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Income Support
Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment (ECRP) commonly called ‘income support’, assists farm families in EC declared areas who are experiencing difficulties meeting basic living expenses.
Income support is also available to agriculture-dependent small businesses – see Small Businesses.
ECRP is paid at a rate equivalent to the Newstart Allowance and is subject to an assets and income test similar to that for Newstart, with a $20,000 off-farm salary and wages exemption. Assets, including the farm, that are essential to the running of the business are not included in the assets test. The payments are delivered by Centrelink on behalf of the Australian Government and are taxable.
However, farmers should not self-assess their eligibility for income support but should call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16 or the Murray-Darling Basin Assistance and Referral Line on 1800 050 015.
Income support is also available to agriculture-dependent small businesses – see Small Businesses.
ECRP is paid at a rate equivalent to the Newstart Allowance and is subject to an assets and income test similar to that for Newstart, with a $20,000 off-farm salary and wages exemption. Assets, including the farm, that are essential to the running of the business are not included in the assets test. The payments are delivered by Centrelink on behalf of the Australian Government and are taxable.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the definition of a ‘farmer’, that is, a person who- owns or leases land for farming
- contributes significant labour and capital to the farm, and
- gains a significant part of their income from the farm.
However, farmers should not self-assess their eligibility for income support but should call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16 or the Murray-Darling Basin Assistance and Referral Line on 1800 050 015.
For more information and to apply
Contact your local Centrelink office, the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16, the Murray-Darling Basin Assistance and Referral Line on 1800 050 015 or visit the Drought Assistance page on Centrelink’s website.
Last reviewed: 21 May 2009
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