Introduction
The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) offers safe and affordable access to credit to people on low incomes in NSW.
Note: The dollar amounts on this page refer to Australian Dollars.
What you need to know
- To be eligible for NILS, you will need to:
- meet the eligibility criteria, and
- show that you can afford to repay the loan (Centrepay and direct debit is available).
- About the loan:
- You only pay back what you borrow.
- The loans are interest free (0% interest).
- There are no fees or charges.
- There is no cash.
- NILS will pay the invoice for you.
- The loan funds are paid to the store or service provider.
- NILS cannot be used for cash, bills, rent or debts.
- NILS is not for emergency relief during financial crisis.
Credit available
Essential items
You can borrow up to A$2,000 (two thousand dollars) for essentials items such as:
- whitegoods (such as stoves, fridges, washing machines and dryers)
- essential household furniture
- technology
- computer or laptop (up to A$2,000 limit)
- phone, tablet or electronic device (up to A$1,000 limit)
- some medical and dental costs
- car repairs or registration
- education expenses like fees, uniforms, equipment or textbooks
- employment expenses like licenses or equipment.
Other essential items may be considered.
Housing related expenses
You can borrow up to A$3,000 (three thousand dollars) for:
- bond on a new rental property, or
- to help recover from a natural disaster.
Eligibility
To be eligible for NILS you'll need to:
- have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, or
- have a health care card/pension card, or
- earn less than
- A$70,000 (seventy thousand dollars) per year, before tax, as a single person, or
- A$100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) per year, before tax, if you have a partner or dependants.
Contact
For more information:
- visit the Good Shepherd website
- Contact your local NILS provider
- call Good Shepherd on 13 64 57.
Last published: 24 June 2026