To apply for financial assistance, download the digital form or printable form below and send it to us via email or post.
Digital Form
This form is best used if you want to complete your application online, download and email it to us or send it by post. Download and complete the digital form here.
Printable Form
This form is best used if you want to print out your application, and fill it out by hand. You can either then scan the completed form and email it to us or send it by post. Download and complete the printable form here.
Completed applications can be submitted to:
EMAIL: drought@cwaofvic.org.au
Please ensure any scanned documents are legible.
POST: Drought Relief
CWA of Victoria
3 Lansell Road
TOORAK VIC 3142
Please refer to the Household Financial Relief Program – Victorian Government drought support July 2025 guidelines for further information.
About the Program
The Victorian Government has established the $2 million Household Financial Relief Program to provide immediate assistance to farming families, farm employees and farm-dependent contractors affected by drought conditions. Under the Program, the CWA of Victoria will provide payments of up to $1,000 to eligible farming families to assist with household expenses such as residential rates, food, school expenses, rent, household and medical bills. The Program is open to eligible recipients in the following local government areas: Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, Greater Geelong and southern postcodes in West Wimmera (3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319). The Program is open for applications until 30 June 2026 or until funds are expended whichever comes first and applications will be processed in order of receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Victorian Government has established the $2 million Household Financial Relief Program (the Program) to provide immediate assistance to farming families and those working on farms affected by drought conditions. The Country Women’s Association of Victoria will deliver the program. Please read the Household Financial Relief Program Guidelines and the Application Form in the first instance. Below is some additional information which may assist you in completing your application.
Who is eligible to apply?
You may be eligible if:
- You are a farm owner, share farmer, lease holder, farm employee, or farming-dependent contractor.
- Your property or employment is located in one of the eligible LGAs.
- Your household income or labour is primarily devoted to farming.
- You have not received funding for the same expenses from another source.
Which local government areas (LGAs) are eligible?
Eligible LGAs are listed in the Program Guidelines and the Application form.
What expenses can be claimed?
Claimable expenses include household related expenses which were incurred after 4 July 2025 up until the program closes.
What expenses are not covered?
Business-related support is available through other State and Commonwealth Drought Support Programs. This program is designed to support household expenses only.
Do I need to provide invoices/receipts with my application?
No, you do not need to upload any invoices or receipts when you apply, however you must keep evidence of the household expenses you are claiming (up to the maximum value of $1,000). CWA of Victoria will contact some applicants and request the invoices and/or receipts which support the application. Eligible household expenses must be incurred between 4 July 2025 and 30 June 2026. If claiming the maximum $1000, your household expenses should total minimum $1000.
Applicants can provide:
- Multiple expenses that add up to $1,000, or
- One expense claim exceeding $1,000.
Can more than one person apply if multiple families or adults live in the same household?
- No, only 1 application per household is allowed to apply, regardless of how many adults or families live at the same address.If several adults share one home (e.g., housemates, extended family), only one application can be submitted for that address.
- If a property contains separate dwellings with different addresses (e.g., employee housing), then each address may submit its own application.
What evidence will I need to attach to my application?
You must provide evidence of eligibility that matches your situation. Use the checklist on the application form to indicate which type of evidence you are providing with your application.
- Farm owner, leaseholder or share-farmer – provide one of the following:
- Farm rates notice OR farm lease documentation OR share-farming contract.
- Farm employee – provide one of the following:
- Recent payslip which states your job role, OR signed employment contract which states your role, OR signed letter from employer on business letterhead, which clearly states your role.
- Farm-dependant contractor – provide the following:
- Current ABN AND a business plan or service agreement OR recent invoices.
Can I ask someone to help me complete the application?
Yes, your family, friends and local service providers can assist you in completing your application. However, you must still sign the application.
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications will be assessed in order of receipt. Successful applicants will receive payment via a bank transfer. The CWA of Victoria may contact you to clarify details provided in your application. All applicants must retain copies of invoices or receipts up to, or exceeding the value of $1,000, for the period of the program (up until 30 June 2026) in the event that they are requested to submit evidence of expenses.
Will my application details remain confidential?
Yes, the CWA of Victoria will not share any of your identifying details. Statistical summaries may be provided to the State Government.
Why do I need to provide a business name if it’s for household expenses?
If the applicant’s name does not match the name on the rates notice (applicable to farm owners), providing the business or trust details can help the CWA of Victoria confirm the connection between the applicant and the farming property. This ensures:
- The applicant is genuinely associated with the eligible property.
- The property is located in an eligible local government area.
- The application meets the program’s eligibility requirements.
It may take more time to verify applications when the applicant’s name does not match the rates notice, which can delay processing and payment.
How long will my application take to be processed?
Applications can take up to approximately 4 weeks to be processed, from the point of receiving all the correct eligibility information.
Where can I get more information or help with an application?
For further guidance or to ask questions about your application please reach out to drought@cwaofvic.org.au.