Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said a key component of the funding is an additional $33.4 million to be delivered under the Drought Community Support Initiative for immediate financial assistance to eligible households in hardship.

"Farming households can receive up to $3000 to spend in their local communities to cover urgent bills such as food, petrol and utilities, taking stress off families and boosting our local economies," Mr Joyce said.

"Crucially, this payment is also available to farm workers and contractors many who are also struggling financially through a lack of work and deserve assistance as well."

He said government would work with the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society to make sure this money hits the ground quickly and gets to those most in need.

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The government would also simplify Farm Household Allowance (FHA) applications.

Changes will remove business income reconciliation, change the time limit on payment to four years in every ten, simplify the assets test and recognise agistment.

"I fought to make sure we hosted a hearing of the Australia-wide FHA review here in the New England so local residents could have their say on these important changes," Mr Joyce said.

"Some of the feedback from the Tamworth hearing we actually implemented into the changes such as a simplified application process."

The government also announced an injection of $740,000 of contingency funding to five Rural Financial Counselling Service providers who are experiencing pressure from increased demand.

"It's really important that those in need of support do not self-assess their eligibility and instead seek advice from an expert, like a rural financial counsellor," Mr Joyce said.

Under the Drought Communities Program Extension another 13 councils will have access to up to $1 million each to complete local infrastructure and drought-relief projects.

For more information and to apply for assistance visit here or call 1800 900 090.