Introduction
The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) offers safe and affordable access to credit to people on low incomes in NSW.
What you need to know
- The loans are interest free.
- There are no fees.
- Repayments are arranged so you have the capacity to pay without going into further financial hardship.
- NILS cannot be used for cash, bills or debts.
- The loan funds are paid to the store or service provider.
Credit available
Essential items
You can borrow up to $2000 for essentials items such as:
- 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.
Housing related expenses
You can borrow up to $3000 for:
- bond and rent in advance for a new property
- rates
- costs associated with a natural disaster.
Eligibility
To be eligible for NILS you'll need to:
- have a health care card/pension card, or
- have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, or
- meet the earnings criteria, which is:
- for singles – $70,000 (seventy thousand dollars) per year, before tax
- for couples or people with dependants – $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) per year, before tax.
You'll also need to show that you're able to repay the loan in the given time period.
Contact
Contact your local NILS provider or call Good Shepherd on 13 64 57.
Last updated: 19 March 2024