The once-off Farmer’s Hardship Bonus will be available to eligible:

-         Farmers; and

-         Small businesses in farming areas which receive exceptional circumstances (EC) income support.

The bonus will be payable to households in receipt of any of the following as at 3 February 2009:-

-         Farmer EC relief payments;

-         Farmer interim income support payments;

-         Small Business EC relief payments;

-         Small Business interim income support payments;

-         Transitional income support payments; or

     -         Farm Help income support payments.

Payments will be made automatically by Centrelink in the fortnight commencing 24 March 2009.