The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) is a form of financial assistance from the Australian government available to assist farmers and their partners in financial distress. The program provides up to four years of income support payments during any 10 year period, which helps farming families in severe financial distress avoid destitution and continue farming. It aims to provide farmers with financial stability and their business sustainability, both in the immediate and distant future, by offering both immediate relief and long-term support.
Key Benefits of the Farm Household Allowance
| Benefit Type | Description | Limit/Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Income Support | Fortnightly payments | Up to 4 years per 10-year period |
| Activity Supplements | Study, training, counselling, etc. | Up to $10,000 lifetime |
| Ancillary Allowances | Pharmaceutical, rent, telephone | Various |
| Case Management Support | Tailored support by case officer | Throughout payment period |
FHA beneficiaries receive income support on a fortnightly basis and ancillary benefits. These may be the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, telephone allowances, rent assistance, remote area allowances, and a health care card. The income support program also provides up to ten thousand dollars in activity supplements to cover the cost of eligible training, professional advice, and any other activities farmers engage in to improve their farm businesses or seek alternative employment out of agriculture.
Eligibility Criteria
The Farm Household Allowance is available to Australian citizens 16 years and above, who undertake large scale farming actively. Either of them or their partner must physically work on, and invest money in the farm which should have a heavy dominate commercial purpose. All applicants are subjected to a income and assets fundamental tests, as well as the mutual obligation requirements. Importantly, recipients can utilize four, one year FHA payments multiple times throughout their working lives, but are restricted to a total of four years in each defined 10 year frame.
How the Program Works
Farm households receiving the FHA are assigned to a specific and dedicated Farm Household Case Officer, who assists with customized financial planning and helps them expand their financial position or helps them make decisions to change, or exit, the farming business. The allowance offers a unique approach in a ‘paused’ and ‘restarted’ payment structure, in which payments can be saved and used or distributed during times of critical need. The program attempts to balance the immediate need of financial aid with the long term goal of program sustainability.
How to Apply for the Farm Household Allowance
FHA applications are made available for farmers and their partners through the myGov portal or with assistance from trained personnel through the Farmer Assistance hotline. Rural Financial Counsellors also assists with free and voluntary inquires. These services are intended to help applicants eligible to claim for financial improvement.
