$663 Farm Household Allowance in September 2025 – Eligibility, Payment Dates & Income Limits

Farming is the backbone of rural Australia, but it comes with significant risks. Unpredictable weather, rising input costs, and unstable commodity markets mean that even the most hard-working farmers can face financial difficulty. That’s why the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) exists. Continuing into September 2025, many farmers are entitled to up to $663.30 per fortnight, ensuring they have a safety net during difficult times.

Unlike one-off relief payments, the FHA is an established program run by Services Australia (Centrelink). For farming households, it remains a practical way to bridge income gaps and manage household bills without abandoning their connection to the land.

What Is the Farm Household Allowance?

The Farm Household Allowance provides short-to-medium term income support for eligible farmers and their partners. It is especially valuable when income drops due to poor yields, droughts, floods, or sudden market changes.

Key features:

• Payment amount: $663.30 per fortnight (for singles or certain exempted categories).
• Duration: Payable for up to 4 years within any 10-year period.
• Purpose: Helps households cover living costs like groceries, transport, utilities, housing, and children’s needs during challenging times.

The amount differs depending on circumstances, such as household income, age, and mutual obligation requirements. September’s continuation means many farmers will remain on this $663 rate, unchanged from previous months.

Eligibility Criteria in 2025

Not everyone working in agriculture automatically qualifies. To receive the FHA, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a farmer or the farmer’s partner.
• Be aged 16 years or older.
• Actively work in and contribute to an Australian commercial farm business that is run for profit.
• Be an Australian resident and physically present in the country.
• Have not claimed FHA for more than 4 years in the last 10 years.
• Meet the asset test cap of $5.5 million, which includes farmland, livestock, machinery, savings, and personal property.
• Pass the income test, which has specific thresholds depending on household situation.

Income Test Thresholds – September 2025 Update

The FHA is income tested, meaning your payment depends on household earnings. Below are the maximum fortnightly income limits to remain eligible:

• Single, no child: $1,484.17
• Single, 55+ and on payment for over 9 months: $1,589.00
• Single with child under 16: $1,577.67
• Single with limited work capacity (under 15 hrs/week): $1,589.00
• Single principal carer with child under 16: $2,282.00
• Single principal carer exempt from obligations: $2,725.75
• Partnered, where one partner is not on pension: $1,372.67 minus farmer’s income
• Partnered, farmer earns under $150: $2,578.00 minus partner’s income
• Partnered, both on pension: $2,745.67 minus combined income

These amounts are designed to ensure the payment targets genuine financial hardship while still acknowledging the fluctuating nature of farming incomes.

Payment Dates – September 2025

Like other Centrelink programs, FHA payments are made fortnightly. For September 2025, payments align with Centrelink’s regular schedule and are credited directly into recipients’ bank accounts. Farmers do not need to reapply every month unless their circumstances change significantly.

Application Process

Applying for FHA requires evidence of farm and financial circumstances. Here’s how to apply through Services Australia:

1. Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au.
2. Log in or create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
3. Gather required documentation:
   • Proof of farm ownership/operations.
   • Income records, bank statements, and tax returns.
   • Residency and identity documents.
4. Submit your application online under the Farm Household Allowance program.
5. Track progress and respond to any requests for further information.

Applications can also be lodged in person at a Centrelink service centre. Once approved, payments are issued fortnightly. Applicants must keep income and asset records up to date to avoid delays or overpayments.

Why Does the FHA Remain Important?

Australian farmers often deal with a high level of income uncertainty. Droughts, storms, fires, pests, and shifting markets can all devastate farm incomes in a single season. Unlike crop insurance or emergency relief, the FHA provides regular, predictable support to ensure farming households have stability while riding out challenging conditions.

It also helps farmers maintain their mental and financial wellbeing without being forced to sell assets or abandon farming altogether. In cases where ongoing financial stress is unsustainable, the FHA also links farmers to financial counselling and case management services provided by government agencies.

Additional Notes for 2025

• While September 2025 indexation affected several Centrelink payments, many farmers will continue receiving the same FHA rate of $663.30 per fortnight.
• The program is not new but continues to be one of the most trusted and reliable forms of rural support.
• Farmers should not expect sudden increases, but consistent support remains the focus.

Final Thoughts

The $663 Centrelink Farm Household Allowance (FHA) in September 2025 remains a vital safety net for Australian farming families. For singles, those exempt from obligations, and others within income and asset limits, this regular payment provides security and breathing space during uncertain times.

While not designed to solve every financial pressure, FHA prevents short-term crises from destabilising families and keeps farmers actively engaged in their businesses without being forced to walk away. For anyone unsure about eligibility, the best step is to visit servicesaustralia.gov.au, run through the requirements, and apply directly via myGov.

For farmers managing uncertain conditions, having the FHA in place ensures there’s at least one reliable stream of income to fall back on—helping them focus on what they do best: feeding the nation.