting Errors or Outdated Information

If you find something on this site that is incorrect, out of date, or misleading, please tell me using the contact form. Include the page URL and a description of what you believe is wrong. I will investigate and update the page if your report is accurate, usually within 48 hours.

I appreciate these reports - they genuinely help keep the site useful.

Policy last reviewed: May 2026 · About SassaHelp →