1. Eligibility

The Farm Household Allowance Program provides eligible farmers (and their partners) with assistance through planning and training for long-term financial improvements as well as income support for up to 4 years.

The Farm Household Allowance is available to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents who are aged 16 years or over. In addition, you must qualify as meeting all of the following requirements:

1. Be a farmer
or partner of a farmer.

  • Where you contribute labour and capital to an Australian farm, or a partner of a farmer who does, and;

  • Enter into a Financial Improvement Agreement (FIA), or have one in place already.

2. Have income and assets below certain amounts*.

3.Have a significant commercial purpose.

This is usually assessed based on:

  • the purpose of your farm

  • the prospect of profit

  • consistency of activity

  • whether your farm runs as a business

  • the size, scale and permanency of your farm activity.

2. What can I receive?

Eligible farmers and their partners receive at no cost:

  • A $10,000 activity supplement (lifetime capped) to help you develop skills, access training and pay for professional advice.

  • up to 4 years of fortnightly income support (in every 10 year period)

  • a professional financial assessment of the farm (worth up to $1,500)

  • ancillary allowances such as Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance, Rent Assistance, Remote Area Allowance and Health Care Card.

  • Regular support from a Farm Household Case Officer (FHCO).

A common misconception is that Farm Household Allowance (FHA) is a ‘drought payment’, but it is available for any type of financial hardship. Apply today to see if you’re eligible.

3. Which courses are eligible for funding?

The Farm Household Allowance activity supplement provides you with funding of up to $10,000 (lifetime capped) to support your enrolment in eligible accredited training.

Eligible accredited training depends on your Financial Improvement Agreement but may include:

4. How do I apply?

The process to apply for the Farm Household Allowance is like any other payment made by Services Australia.

Income and assets tests are used to assess your level of hardship. The more complex or intricate your financial situation, the more supporting information must be supplied. Processing times can be lengthy. Apply online today.

The Farm Household Allowance application process:

1. Commence application
Apply online through MyGov (preferred).
If you can’t claim online, download the Claim for Farm Household Allowance form (SU694).
Call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday).

2. Upload your supporting documents

3. Services Australia will assess your application

4. If granted, a Farm Household Case Officer (FHCO) is allocated

5. The FHCO will conduct an activity and financial assessment

6. You will negotiate a Financial Improvement Agreement (updated as needed to reflect your current goals)

7. Access your $10,000 activity supplement to support your education, skills and training development.

Ready to claim?

Claim online today via Services Australia

Apply now

5. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)?

Check out some of the frequently asked questions about the Farm Household Allowance below.

Where can I get help in applying?

Call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday in all Australian time zones).

If you need help to compile your documents and complete your application, contact an adviser from your local Rural Financial Counselling Service or call 1800 900 090. It’s a free service.

Alternatively, visit your local Services Australia service centre.

Download Link
Farm Household Allowance factsheet View
Farm Household Allowance – Assets and income explained View

Contact your designated Farm Household Case Officer (FHCO). You will need to update your Financial Improvement Agreement (FIA) and nominate the training that you would like to undertake.

Activity supplements help pay for activities in your Financial Improvement Agreement (FIA). They can add up to $10,000 in total.

Speak to your Farm Household Case Officer (FHCO) before you do the activity. They’ll tell you if you can pay for it with an activity supplement.

Typically, the activity should relate to either training or study to help you manage your farm, or pay for professional advice.

However, your FHCO may also approve activities to help you (or your partner) move into another career.

Medical transcription often provides a unique and viable career opportunity for farmers and their partners looking to work online from home, without having to commute long distances. Working as a medical transcriptionist (MT),  often allows you to choose your own work schedule, enabling you to still work on the farm whilst providing a supplementary income.

TalentMed’s Diploma of Healthcare Documentation is delivered 100% online and includes extensive job search assistance to help you find and secure paid work opportunities upon course completion.

We have helped many farmers and their partners transition to working online from home as qualified medical transcriptionists. Chat to your FHCO about claiming your entire tuition fee today.

For more information about the Farm Household Allowance Program, please visit the designated website at Services Australia or call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316.

Join the wave of Australian farmers taking advantage of this amazing opportunity designed to help you improve your long-term financial prospects.