The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) provides crucial income support to farmers and their partners who are experiencing financial hardship.
This payment helps households cover basic living costs, while also offering access to financial coaching, training, and professional advice to support recovery or transition of farm businesses.
The allowance is delivered fortnightly and is linked to base working-age payments. This means the rate depends on the base payment category you are aligned with.
Why the $663 Figure Keeps Appearing
The amount of $663.30 per fortnight is commonly associated with FHA because some recipients are mapped to Youth Allowance (job-seeker categories), where this is the maximum payment.
However, many farmers—particularly single recipients aged 22 years and older—are mapped to JobSeeker, which pays a higher rate.
From 20 September 2025, indexation will apply to all base payments. Depending on which base payment you are mapped to, your FHA rate may rise from that date.
FHA Amounts and Mapping (September 2025)
Below are the typical fortnightly payment amounts depending on your situation. These rates reflect the base payment categories that FHA recipients are mapped to.
| Situation (Base Payment Mapping) | Fortnightly Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Youth Allowance – job-seeker (younger or partnered farmers) | $663.30 |
| JobSeeker – partnered (each) | $715.10 (from 20 Sep) |
| JobSeeker – single, 22+ (no children) | $781.10 (from 20 Sep) |
| JobSeeker – single with dependent child | $836.50–$836.60 (from 20 Sep) |
Note: FHA mirrors these base rates. If your payment date falls on or after 20 September 2025, the indexed rate for your category will apply automatically.
Eligibility – Who Can Receive FHA in September 2025?
To qualify for FHA, applicants must:
- Be an Australian resident living in Australia.
- Be a farmer or the partner of a farmer, with the farm operating for genuine commercial purposes.
- Meet the income and assets tests, including a combined net assets cap of $5.5 million (farm and personal assets).
- Commit to mutual obligations, such as completing financial improvement actions, training, or an improvement plan.
- Stay within the time limit of up to 4 years in any 10-year period (current period runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2034).
Extra support: Eligible recipients can also access an Activity Supplement (up to $10,000) for approved training, advice, or services, along with financial assessments and a Health Care Card.
Payment Schedule for September 2025
- Frequency: Paid every two weeks on your assigned Centrelink cycle (visible in myGov).
- Public holidays: Payments scheduled on holidays usually arrive earlier.
- Indexation date: From 20 September 2025, indexed rates apply automatically.
- Managing your payments: Upcoming pay dates, letters, and rate changes can be viewed in your myGov or Centrelink account.
How to Apply
- Prepare documents: Farm ABN (if relevant), financial records, debts, assets (land, plant, livestock), and farm details.
- Submit application: Apply via myGov (Centrelink) or seek assistance by phone or in person.
- Assessments: Provide financial assessments and agree to an improvement plan if requested.
- Use free services: Consider the Rural Financial Counselling Service for guidance with budgeting, loans, and business planning.
The FHA remains a vital safety net for farming families navigating financial strain. While the widely quoted $663 rate applies to some Youth Allowance-mapped cases, many farmers—especially single recipients aged 22+—receive higher payments under JobSeeker mapping.
With indexation kicking in on 20 September 2025, it’s important to check your myGov account for your exact rate and payday details.
FAQs
Does every FHA recipient get $663 per fortnight?
No. $663.30 applies only to some Youth Allowance-mapped cases. Many recipients are mapped to JobSeeker, which pays higher rates.
Will my FHA increase after 20 September 2025?
Yes, if your payment date falls on or after 20 September, you’ll automatically receive the indexed rate for your mapped category.
Can I reapply if I previously received FHA?
Yes, but the program has a 4-year cap within a 10-year period. Any time already spent on FHA counts toward that limit.
