Applications for Personal Hardship Assistance payment for flood affected areas extended to 29 new suburbs

The NSW Government has extended the payment to include 20 new suburbs in Kempsey Local Government Area (LGA), 5 suburbs in Port Stephens LGA and 4 suburbs in Port Macquarie LGA (see full list below) following further assessments by the NSW Reconstruction Authority of data provided by local councils.

More than 45,000 people have already applied for personal hardship assistance via Service NSW.

Recovery Centres and Recovery Assistance Points continue to operate on the ground to support people in need. More than 12,400 people have attended a Recovery Centre or Recovery Access Point since 27 May 2025.

Applications are now open and can be made via the Service NSW website at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/individual-flood-grant-agrn-1212.

Applications to the Personal Hardship Grant program will close at 11.59pm on Monday, 21 July 2025.

For more information on financial support available and the locations of Recovery Centres and Assistance Points visit nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/flood-recovery-updates.

Hunter and Mid North Coast Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens said:

“Everyone’s recovery journey is different and can at times seem overwhelming, which is why the NSW Government has opened the Personal Hardship Grant for 29 new suburbs, so that people can access support now when they need it.”

“We also know there a people in impacted communities who haven’t come forward for assistance, but there is nothing shameful about asking for help.”

“I encourage everyone who has been impacted to either visit the Service NSW website, phone 13 77 88 or visit a Recovery Centre or RAP.”

New suburbs eligible for Service NSW Personal Hardship Grant