Help for Drought Affected Farmers
Centrelink is providing help to farmers who have been affected by the drought in a number of ways. These measures include income assistance for farmers and social work services for the wider community.
On this pageEnhanced Drought Assistance (2005)
On 30 May 2005, the then Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard, announced that the Australian Government would provide an additional drought assistance package to farmers in severely drought affected areas.
From 1 July 2005 eligible farmers in Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declared areas will benefit from a $10,000 supplement to the off-farm income test for the EC Relief Payment.
For more detailed information on the Enhanced Drought Assistance, view the:
- Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Media Release
- Prime Minister of Australia Media Release
- Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment for Farmers
- Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Media Release.
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Interim Income Support
Interim Income Support is available to areas that have been announced as having a prima-facie case for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) while the State's application for EC is being considered by the National Rural Advisory Council.
Payments will be made fortnightly at an equivalent Newstart Allowance rate and Partner Allowance (if applicable). Payments will be available for a maximum period of 6 months or until the farmer is declared in EC - whichever occurs earliest.
To be eligible for Interim Income Support you must:
- be a farmer whose enterprise is located within an eligible area, and
- be at least 18 years old, and
- be an Australian resident, and
- not be getting any other income support payment.
Interim Income Support is a taxable payment.
An income test similar to that for Newstart Allowance will apply (proceeds from the forced sale of livestock during the period will be exempt subject to certain conditions). An assets test also similar to that for Newstart Allowance will apply however all assets essential to the running of the farm, the farmer's superannuation and life insurance will be exempt.
For more information on assistance once EC is declared, refer to Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment, or telephone the Centrelink Drought Assistance Line on 13 2316.
Please note: If an EC declaration is made by the Australian Government within your region, this Income Support payment will be replaced by EC support measures, which you may need to apply for EC assistance separately.
You can find out more information on this by viewing the Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment page on our website.
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More information
- Telephone Centrelink on 13 2316.
- Visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.
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