Commonwealth support in drought

The Australian government has support programs in place to help farmers manage through impacts caused by drought. Programs are open all the time with no drought declarations needed for people to apply. You may be eligible for more than you realise - know your options and apply early. • Farm Household Allowance - Call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 or visit Services Australia to see if you are eligible for up to four years of support. • Rural Financial Counselling Service - Call 1300 771 741 to access free, confidential and independent financial counselling if you’re an eligible primary producers or small businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. • Concessional loans - Call 1800 875 675 to find out about a low-cost RIC loan if you’re an eligible farmer or farm-related small businesses in financial need. • Farm Management Deposits - Talk to your accountant about drawing down on any farm management deposit account you may have. • Tax support - Call 1800 806 218 to ask the ATO for more time to lodge and pay tax or talk to a registered tax professional about other concessions. • Social support and wellbeing - Call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for immediate support or visit Head to Health for a list of other services that can help. Visit drought.gov.au to see if these programs could work for you.

Commonwealth support in drought

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