Farm Help Income Support

Note: The Farm Help Program has closed to new applicants from 1 July 2008.

On this page

• Farm Help Income Support
• Farm Help Advice and Training Scheme
• Farm Help Re-establishment Grant
• More information

Farm Help Income Support

As a result of legislation changes Farm Help Income Support (FHIS) has closed to new applicants effective 1 July 2008.

Customers currently in receipt of FHIS will continue to receive a maximum of 12 months income support if eligible. The final date for income support payments is the 30 June 2009.

Farm Help Advice and Training Scheme

As a result of legislation changes farmers will need to use the Farm Help Advice and Training grant by the 30 April 2009 where eligible.

Vouchers must be used by 30 April 2009 (where eligible) and service providers will need to submit invoices for payment no later than 31 May 2009.

Farm Help Re-establishment Grant

As a result of legislation changes to the Farm Help Re-establishment Grant eligible applicants must have completed the sale of the farm by 31 March 2009 (where eligible) and have made a claim and lodged all supporting documentation no later than 30 April 2009.

Note: Only those applicants granted entry to the Farm Help Program prior to the 1 July 2008 and who have sold their farm enterprise either within their specified period or by the 31 March 2009, which ever occurs first, will be eligible to lodge a claim for Farm Help Re-establishment Grant.

Assistance includes:

• a grant of up to $5,500 (GST inclusive) (or up to $2,500 if re-entering the programme for a second time) for professional advice and training, including an assessment of the financial position of the farm
• the development of a Pathways Plan, customised to each farm family's situation that looks at future options and includes steps the family can take to improve their long-term financial prospects
• income support payments for up to 12 months, and
• a re-establishment grant of up to $75,000 for those farmers who choose to leave farming and sell their farm.

More information

• Telephone Centrelink's Farmer Assistance Line on FreeCALL™ 1800 050 585
• Visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre

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