$663 Centrelink Farm Household Allowance Sept 2025 – Who Qualifies & How to Claim

Australian farmers know the land can be a gamble—too much rain, not enough rain, volatile markets, and rising input costs. That’s where the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) steps in, providing a safety net when times get tough. As of 20 September 2025, Centrelink is maintaining the $663.30 per fortnight payment for many eligible farmers, with some adjustments depending on marital status and mutual obligation exemptions.

What the Farm Household Allowance Covers

The FHA isn’t a new “bonus” or one-off scheme—it’s a long-standing program managed by Services Australia that offers steady financial support for farm households facing hardship. Farmers and their partners can receive it for up to four years in a ten-year period, giving breathing room to manage debts, adjust operations, or simply cover day-to-day living expenses during difficult seasons.

The September 2025 update does not radically increase the base amount for most recipients. Instead, single farmers or those exempt from mutual obligation requirements may see adjustments, while others remain on the familiar $663.30 fortnightly rate.

September 2025 Quick Facts

Item	Details
Payment Name	Farm Household Allowance (FHA)
Authority	Centrelink / Services Australia
Effective Date	20 September 2025
Standard Rate	$663.30 per fortnight (for most single farmers)
Duration	Up to 4 years in any 10-year period
Frequency	Fortnightly
Purpose	To support farmers and families facing financial stress
Website	servicesaustralia.gov.au

Eligibility Rules for FHA in 2025

Farmers and their partners must meet a mix of age, residency, activity, and financial tests.

• Residency & Age: Must be an Australian resident, aged 16 or older.
• Farm Activity: Must contribute capital and work in a commercial farm business (not hobby farming).
• Duration Rule: Can only claim for 4 years in a 10-year period.
• Assets Test: Combined farm and personal assets must be under $5.5 million. Assets include farmland, livestock, machinery, cash, crops, and homes.
• Income Test: Household income must sit below set fortnightly thresholds.

Income Thresholds (Sept 2025)

Farmer Situation	Income Limit (per fortnight)
Single, no child	$1,484.17
Single, age 55+ (receiving FHA >9 months)	$1,589.00
Single with child <16	$1,577.67
Single with <15 hrs work capacity	$1,589.00
Single with child <16, principal carer	$2,282.00
Single principal carer, exempt from mutual obligations	$2,725.75
Partnered (no pension, income test applies)	$1,372.67 minus farmer income
Partnered (farmer income <$150)	$2,578.00 minus partner income
Partnered (partner on pension)	$2,745.67 minus combined income

Why It Matters

For many family farms, FHA can mean the difference between holding on through a drought or market downturn versus walking away. The $663.30 per fortnight may not erase debts, but it helps cover groceries, fuel, and essential bills—crucial stability in unpredictable times.

The program also includes case management support. Farmers receiving FHA are encouraged to work with Centrelink officers to develop long-term financial plans, diversify income sources, or access training.

Fact Check

• Claim: New $663 Farm Household Allowance in September 2025.
• Verdict: True, but not new. The FHA is an existing benefit, and the $663.30 rate continues for many recipients after 20 September 2025.
• Source: Services Australia – Farm Household Allowance.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• The FHA remains at $663.30 per fortnight for many farmers as of 20 September 2025.
• Eligibility depends on residency, farm activity, asset and income tests.
• Support is capped at 4 years within any 10-year period.
• Some single farmers or those exempt from obligations may see adjusted payments.
• Farmers should check their MyGov/Centrelink account for updated rates.

FAQs