Every official change to social grants — annual increases, revised means test thresholds, new regulations — takes legal effect through a Government Gazette notice. This reference guide explains what those notices are, which ones matter for beneficiaries, and how to use their reference numbers in formal correspondence or appeals.
Which Gazette notices matter to beneficiaries
- Annual grant amount notices — published each year after the budget, setting every grant's rand value from April.
- Means test threshold notices — defining the income and asset limits that determine eligibility.
- Social Assistance Act regulations — the standing rules for applications, reviews, suspensions and appeals.
- SRD directive notices — the special conditions under which the R370 grant operates each extension period.
How to find a Gazette notice
Identify the notice you need
Match your purpose: current amounts, means thresholds, appeal rules, or SRD directives.
Search the government documents portal
The national Gazette archive at gov.za hosts every notice as a free PDF download.
Cite the number in correspondence
When writing to SASSA or the appeals tribunal, quoting the relevant Gazette number anchors your case to the exact rule in force.
Why citing Gazettes wins appeals
Appeals are decided against written law. A submission quoting the Gazette notice that sets the means test — with its numbers — is harder to dismiss than one arguing in general terms. Our appeal guide shows where each citation fits.
Where can I download official Gazette notices?
Free from the South African government's documents portal at gov.za. SASSA offices also keep copies of grant-related notices on request.
Do I need a Gazette notice to apply for a grant?
No. Applications run on standard forms. Gazette notices matter mainly for verifying entitlement details, understanding rules, or strengthening appeals.
How do I know which Gazette applies to my situation?
Start with the annual amounts notice for your grant type, then the means test notice if eligibility is disputed. SASSA officials can tell you which notice governs your specific query.
Are Gazette notices available in other languages?
Gazettes publish in English (and Afrikaans for some). Office staff can explain contents in your language when it matters for your case.
Sources used on this page
Guide verified August 2026; notice numbering changes annually.
Need Official Assistance?
This is an independent informational resource. For official services — checking your grant status, updating your details, or submitting an appeal — please use the official SASSA portals directly: