Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of questions (and answers) common to people who are looking to apply for a No Interest Loan. If you want to know what you can get, how to get started, what’s involved or have a general query, check out our “FAQ”
What can I buy with a WA NILS loan?
What's the maximum (and minimum) amount I can borrow?
Am I eligible to apply for a loan?
Why do I have to be in my current address for 3 months before I can apply?
If we're a couple do we apply together?
What if I'm in a house share situation?
How long will it take to process my application?
What do I have to repay and over what period?
What happens if I don't repay the loan?
I'm not eligible - who else can help me?
Why is there only two item per loan?
What is an essential household item?
What paperwork do I need to organise before I apply?
Who organises delivery of my item?
When can I apply for another loan?
What can I buy with a WA NILS loan?
Loans are available for essential household items such as:
- Fridges
- Freezers
- Washing Machines
- Beds
- Heaters
Loans are for two item only. The minimum loan is $200 and the maximum is $1500. To inquire about any other items not on the list, please call WA NILS administration office on 1300 365 301
What can't you help with?
WA NILS cannot help you with loans for:
- Bond Assistance
- Electricity, gas or water bills
- Rent arrears or debts
- General Expenses such as food, clothing
- Car Repairs
- Paying off unpaid bills
What's the maximum (and minimum) amount I can borrow?
The minimum loan is $200 and the maximum is $1,500.
Am I eligible to apply for a loan?
Loans are for low income earners only. If you have a Health Care Card (HCC) and your income is within our guidelines you are a low income earner. If you do not have a Health Care Card we will use guidelines set by Centrelink to decide if you are a low income earner. In addition to being a low income earner:
- You need to have lived at your current address for three months or more.
- You need to be able to repay the loan.
(Note that there is some flexibility around the housing criterion.)
Why do I have to be in my current address for 3 months before I can apply?
WA NILS has limited funds available for loans and money from repaid loans is recycled to finance new applications for people in need. We (and other Australian NILS organisations) have found that clients who cannot show a stable tenancy history are those most likely to default on loans. We'd love to help everybody all of the time but all NILS organisations would very quickly run out of funds if they did not apply some safeguards. However, we do recognise that people can genuinely find themselves in circumstances beyond their control and because of this there is some flexibility in the housing criterion. Contact WA NILS if you feel you are in this category.
If we're a couple do we apply together?
Applications should be made as a household/joint application showing all incomes and expenses.
What if I'm in a house share situation?
If rent and expenses are shared, applications should be made as a household/joint application showing all incomes and expenses.
How long will it take to process my application?
All applications take between 4 - 6 weeks for processing from the date WA NILS receives the application. Applicants are notified of the outcome by mail.
Do I get sent a cheque/cash?
No. Payment is sent directly to the trader.
What do I have to repay and over what period?
This is a NO INTEREST LOAN therefore the cost of the item purchased is the amount you will repay. Repayments are made fortnightly at $3.00 per $100 borrowed (example: Washing machine cost $500, repayments would be $15 per fortnight, approximately 34 payments) or until loan is paid in full.
What happens if I don't repay the loan?
When you receive a WA NILS loan, you sign a contract to say that you will repay it full. If you are experiencing difficulties, contact us (1300 365 301) and we can discuss alternative arrangements. It is important that you do not cancel your Centrepay deduction without first contacting WA NILS, as we have follow-up procedures for loans that are in arrears. If you do not repay your WA NILS loan, you prevent others from benefitting from the scheme, and you will be refused further access to WA NILS loans.
I'm not eligible - who else can help me?
We may be able to refer you to another service, or your local agency might be able to help. You could also try: The Salvation Army, Anglicare or St. Vincent De Paul (check the phone book for current telephone numbers).
Why is there only two items per loan?
WA NILS is a not-for-profit organisation and our funds are limited. Our aim is to help as many West Australians in genuine need as possible. We are also very keen to make sure that our clients do not overburden themselves with loans which may put them into financial difficulty. Limiting loans to one item per application is one way to ensure that our funds reach as many people as possible. We've found that it also helps people to stay within their budget. Another reason is that, often, if purchasing two items, the client ends up with goods that do not meet their needs e.g. fridge and washing machine too small for their family size. Once your loan is paid off you can re-apply.
What is an essential household item?
Fridges, washing machines, heaters, beds and hot water systems. Other items may be considered essential under special circumstances - if there is an existing medical condition for example (note applications such as these would require signed documentation from a specialist - e.g. doctor or social worker as appropriate.)
What paperwork do I need to organise before I apply?
The agency we refer you to will advise you of this, but usually you will be required to take the following along to the interview:
- Income Statement
- Tenancy Agreement or Homeswest Screendump
- 2 Quotes for the item you want (on the trader's letterhead paper and valid for 30 days)
- Proof of ID
- Draft budget
Who organises delivery of my item?
If your application is successful a cheque is sent direct to your preferred trader. We notify you when this has happened and you can then contact the trader to arrange delivery or pick up.
When can I apply for another loan?
If you have successfully paid off your loan and require further assistance from WA NILS, you can apply again straight away.