Latest news with #FarmHouseholdAllowance
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Centrelink $1,100 cash boost available to thousands of Aussies: 'Get back on track'
While torrential rain and flash flooding wreak havoc in some states, other parts of the country are drier than ever. From battling arid brown paddocks to struggling with stock, drought conditions are hitting farmers hard. You don't need to be a mathematician to work out that no rain, plus no feed, equals no money. RELATED Centrelink cash boost over 400,000 Aussies have weeks left to confirm: 'Get what's yours' Centrelink issues warning to retirees over payment freeze threat: 'Fake' Tradie reveals surprising industry where he makes '$300,000 to a million' a year It's not just the recent weather events, there can be lots of reasons why farmers may experience financial pressures. The good news is, there is support available, and I want to help you work out where to begin. Services Australia has a payment called Farm Household Allowance (FHA) for farming families who are doing it tough. Whether it's due to challenging seasons, market pressures, illness, or other difficulties, FHA is designed to help farmers get back on track. If you're eligible, you may receive: A payment between $715 and $1,011 per fortnight, for up to 4 years in a 10-year period (amount will depend on circumstances) A professional financial assessment of recent performance from a person you choose An activity supplement of up to $10,000 to pay for professional advice, training, study, or mental health support to help improve your financial position A Farm Household Case Officer to work with you to help you improve your financial circumstances. When you start getting FHA, a dedicated Farm Household Case Officer (FHCO) will get in touch with you. They'll guide and support you from the very beginning and will check in with you regularly while you continue to be on the payment. Your FHCO will help you set up a Financial Improvement Agreement (FIA). The FIA is exactly what it sounds like — a plan to help you improve your financial position. It sets out the activities you must do while you get the allowance. One of the key supports available is the $10,000 activity supplement. This funding can be put towards a diverse range of activities such as business courses, regenerative agriculture training, drone and pilot's licences, teaching credentials, diversifying, and establishing a farm stay business. The supplement allows you to think laterally about ways to improve your financial position in the short, medium, and long-term. You'll also need to give us an update on your farm's financial position each year you are getting payment. This information helps your case officer understand any changes to the business and tailor ongoing guidance and support. We often hear farmers say, 'Someone else needs it more than me.' But if you're eligible, you can and should apply — support is there for a reason. There's no shame in seeking support when times are tough. It's a sign of strength. When farmers tighten their belts, the ripple effects are felt across local businesses too. One phone call could help you understand your options. You can call our free farmer assistance hotline on 132 316, to chat with one of our specialists about your individual circumstances. They'll explain everything you need to know about FHA, from eligibility through to how to make a claim. The government also offers free and independent financial counselling for farmers and small related businesses through the Rural Financial Counselling Service. I would chat to these people first, as they can help you apply for other government support, in addition to FHA. Call their national hotline on 1300 771 741, and you'll be connected with your nearest counsellor. For more information on the FHA and eligibility, head to the Services Australia website.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Major Centrelink payment changes for millions of Aussies from next week: 'Help you get paid'
Centrelink recipients are being reminded that their payments could change as a result of Good Friday next week. The following week will see Easter Monday and Anzac Day. These public holidays will affect reporting and payment dates for Austudy, Farm Household Allowance, JobSeeker Payment, Special Benefit, Status Resolution Support Services Payment, and Youth Allowance. Services Australia has urged people to be aware of their obligations so that no issues arise. "We want to help you plan so you still get paid," Services Australia said. "You may need to report your income early so we can pay you during this closure. We may pay you early." RELATED Centrelink change to see thousands more Aussies eligible for age pension Australians offered fresh $150 energy rebate from July 1 in $1.8b budget promise: 'Hip-pocket relief' Aussie mum ditches 'crazy' Sydney property market in growing cost-of-living trend: 'Didn't have a chance' You'll have to log into your Centrelink account, which will inform you what you have to do over these public holidays. If your account shows you need to report your income early, you'll have to show what you expect to be paid for that new reporting period. You'll also have to do this for any other changes that might affect your payment. If you do this, you'll receive your payment before those public holiday closures. If there are any mistakes, you will have 14 days to correct them. Or, you can wait until your next reporting period to update the details. If you report your income on Good Friday, Easter Monday, or Anzac Day, then you'll get paid after that date. You can also choose to report after your allocated period if: you're unsure of your employment income there are changes to your circumstances during your reporting period If you don't have to report your income to receive your payment, you could receive it before one of those public holidays. Services Australia said that all of its in-person centres and most of its call centres will be shut down for those three public holidays: Good Friday - April 18 Easter Monday - April 21 Anzac Day (Friday) - April 25 "We won't delay payments because of a public holiday, but we may pay you earlier than normal," Services Australia said. "When we make an early payment, we pay as close to and before your normal payment day. You'll need to budget so this payment lasts until your next payment day."Sign in to access your portfolio
