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 eligible small businesses that rely on farmers for their income – 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 - see Income and Asset Test Questions. 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.

They must also hold a current EC certificate issued by Centrelink.

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 Australian Government Drought Assistance page at Centrelink's website.