Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz has today welcomed the simplification of the Farm Household Allowance form for local farmers.
Mr Buchholz said it is now easier for farmers to apply for the fortnightly Farm Household Allowance hardship payment and local farmers are urged to apply.
“The application form has been cut by a third and critical eligibility criteria is at the front so farmers can identify if they are eligible much quicker,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Farmers should also remember that a Rural Financial Counsellor can help them fill out the form for free. The RFCS currently has around 4,000 active clients, up from the usual 3,000 as the government provides an extra $5 million to the RFCS to help meet the extra demand.”
Scott Buchholz said this change builds on the earlier changes include extending FHA from three to four years, increasing the farm assets test eligibility threshold from $2.6m to $5m and paying extra lump sum payments of up to $12,000.
Minister Littleproud recently announced an independent review of the FHA to make sure it’s doing what it should, and the review panel is holding face-to-face consultations across Australia.
To find out more or to make a submission online please go to https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/fha-review-2018
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