Our Services No Interest Loan Scheme What is NILS? No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides individuals and families on low incomes with access to safe, fair, affordable credit with no fees and charges applied. The No Interest Loan Scheme enables you to buy now and spread the repayments over time with no interest or charges. NILS loans are offered through Highlands Community Centres with support from Good Shepherd Microfinance, the Australian Government and NAB. Loans for amounts of up to $1,500 are available for essential goods and services. These may include: White goods such as fridges and washing machines Furniture Medical and dental services Course fees Educational essentials such as computers, uniforms and text books Car repairs, tyres and registration No credit checks are made, as this program is based on trust and respect. How do I get a loan? Make an appointment - call Stafford Cottage on 02 4862 1122 Collect your documents to bring to the appointment: Your Health Care Card, Pension Card, Low Income Card or Department of Veterans' Affairs Card. Bank and credit card statements for the past three months. Proof that you have lived in your current home for at least three months, eg. if you rent, please provide a lease or a letter from the person you pay rent to. If you own your own home, please bring a local council rates notice or receipt. Your latest Centrelink Income Statement and Deduction Statement. If you have trouble accessing this, ask us during your meeting and we may be able to help you. A copy of your payslips if you are working. A copy of your latest electricity and/or gas bill. A copy of any other loan or lease agreements or statements, eg. do you rent a TV, have a personal loan or are you paying off a mortgage? Get a quote for the item you need. You will need to provide details for the item that you want to purchase with the loan. Shop around to get at least two quotes for what you want. This will help you get the best price for the item or service you need. If you're looking for a new household appliance as us about Good2GoNow - a partnership with The Good Guys Commercial that enables NILS customers to get a discount. Attend your appointment. Your appointment is nothing to be nervous about. Think of it more like a friendly chat. A meeting to discuss a loan application usually takes around 45 minutes. Don't forget your paperwork so we can get things moving for you. After your appointment - once you have attended your appointment and submitted an application, you will be contacted about the outcome of your application. If your loan application is successful, we will make the payment for the items or services for you. All you have to do is enjoy your new goods or services! Loan repayments, starting from as low as $20 a fortnight, can be deducted directly from your Centrelink benefit for a 12-18 period. Domestic Violence No Interest Loans Good Shepherd Microfinance has welcomed the Federal Government expanding the No Interest Loan Scheme to assist people escaping domestic and family violence. Safe affordable loans of up to $2,000 are now available to assist victims of domestic and family violence. 90% of domestic violence cases also involve financial abuse. The DV No Interest Loan Scheme can help families get back on their feet without getting into crushing debt. It can help pay for all sorts of essentials including furniture and whitegoods, car registration and repairs, a computer so you can work or study, buying school gear for the kids or covering medical bills. Household Relief Loans without interest Household Relief Loans are now available (without interest) for anyone impacted by COVID-19. In collaboration with the Australian Government, NILS is now providing No Interest Loans of up to $3,000 towards rent and utilities, repayable over 24 months. Eligibility criteria: 18 years + Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid visa. Annual income before tax less than $60,000 if single, $100,000 couples or singles with dependents. Have lost your job, had income reduced, on Centrelink payments after March 2020 or otherwise financially impacted by COVID-19. Have reduced income if self employed. Contact the NILS Coordinator at Highlands Community Centres for further information on 02 4862 1122 or 0417 208 397.