Financial assistance
Get information on available financial support services from both government and non-government organisations, designed to help drought-affected primary producers and regional communities.
Financial support services
Rural financial counselling
Rural Business Support offers free rural financial counselling services that are confidential and impartial.
Rural Aid
Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance.
Australian Taxation Office drought support
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offers drought support measures to help primary producers manage their finances when facing drought.
Farm management deposits
The Farm Management Deposits (FMD) scheme allows eligible primary producers to set aside pre-tax income from primary production in years of high income, which they can draw on in years of low income.
Income deposited into an FMD account is tax deductible in the year the deposit is made. It becomes taxable income in the year in which it is withdrawn.
Farm debt mediation
Before a creditor can foreclose on a farming operation, they are required under the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2018 to offer mediation through the Office of the Small Business Commissioner.
This legislation ensures South Australia's farmers will be better protected and have greater financial security. Fees for each mediation apply.
Find out about farm debt mediation.
Farm household allowance
The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) program assists eligible farmers experiencing financial hardship to improve their long-term financial situation.
Loans for farmers
The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) provides low interest loans to eligible drought-affected farm businesses, for up to $2 million with no fees.
Eligible drought-affected small businesses that are currently, or have been, supplying primary production goods or services to farm businesses in an affected area, can apply for the AgBiz Drought Loan for amounts up to $500,000.
Telecommunication bill assistance
Telecommunications service providers have hardship policies that allow people who are doing it tough to negotiate payment arrangements.
Contact your telecommunication service provider to find out more.