Identifying a package of services for rural customers 106-03030010

This document outlines the circumstances that need to be taken into consideration to determine the most appropriate package of services for rural customers.

Payments and services available to farmers

Farm Household Allowance (FHA) is a taxable income support payment that provides eligible farmers and their partners who are experiencing financial hardship with assistance and support to improve their long-term financial position.

FHA customers have access to the same benefits and services as other income support customers and may be eligible for add-ons depending on their circumstances. FHA customers will be issued an automatic Health Care Card (HCC).

If the customer is not eligible for FHA, consider other Centrelink payments and services.

The Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme helps reduce the freight costs imposed by Bass Strait. It helps shippers transport goods by sea between Tasmania and the Australian mainland, and between the main island of Tasmania and King Island and the Furneaux Group.

Assistance with children's education costs

Families may be eligible for extra assistance to help with the cost of education for primary, secondary and under 16 year old tertiary students under the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme.

Assistance for self-employed customers

Other services available for self employed customers through external providers may be identified and information on these should be offered to the customer.

The Resources page contains a link to additional assistance and resources available through non-Services Australia providers for rural and primary producers and contact numbers.

Drought Concessional Loans Scheme

This scheme was administered by state government agencies, not Services Australia. Customers contacting about the schemes should be referred to the relevant state or territory authority. Applications for this scheme closed on 30 June 2018.

Commonwealth farm business concessional loans

From 1 July 2018, farmers may apply to the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) for access to the Commonwealth’s farm business concessional loans.

The Resources page contains links to additional assistance and resources available through non-Services Australia providers including a link to the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) website. RIC provide various concessional loans, more information about them and eligibility requirements are available via the website provided.

The Resources page contains links to additional assistance and resources available through non-Services Australia providers, including a link to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website for contact details and information about the Drought Concessional Loans Scheme, Commonwealth farm business concessional loans, and links to the Rural Counselling Service and Australian Taxation Office websites.