How No Interest Loans work
No Interest Loans (NILs) are offered through accredited community providers with Good Shepherd. There's no interest and there are no fees, and the provider pays the supplier directly instead of giving you cash.
How much
Up to $2,000 for essential goods and services, or up to $3,000 for a bond on a new rental property or to recover from a natural disaster. Phones and tablets are capped at $1,000 each.
What it can cover
Examples include appliances, furniture, car repairs and registration, medical and dental costs, education, and work costs such as licences or equipment.
Who may be eligible
People earning less than $70,000 before tax as a single, or less than $100,000 with a partner or dependants; Health Care Card or Pension Card holders; or people who have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years. You must also show you can repay.
Where you live
You generally need to have lived at your current address for at least 3 months, although exceptions apply.
These details are from Moneysmart. Check current limits and eligibility with a NILs provider.
How to apply
- 1
Find a provider
Use the Good Shepherd provider finder at nils.com.au or call 13 64 57.
- 2
Get a quote or invoice
Bring a quote or invoice with the supplier's details and ABN. If you know the rough cost but not the exact item, ask about pre-approval.
- 3
Bring your paperwork
Proof of identity, bank statements, payslips or a Centrelink statement, your living costs and any current debts.
- 4
Agree an affordable repayment
You'll need to show you can afford the repayments alongside your essential costs.
Moneysmart warns that unauthorised websites and social media accounts have impersonated the scheme to collect Centrelink and Medicare details. Use only the official provider finder or phone line.
Other lower-cost options
A payment plan with the provider
Energy, water, phone, council and medical providers may offer instalments, extensions or hardship programs. Ask before the bill is overdue.
Centrelink advance payment
Eligible recipients may be able to get part of a payment early, with no interest or fees.
How advance payments workCrisis Payment
A one-off payment for people on income support who are in severe financial hardship after an extreme circumstance, such as family and domestic violence or a natural disaster.
Services Australia: Crisis PaymentEmergency relief
Charities and community organisations can sometimes help with food, bills or vouchers. A financial counsellor can point you to services nearby.
Free financial counselling
The National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) offers free, confidential help. Mob Strong Debt Help (1800 808 488) offers free legal advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
National Debt HelplineNo Interest Loan questions
Do No Interest Loan providers check my credit?
Moneysmart says NILs providers don't do credit checks. You will still need to show that you can afford the repayments.
Can I get cash from a No Interest Loan?
No. It isn't a cash loan. The provider pays the supplier's invoice directly.
How do I know a NILs website is genuine?
Use the provider finder at nils.com.au, the Moneysmart No Interest Loans page or call 13 64 57. Be cautious of social media accounts or sites asking for Centrelink or Medicare details.
What if I'm not eligible for a No Interest Loan?
Ask about a payment plan, check Centrelink options or speak to a free financial counsellor before looking at higher-cost credit. If you do consider a loan, compare the total amount repayable.