Applying for a loan
Being a not-for-profit entity, WA NILS has a responsibility to ensure individuals who receive a loan do not incur the additional cost of interest and associated charges, whilst ensuring that money loaned to those same individuals is able to be repaid. To fulfil this responsibility we require that certain criteria are met.
Whether or not you qualify and the loans application process are detailed in this section
Purpose of Loans
A No Interest Loan is more than just providing essential household items such as whitegoods. The WA NILS philosophy empowers households on low-income to obtain access to credit on affordable and fair terms.
Being a not for profit organisation, limited funds restrict what you can and cannot get. Below is a general guideline detailing the typical “can” and “cannot” purposes of a 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 items only. The minimum loan is $200 and the maximum is $1,500. 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
Eligibility
WA NILS strives to ensure that loans are provided to low income households. To achieve this goal an eligibility check is conducted by our member agents as part of the loans approval process.
If you do not have a Health Care Card click here for more information about the current Centrelink guidelines to see if you qualify.
Am I eligible to apply for a loan?
Loans are for low income earners only. If you have a Health Care Card (HCC) or pension card 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.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for a No Interest Loan, contact the WA NILS Network on 1300 365 301 where we will direct you to your nearest member agency. The referred member agency will advise you as to what you need to apply for a loan. Information requirements may vary and you will be invited to attend an interview.
If you are eligible for a loan, your application will be sent to the WA NILS office for assessment.
Successful applicants will be advised by mail to arrange delivery or collection of their item.