No Interest Loans
We support low-income earners by providing small loans and engage in practical conversations to increase our clients' financial awareness.
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Fair Finance
So many families in Australia today are burdened by the cost of living
As an organisation that works closely with individuals and families suffering from financial hardship, BaptistCare HopeStreet is all too aware of what happens when someone doesn’t have access to fair and affordable financial support.
So many families in Australia today are burdened by the cost of living; the increasing costs of electricity, gas, rent and petrol. Now throw in children’s school uniforms and stationery, a visit to the doctor, and the cost of food.
People experiencing financial hardship, whether receiving government support or on low incomes, often have to choose between putting food on the table, or paying bills.
Consider then, costs like replacing a fridge, fixing a washing machine, buying a computer to study, needing dental work or repairing a car necessary for travel to work.
Often with poor credit history, or a string of bad debt and no spare cash, having to find the funds for these every day or emergency costs can lead to substantial hardship. Fast-cash traps such as payday lenders and loan sharks seem like a good idea, initially.
For women who are victims of domestic violence, without access to money or any financial security, they can feel trapped and unable to leave an abusive relationship. Many women who do leave are forced into homelessness with their children, have debt from their former partner and are unable to access safe housing or afford rental payments.
No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS)
We've teamed up with National Australia Bank, Good Shepherd Microfinance and NSW Office of Fair Trading to provide:
- No Interest Loans (NILS)
- No Interest Loans for women who have experienced domestic and family violence (DV NILS)
- No Interest Loans for Essential Vehicles (NILs4Vehicles)
We work with you to create a budget, and can put you in touch with services who offer assistance with managing finances, further empowering you to make informed financial decisions.
About the Loans
You can use a NILS loan to purchase essential items including phones, household items and appliances, medical and dental bills, education, textbooks and car running costs.
We can also provide fridges and TVs at a subsidised rate through our partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
We offer loans of up to $2,000, which can be repaid over 2 years. Repayments can be made through a bank transfer or we can help you set up Centrepay fortnightly deductions for Centrelink customers.
No Interest Loans for Essential Vehicles offer loans of up to $5,000 and can be repaid over a 4 year period. Repayments can be made through a bank transfer or we can help you set up Centrepay Fortnightly deductions for Centrelink customers.
Excluded Loan Items
We do not provide loans for cash payments, living expenses (food), utilities (except for DV survivors), clothes (except for school uniforms) and holidays.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if any of these apply to you:
- Receiving income support from Centrelink or on a low income ($57k singles, 75k couples)*
- Lived in current accommodation or previous accommodation for at least 3 months*
- The holder of a Health Care Card or Pension Card
- Have experienced Family Domestic Violence within the last 10 years
*There are exceptions, please contact us to discuss your situation.
A hand up
Imagine if people were given a hand up though? An opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and debt. Access to basic financial support like a bank account, responsible amounts of credit and general insurance.
We think we can turn this around and we’re passionate about giving people a way out of poverty. Right now, one in eight Australians don’t have this. Let’s give them a new beginning.
Get In Touch
Contact us to discuss your individual needs in confidence or learn more about how we can help.
Most of our HopeStreet locations provide NILS, or if you live outside these areas you can still enquire about a loan by calling 1300 275 227 or by filling in the form below.
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