People eligible for Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment also receive a Health Care Card . Payment is subject to the same income and assets tests applying to Newstart Allowance. However, the farm assets, including the farmer's superannuation and life insurance, are exempt from the assets test. Proceeds from the forced disposal of livestock due to drought are excluded from the income test. In this case, farmers will be required to deposit the proceeds from the forced sale in either a Farm Management Deposit or a deposit with a term of at least three months with a bank, building society, credit union or other institution that receives money on deposit.
Payment continues to be made while the exceptional circumstances declaration is in force.
A 12 month recovery period where customers will continue to receive payment applies in the case of drought exceptional circumstances. There is no activity test for this payment. Farmers currently receiving other forms of income support can also apply for Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment if their farm is in an exceptional circumstances affected area. However, a person cannot receive Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment and any other income support payments at the same time. Contact the State Rural Adjustment Authority which supplies certificates for declared exceptional circumstances areas.