Rural Assistance Payments
A payment to meet the essential living costs of farming families affected by an adverse event such as a flood, drought or other natural disaster.
Who can get it
Rural Assistance Payments can only be paid after the Government announces assistance for an area and/or type of industry.
This is usually after that area or industry has been affected by a natural disaster, such as flood, drought, or disease.
Also you must be a farmer who:
- qualifies for a Special Needs Grant
- has a land-based industry which is in financial difficulty and isn't producing enough income to meet essential living costs
- has no other significant income
- has no assets (in excess of the cash assets limit) unconnected with the land based industry that it would be practicable to realise.
This information is a guide only. Contact us to talk about your individual circumstances.
How much can you get
This depends on your circumstances. The maximum rate is the same as the Unemployment Benefit rate.
For more information
If you'd like more information read:
Financial assistance for farming families following an adverse event or natural disaster.
How to apply
Contact us to talk about your circumstances and we’ll explain how to apply.
Initial applications can be made either in person at one of our offices or through a Work and Income Rural Case Manager.
You'll need an Agriculture Recovery Facilitator to sign the declaration part of the form. This is usually your Rural Support Trust co-ordinator. Their contact details are in the Rural Assistance Payments information above.
You need to re-apply every four weeks to get ongoing assistance. Applications to extend the duration of payments can be posted or faxed to your local Work and Income office