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Loans

NILS no interest loan

What is the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)?

NILS is a community-based program offering small loans free of interest and charges to individuals and families on low and limited incomes. Loans are generally for the purchase of essential household items and can be paid off in affordable amounts.

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service provides loans from three sites: St Albans, Collingwood and Hastings.

NILS programs for people with particular needs are now available in some areas, including loans for women setting up home after leaving domestic violence or after leaving prison.

Other types of small loans are also now available, such as StepUP Loans.

Who can use the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)?

NILS is for people on low incomes who have a Centrelink Concession Card. NILS providers work with people who live in their area.  

What does the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) offer?

  • Loans of up to $1200 or more in special circumstances
  • manageable repayments 
  • respectful assessment process conducted by community providers.

How can I find out more about the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)?

Contact one of our offices in St Albans, Collingwood and Hastings. Read more.

Visit www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au


Download a brochure about NILS (PDF 1.04MB) 

Read about some of the people who have benefited from NILS.

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service started the first No Interest Loan Scheme in 1981 with funds from the Good Shepherd Sisters.

“I think it's fantastic that people who don’t have a lot of money are given the chance to get a loan. It's an opportunity to let people prove they can pay back the loan - if someone gives you the chance you really want to show that you can do it and pay it all back.”

StepUP low interest loan

What is StepUP?

StepUP provides low interest loans to people on low incomes through community providers across many parts of Australia. StepUP is an initiative of Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service in partnership with NAB.

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service provides loans from their Collingwood location.

Who can use StepUP?

StepUP loans are for individuals or families holding a current Centrelink Concession Card or receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A. Individuals or families are also required to have lived at their current address for more than three months.

What does StepUP offer?

  • Loans of between $800 and up to $3000 for personal, domestic or household purposes such as: fridges, cars, computers, furniture, medical expenses and house repairs
  • interest is charged at a fixed low rate
  • loans can be repaid over three years
  • no fees apply.

What are the benefits of StepUP?

For more information about how StepUP is making a difference for people on low incomes see our report: A Step in the Right Direction? A report into the Step UP Loan Program, 2004-2007 (PDF 883KB) 

How can I find out more about StepUP?

Download the StepUP Loan brochure for people in Eastern states

Download the StepUP Loan brochure for NT, SA & WA 

Brochures in other languages coming soon

View a list of StepUP providers nation-wide.

“I felt very supported throughout the process and never felt like I was being interrogated or anything like that. I was given an opportunity when I no longer had part-time work.”