The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) offers people on low incomes, safe and affordable access to credit.
The scheme provides up to $2,000 over 2 years, for essential goods and services including:
- household items such as furniture and whitegoods (stoves, fridges, washing machines)
- educational necessities such as computers and textbooks
- some medical and dental services
- car repairs and registration
- employment expenses like fees or a uniform
- Technology, like a phone or laptop
- other items on request.
The scheme provides up to $3,000 for:
- bond and rent in advance for a new property
- rates
- costs associated with a natural disaster.
The loans are interest free, there are no fees, and repayments are arranged so people have the capacity to pay without going into further financial hardship, such as $39/fortnight for $2000/2 years.
To be eligible for NILS you need to:
- have a health care card/pension card, or
- earn up to $70,000 a year (before tax) for singles or $100,000 a year (before tax) for couples or people with dependants, or
- have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years
and show that you're able to repay the loan in the allotted time period.
Note: NILS cannot be used for cash, bills or debts.
The loan funds are paid to the store or service provider.
For more information, contact your local NILS provider or call Good Shepherd on 13 64 57.
Last updated: 29 September 2023