The SA Government Rural Support Grant, administered by the Rural Business Support Relief Fund, provides up to $1,500 in practical financial assistance to eligible South Australian primary producers and commercial fishers, as well as rural, regional and remote small and family business owners experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship due to the impacts of drought or algal bloom.
These grants provide targeted, practical relief to help ease the pressure of essential household expenses while individuals and families take steps towards recovery. Our goal is to provide some breathing room during difficult times and support you to work towards greater financial stability.
Grant Use
Grants can be used to cover essential expenses such as:
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet and mobile phone)
- Council rates
- Medical costs (including prescriptions, specialist fees and gap payments)
- Groceries, pet food and emergency clothing or footwear
- School-related costs (including books, camps and uniforms)
- Fuel, vehicle licence renewal, and essential plant or machinery repairs
- Sporting club fees or professional memberships
Grant payments are generally made directly to service providers or suppliers upon receipt of an official invoice or quote. Invoices or quotes should be itemised and include the supplier’s name, address and ABN. Invoices are not required for grocery or fuel assistance.
Eligible applicants may receive an initial grant of up to $1,500. Where financial pressure continues, a second grant may be available to eligible clients who are actively engaged in Rural or Small Business Financial Counselling with Rural Business Support and continue to meet the relevant grant criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the SA Government Rural Support Grant differs depending on whether you are a primary producer or commercial fisher, or a rural, regional or remote small and family business owner.
Primary producers and commercial fishers
Primary producers and commercial fishers must:
- Live and operate their business in South Australia.
- Be a primary producer or commercial fisher with their primary income derived from that business.
- Hold a valid ABN or ACN.
- Provide evidence of financial hardship or risk of.
- Demonstrate an average annual income of at least $60,000 across a recent three-year period.
Primary producers and commercial fishers who continue to experience financial pressure may be eligible for a second SA Government Rural Support Grant.
To be considered for a second grant, clients need to be actively engaged in rural financial counselling with Rural Business Support, continue to meet the relevant grant criteria, and not have already received an SA Government Rural Support Grant during 2026.
Please note: Hobby farms and businesses that cannot demonstrate significant commercial purpose are not eligible.
Rural, regional and remote small and family businesses
Rural, regional and remote small and family businesses must:
- Live and operate their business in rural, regional or remote South Australia.
- Be able to demonstrate that their primary income is derived from their small business.
- Hold a valid ABN or ACN.
- Provide evidence that they are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship due to the impacts of drought or algal bloom.
- Be actively engaged in Small Business Financial Counselling with Rural Business Support and continue to meet the relevant grant criteria
Rural, regional and remote small and family business owners who continue to experience financial pressure may be eligible for a second SA Government Rural Support Grant.
To be considered for a second grant, clients need to remain actively engaged in small business financial counselling with Rural Business Support, continue to meet the relevant grant criteria, and not have already received an SA Government Rural Support Grant during 2026.
What does ‘actively engaged in financial counselling’ mean?
A guiding principle of the RBS Relief Fund is that financial assistance should provide more than immediate relief. Wherever possible, this support is provided alongside broader financial counselling, helping individuals and families address immediate household pressures while also working towards greater financial stability.
Relief Fund grants complement the financial counselling process by creating some breathing room around essential household expenses while clients work with their financial counsellor to understand their financial position, consider their options, set goals and progress agreed outcomes.
For the purpose of grant eligibility, an actively engaged client is someone who:
- Has a current signed Client Service Agreement with Rural Business Support.
- Is actively participating in the Rural or Small Business Financial Counselling process.
- Is currently working with their financial counsellor towards agreed goals and outcomes.
Every client’s circumstances are different. If you are unsure about your eligibility, or whether you meet the active engagement requirements, please speak with your Rural Business Support Financial Counsellor or contact our team on 1800 836 211.
How to Apply
Applications are completed with the support of a Rural Business Support Financial Counsellor or Program Support Officer and cannot be submitted directly by an individual.
Our team will help you understand the eligibility requirements, talk you through the application process and identify the information needed to support your application.
As part of this process, our team will consider your individual circumstances and the level of financial pressure you are experiencing to help identify the support that is most appropriate for you. This may include other government, community or philanthropic assistance that is better suited to your circumstances.
We understand that every situation is different and will work with you to explore the support and options available to help you move forward.
Once your application has been assessed, our team will submit it on your behalf. The process, including payment of approved invoices to service providers, is typically completed within 21 business days.
Call us on FREECALL 1800 836 211
Email: [email protected]