Since December 2009, the Northern Rivers No Interest Loan Scheme has been progressively rolling out over the region, from Grafton to Tweed Heads.

If your community organisation would like to become an outlet for NILS loans, whether for your own clients or for the public, contact our Community Development Worker on 0400 943 157 or email us.

The national phone enquiry number is 1800509994

What can I purchase with a NILS loan?

NILS® loans can be used to buy essential household items such as

• White goods – fridges, washing machines
• Essential electrical goods
• Furniture
• Approved medical equipment
• Other approved worthwhile purposes

Why consider a NILS® loan?

NILS® loans have a number of advantages:

• They are interest and fee-free and have generous terms, but they are not charity. You must repay the loan.
• Borrowing money from other lenders can cost you a lot more and put you in a much worse financial situation.
• The NILS® providers work with you to find the arrangement that works best for you.
• Dealing with a NILS® service is free and confidential. They treat you with dignity and respect.
• Essential goods purchased with a NILS® loan are brand new.

Note that only one loan per household is permitted

 NILS® will not provide loans for

• Second hand goods
• Emergency relief
• Debt repayment
• Tenancy bonds
• Travel
• General living expenses, e.g. phone
• Where other funds are available

 How do you know if you are eligible for a NILS loan? 

If you answer ‘yes’ to the following questions you are eligible to apply for a No Interest Loan through one of the locations listed on the locations pages

• Are you on a low income, e.g. the holder of a health care card?
• Have you lived in your local post code area for at least the past six months?
• Can you afford repayments of up to $40 per fortnight from your income?
• Are you unable to qualify for other affordable finance?
• Will this loan improve the health and well being of you or your family? 

 Did You Know ...

• In 2010 NILS loans can be up to $1200
• Your Budget is your most important document when applying for a NILS loan
• you should always try to bring the required documents with you to the interview to avoid delays
• it can be up to 2 weeks before you get an interview due to the large number of enquiries.

 Necessary Documents for the interview

• Current Centrelink Statement
• Health Care Card
• Current Bank Statement
• tenancy agreement or rent receipts
• your NILS application
• recent electricity or phone bill if available
• two (2) recent quotes from suppliers (ON THEIR STATIONERY)