Recent Changes to the No Interest Loans Scheme Make it Easier to Provide a Hand Up

Vinnies No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) is a fantastic way to help clients access the goods and services they need.

The NILS program provides safe and affordable small loans for people on low incomes to enable access to significant and essential household goods or services. These loans provide an alternative to  Buy-now-pay later loans, payday lenders and other predatory finance providers.

Last year, demand for NILS loans increased by more than 35% from the previous year, which reflects the rising cost of living, and the challenges clients face if a significant cost arises.

Over the past few months there have been some changes to the NILs program to make the program even more beneficial and accessible to the people we assist.

Loan limits have increased from $1500 to $2000, with $3000 available for victims of a natural disaster. There has also been an increase in maximum income thresholds. This means single applicant maximum income is now $70,000 gross per annum (up from $45,000 net), and couples and families can now earn up to $100,000 gross per annum (up from $60,000 net).

The income threshold has been removed for victims of family and domestic violence; documentation requirements for repeat borrowers have been removed; and changes to the list of acceptable loan purposes now mean that people can apply for loans to cover rent arrears, advance rent and bond payments.

Over the coming months, the NILS team are planning to travel around NSW to give further insight into how the program works, how it can benefit clients, and how members can become involved in assisting clients to apply. This means they could be visiting a Conference near you.

If you would like more information on the program, would like to discuss how NILS could assist a client, or would like to become involved in the program you can contact the team using the details below.

Ph: 1800 484 664

Email: nils@vinnies.org.au

MAVS Website: https://mavs.vinnies.org.au/conferences/providing-assistance/nils/