Interim Income Support for small business
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.
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Eligibility
To be eligible for Interim Income Support for small business you must:
- be a small business whose enterprise derives 70% or more of its normal total business turnover from the provision of goods or services for farming activities in Exceptional Circumstances areas or Interim Income Support areas, or
- be located in a town in the Interim Support area which is substantially reliant on farm income and with up to 10,000 people, and
- be at least 16 years old, and
- be an Australian resident, and
- not be getting any other income support payment, and
- demonstrate you have experienced a significant financial downturn as a result of the drought, and
- contribute a significant part of your labour and capital to the business and derive a significant part of your labour and capital to the business and derive a significant part of your income from the business, and
- have less than 100 full-time employees or equivalent.
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 small business is located is declared an Exceptional Circumstances (EC) area - whichever occurs first.
An income test similar to that for Newstart Allowance applies. An assets test similar to that for Newstart Allowance also applies, however all assets essential to the running of your business, your superannuation and your life insurance are 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 small business 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 - small business income support 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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Contact us
- phone the Drought Assistance line on 13 2316
- find your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre or Agent
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