Interim Income Support for farmers

Interim Income Support is delivered by Centrelink on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

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.

On this page

• Eligibility
• Payment rates
• Claiming
• Find out more

Eligibility

To be eligible for Interim Income Support for farmers you must:

• be a farmer whose enterprise is located within an eligible area, and
• be at least 16 years old, and
• be an Australian resident, and
• not be getting any other income support payment.

Payment rates

Payments of Interim Income Support are made fortnightly at a rate equivalent to Newstart Allowance and Partner Allowance (if applicable). Payments are available for a maximum period of 6 months or until the area in which your farm is located is declared an Exceptional Circumstances (EC) area - whichever occurs first.

An income test similar to that for Newstart Allowance applies. Proceeds from the forced sale of livestock during the period are exempt subject to certain conditions. An assets test similar to that for Newstart Allowance also applies, however all assets essential to the running of your farm, your superannuation and your life insurance are exempt.

An off-farm wage or salary offset is applicable where up to $20,000 per annum of farm wages or salary is exempt.

Note: Interim Income Support is a taxable payment.

Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declaration

If an EC declaration is made by the Australian Government for the area in which your farm is located, Interim Income Support will be replaced by Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment.

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Claiming

You should submit your claim for Interim Income Support as soon as possible so that we can pay you from the earliest possible date.

For claim forms, you can:

• print out a claim for drought assistance form
• phone the Drought Assistance Line on 13 2316
• visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

Health Care Card

You should also apply for a Low Income Health Care Card.

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Find out more

On this website

• Drought Assistance - useful Centrelink information
• Self-employed or farmer section

Other websites

• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Drought Assistance - other Government websites

Publications

• Drought Assistance factsheets
• Other publications if you are self-employed or responsible for a farm

Contact us

• phone the Drought Assistance line on 13 2316
• find your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre or Agent

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