Financial assistance

Need some financial assistance, but unsure of your options? Find out what help you may be eligible to receive and who to contact here.

If you are worried about paying bills, then contact a financial counsellor immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007.

Loans

• NILS: NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme) provides small loans up to $1,500. The loans can only be used for specific purposes and eligibility criteria apply.
• StepUP Loans: These loans are available for low income earners. Currently the maximum amount you can borrow is $3,000. The rates are currently at 5.99%.
• Centrepay: Centrepay is a free bill paying service. Use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Centrelink payment. You can organise this online through your MyGov account or visit any Centrelink office for assistance.

Good2Go is an ethical buying service that gives StepUP and NILS client’s access to the best prices on an energy efficient white goods, computers and other household appliances.

Australian Financial Complaints Authority

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) helps consumers resolve disputes and financial complaints. They provide free and independent advice in a variety of languages. Their website also offers a live chat to help you with the process of making a complaint. Visit AFCA’s website or call them on 1800 931 678 from 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

MoneySmart

Money Smart offers guidance and support for financial matters. It is a program of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). MoneySmart has several guides available online, including topics such as:

• money management
• insurance
• loans, borrowing and credit
• superannuation and retirement
• investments
• scams.

MoneySmart has many online tools too, including budgeting, mortgage and investment calculators. Visit their website or call MoneySmart’s contact centre on 1300 300 630 from 8.30 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

RentAssist Bond Loans

A RentAssist Bond Loan provides an interest-free loan to cover tenancy bonds. Bonds are held by the Victorian Bond Authority. If your bond is returned in full at the end of your lease, you won’t need to pay for anything. However, if your landlord keeps some of the bond, you will need to repay this share.

The amount of bond assistance depends on the size of the property. See the latest limits here. You will need to meet several criteria to be approved for a bond loan. These include:

• meeting income and asset limits
• being a permanent Australian resident
• having no outstanding bond loans or money on public housing tenancies.

For more information on RentAssist Bond Loans, visit their website or call 1300 650 172.

National Rental Affordability Scheme

The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) aims to reduce the cost of rental properties for people on lower to moderate incomes. Property owners receive a subsidy for up to 10 years. In return, the homes are rented at 80 per cent or less of the market value rate. To be eligible for an NRAS property you will need to meet several criteria, including being under the income limit.  Find the most recent limits and read more about the program here. You can also view a list of all NRAS agencies in Victoria and their contact details online.

No Interest Loan Scheme

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides safe and affordable credit to people on low incomes. You can get a loan for up to $1,500 and make repayments over a 12- to 18-month period. You can use these loans for essential goods and services such as household appliances, educational requirements or medical procedures.

To be eligible, you need to:

• hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Card, or be a low-income earner
• have lived in your current home for at least 3 months
• be willing and able to repay the loan.

Visit NILS’ website for more information, or call 13 NILS (13 64 57).

Pension Loans Scheme

The Pension Loans Scheme lets older Australians get a fortnightly loan to supplement their pension. You will need to meet several criteria for the loan, including:

• receive or be able to get a qualifying pension
• owning real estate that can be used as security
• not being bankrupt.

It is non-taxable and you can get up to 1.5 times the maximum fortnightly payment of your pension. The loan and any costs (including interest) will need to be paid back to the government. Read more about the Pension Loan Scheme or call Centrelink’s Older Australian Helpline on 132 300 from 8 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Support through other agencies and the Victorian Government

•  Kildonan Uniting Care offer support through their ‘Energy Audit’ program. This program offers a free, comprehensive energy audit and explanation of energy usage within your home. In some instances they are able to provide free energy and water saving retrofit items (subject to funding and availability). For more information contact them on 1800 545 366 or email: CareRing@kildonan.org.au
• The Victorian Government offer a scheme called Victorian Energy Saver, where third parties source a high energy efficient item for you at the best price, which is then discounted as a result of energy credits. This program is coordinated by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. You can contact them here.