Find a No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) provider

No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) is a NSW Government cost-of-living initiative. Using NILS to get a loan can avoid harmful or high-cost credit programs. If you're eligible, you can use NILS to pay for appliances, furniture, car repairs or medical expenses.

Introduction

The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) offers safe and affordable access to credit to people on low incomes in NSW.

Note: The dollar amounts on this page refer to Australian Dollar.

What you need to know

  • To be eligible for NILS, you will need to:
    • meet the eligibility criteria, and
    • show that you can afford to repay the loan (Centrepay and direct debit is available).
  • About the loan:
    • You only pay back what you borrow.
    • The loans are interest free (0% interest).
    • There are no fees or charges. 
    • There is no cash.
    • NILS will pay the invoice for you. 
    • The loan funds are paid to the store or service provider.
  • NILS cannot be used for cash, bills, rent or debts.
  • NILS is not for emergency relief during financial crisis.

Credit available

Essential items

You can borrow up to A$2,000 (two thousand dollars) for essentials items such as: 

  • whitegoods (such as stoves, fridges, washing machines and dryers)
  • essential household furniture
  • technology
    • computer or laptop (up to A$2,000 limit)
    • phone, tablet or electronic device (up to A$1,000 limit)
  • some medical and dental costs
  • car repairs or registration
  • education expenses like fees, uniforms, equipment or textbooks
  • employment expenses like licenses or equipment.

Other essential items may be considered.

Housing related expenses

You can borrow up to A$3,000 (three thousand dollars) for:

  • bond on a new rental property, or
  • to help recover from 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 – A$70,000 (seventy thousand dollars) per year, before tax
    • for couples or people with dependants – A$100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) per year, before tax.
  • have lived at your current address for a minimum of 3 months.

Contact

Contact your local NILS provider or call Good Shepherd on 13 64 57.

Last published: 19 May 2026