What is NILS®?

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS®) provides interest free loans

for individuals or families on low income. It’s a community-based

program that enables people to access fair, safe and equitable

credit for the purchase of goods and services.

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How does it work?

When a borrower makes a repayment to a NILS® program, funds are then available as a loan for someone else in the community. This is called “circular community credit” and is a real demonstration of the community in action. 

Nils loans are not for cash, emergency relief or to temporarily alleviate financial stress.

Nils loans are for essential items only, and during high demand periods applications for critical items will be prioritised.

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How much can I borrow?

Borrow up to $2000 for essentials such as appliances or furniture, to help you get your car back on the road, pay for education fees and equipment or help you cover the cost of goods and services to support your wellbeing. 

Borrow up to $3000 for bond on a new rental property or for recovery from a natural disaster.

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What can I use a NILs loan for?

Borrow up to $2000 for essential goods and services including:

• Household items like appliances, whitegoods & furniture

• Car repairs

• Medical, dental, wellbeing and life event expenses

• Technology like a computer or laptop (up to $2000 limit)

• Technology like a phone, tablet and all other electronic devices (up to $1000 limit)

• Education expenses like fees or uniforms

• Employment expenses like licenses or equipment​

Borrow up to $3,000 for:

• Costs associated with a natural disaster

• Bond on a new rental property

 

Am I eligible?

• Have a Health Care Card / Pension Card

• OR Earn less than $70,000 annual income (before tax) as a single person or $100,000 annual income (before tax) if you have a partner or children

• OR Have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years

• AND you have lived at your current address for a minimum of three months

• AND You can show you can afford to repay the loan

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Would you like to apply for NILS?

Nils applications

An interview is required as part of the application process. This requires a budget of your household expenses.

A three month bank statement is required for Nils applications.

Dishonour fees, unpaid bills including electricity, payday lender loans and multiple Buy Now Pay Later transactions (AfterPay, Zip Pay, Humm) may require further documents and/or reduce the possibility of obtaining an approval.
 

Please press the button below to complete the online Enquiry form and submit.

Once received a NILS officer will be in contact with you.

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Excluded NILS items

Loans are not approved for emergency relief, including the below:

• Cash payment

• Living expenses (such as food)

• Rent payments

• Utilities (gas, electricity, phone)

• Debt repayment & consolidation

• Second hand / refurbished electrical goods (except mobility scooters) &

       baby furniture

• Outbound international airfares / holidays

• Fines or penalties

• Clothing (school / sports uniform the exception)

• Comprehensive or third party / fire / theft insurance

• New or used cars

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