You can get FHA for 4 years in specific 10-year periods. We count 4 years as a total of 1,460 days.
The first 3 periods are:
- 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2024
- 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2034
- 1 July 2034 to 30 June 2044.
You don’t have to use your 4 years of FHA all at once. You can save it for when you need it.
Once you use your 4 years in a 10-year period, your payment stops. You can apply again at the start of the next 10-year period.
If you haven’t got 4 years of payment before the new 10-year period starts, your payment will automatically continue into the new period. Also, your 4 years of eligible days will restart with a new period.
If you don’t want your payment to roll over, you can opt out online using your Centrelink online account. To do this, select the Farm Household Allowance Opt-Out in your online account. If you select to opt out, your last day of payment will be the last day of the 10-year period, 30 June 2024.
If you’ve already used your 4 years of payment in this 10-year period, you may be eligible for an additional 4 years of FHA from the new period, 1 July 2024.
You can test your eligibility for FHA by lodging a claim. You can do this online using your Centrelink online account.
If you’re ready to claim FHA and your Centrelink online account is linked to myGov, you can sign in now to do this.
Read more about How to claim.
Your Farm Household Case Officer can help and connect you with other support services.
You can also:
- use Payment and Service Finder to explore other payments and services
- find a Rural Financial Counsellor on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.