Life after Exceptional Circumstances

Victoria media release
Friday, 28 May 2010

Centrelink Rural Services Officer, Janine Ryan, is reminding local farmers that support is still available to them following the end of the Exceptional Circumstances declaration for a number of regions at the end of March.

"There are alternative programs that may assist farmers following the end of an Exceptional Circumstance declaration, and I continue to work closely with rural communities to ensure they can access all the support and assistance they may be entitled to," said Janine.

"For example, the Climate Change Adjustment Program (CCAP) assists farmers in financial difficulty who are, or who are likely to be, adversely impacted by climate change."

The Climate Change Adjustment Program Advice and Training Grant is available to eligible farmers for specialised professional advice and training across a range of areas to assist them to adjust to the impacts of climate change.

"You don’t have to be in an EC-declared area to apply for the Advice and Training Grant," said Janine.

Janine said another option for farmers is the Transitional Income Support Payment.

"This payment provides up to 12 months income support to farmers who need short-term assistance to help them recover from the drought and manage the impacts of climate change," Janine explained.

"It may help eligible farmers who will still struggle financially because of the drought, and can help pay for daily living expenses such as food and utilities."

Janine said it is very important that people don’t self assess their eligibility for assistance.

"Everybody’s situation is different, so I would strongly encourage farmers affected by the end of the Exceptional Circumstances declaration to discuss their individual circumstances with Centrelink," Janine said.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Janine on 0414 366 717 or the Farm Assistance Hotline on 1800 050 585.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.