Home repair, small business and not-for profits flood recovery program’s timeline extended for Mid North Coast following May floods

The deadline to apply has been extended to 2 February 2026.

Eligibility for the Home Repair Grant has also been widened so more households and businesses can get help.

The Home Repair Grant, introduced in August, was created to fill a critical gap for low-income uninsured households and landlords affected by the severe weather. Many had been unable to access support because they sat above the income threshold for the Disaster Relief Grant. With the income limit now lifted to $120,000 a year before tax, more people whose homes were made uninhabitable will be able to access up to $25,000 in assistance.

This grant forms part of the $50 million Housing Support Package, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. Launched in August, the package delivers dedicated housing help for renters for the first time. Support includes a one-stop concierge service to guide people through their housing options, onsite caravans for eligible residents needing to stay near their property during repairs, self-contained pods for primary producers, and grants for both homeowners and renters.

Eligible small businesses, non-profit organisations and primary producers can also access up to $25,000 to help cover clean-up, repairs, restocking and reopening after direct damage. While the grant was initially due to close on 11 December 2025, affected business owners now have an additional seven weeks to apply.

The Service NSW Business Bureau has already approved and paid almost 900 applications from small businesses and non-profits, delivering around $5.5 million in support.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) continues to work closely with individuals, businesses and communities as they rebuild from the severe weather and floods that caused widespread damage across the Mid North Coast. RA staff remain on the ground supporting impacted residents.

Since May, Recovery Centres and Recovery Assistance Points have helped more than 14,551 people across 33 locations. More than 37,000 tonnes of waste has been removed by the EPA and local councils, and all households have now transitioned out of emergency accommodation.

To apply or find more information on the Home Repair Grant, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/hrg

To apply or find out more infortmation on the Recovery Grant for Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organisations, visit service.nsw.gov.au

People affected by the flooding are encouraged to visit the NSW recovery website at https://www.nsw.com.au/emergency/recovery or call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to find out what assistance is available.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

"Recovery does not happen overnight, and we know this has been a long journey. This extension means more families can get more time to apply as I understand how recovery takes time.

"The NSW Government has acted to support people after the May floods, and the $50 million Housing Support Package has already made a difference.

"For the first time, renters were able to access targeted support, with 63 renters having been supported to relocate to alternative accommodation when their tenancy became uninhabitable.

"We will continue to walk alongside communities for as long as it takes."

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib:

"The grants of up to $25,000 will help small businesses and non-profit organisations get back on their feet and support the economic recovery of local communities following the devastating impacts of severe weather and flooding earlier this year."

"If you need help, please contact Service NSW to be put in touch with the Business Bureau team to answer any questions you may have."

Mid North Coast Recovery Coordinator Susie George said:

"We know recovery can be slow, frustrating and overwhelming at times. Our team is on the ground every day, meeting people where they are and helping them navigate what comes next.

"With the increased income threshold and extended program closing date, we hope more households will take up the Home Repair Grant so they can get back on track sooner.

"The RA is committed to working with councils, service providers and local communities to make sure no one is left behind in this recovery."