How the No Interest Loans Scheme Works
No Interest Loans are available to help people on low incomes buy essential household items or services. Watch the clip or read below to see who is eligible, how the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) works and how to apply for a No Interest Loan.
What is NILS?
No Interest Loans are available to buy essential household items or services.
You only repay the amount borrowed – no interest and no fees.
Easy automatic repayments are available
People living on low incomes have easy access to affordable, fair and safe credit, up to $2,000
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
Have a Health Care/Pension Card OR
Earn less than $70,000 per year before tax if you are single OR $100,000 per year if you are a couple or have dependants, OR
Have experienced family OR domestic violence in the past ten years.
AND You can show you have the capacity to repay the loan.
How does it work?
NILS is circular community credit. Every repayment you make, can then be used by someone else.
What can you buy with NILS?
Household Equipment like fridges, washing machines and clothes dryers
Technology, including laptops and other computer equipment
Household Equipment like fridges, furniture items like beds, lounge suites or baby furniture
Outdoor Equipment such as lawnmowers or barbeques
Health Items, for example, asthma pumps, dentistry, optometry
Motor Vehicle-related registration, repairs, tyres and selected other costs
NILS can’t be used for rent, bonds, bills, debt or cash
How can I apply?
IT’S EASY BY PHONE
Please call 9673 1211
A qualified Financial Counsellor will provide information, advice on options and advocacy.
How long does the assessment take?
Once a loan application is submitted, it typically takes 24-48 hours when the loan assessor will contact you with your outcome.
The loan application process can be done in less than an hour if you provide the enquiry form and all supporting documentation beforehand.
Bridging the Gap, in partnership with Good Shepherd, is proud to be an accredited NILS provider.
Our service is called Nepean NILS, and we serve the Penrith and Blacktown Local Government areas.