Cash. We pay suppliers directly for the goods or services you needExisting debts, bills, holidays, rent arrears, ongoing rent or everyday expenses like groceries and petrolFines (a financial counsellor may be able to help reduce a fine through a Work Development Order, see our Financial Counselling page)

Financial Inclusion

In this section

Need to talk it through?

Our team can answer questions confidentially.

No Interest Loans Scheme (NILs)

Interest free loans with no fees for people on a low income

Stepwise can help you access a no interest loan of up to $2,000 for essential goods and services. NILs loans have no interest and no fees. You simply repay what you borrow.

What to expect

Call to apply

Call (02) 9789 3744 or (02) 8709 0200 to speak with our NILS team.

Get your documents ready

You'll need 100 points of ID, proof of income such as Centrelink Income Statement or payslips, latest 90 days of bank transactions, and a quote or invoice for what you want to buy. Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to provide other documents to support your application.

Go through the assessment

A NILs loan is a genuine loan application, so we'll ask about your income and expenses to check if you can comfortably repay it. If your application is approved, you'll be set up on a fixed repayment plan over a maximum period of 24 months.

Who is eligible

If any of these sound like you, we can help — get in touch.

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)

Support with energy bills during a financial crisis.

Financial Counselling

Free, confidential support to help you manage debt and negotiate with creditors.

What we don't cover:

Cash. We pay suppliers directly for the goods or services you need
Existing debts, bills, holidays, rent arrears, ongoing rent or everyday expenses like groceries and petrol
Fines (a financial counsellor may be able to help reduce a fine through a Work Development Order, see our Financial Counselling page)

What a NILS loan can be used for:

Household items like appliances, whitegoods and furniture
Car repairs and registration
Medical, dental and other health related expenses
Technology like a phone (up to $1000) or laptop
Education expenses like fees or uniforms
Employment expenses like licences or equipment

About our No Interest Loans Scheme

When something essential breaks or needs replacing and there's no money to cover it, a loan through a mainstream lender often isn't an option. That's where the No Interest Loans Scheme comes in.

NILs gives you access to a loan of up to $2,000 for things like household appliances, car repairs, medical and dental costs, technology, education expenses or work related equipment. With a No Interest Loan (NILs), we’ll pay the supplier directly and you only repay what you borrow with no interest, fees or charges.

What to expect when you apply

When you apply for a NILS loan, we'll talk through your income, your regular expenses and any existing debts to make sure the repayments are manageable for you. Bringing a quote or invoice for what you want to buy helps speed things up.

A team that understands the process

Our NILS team includes staff with a background in financial counselling, so you're supported by people who understand financial pressure and how to work through it. NILS is delivered in partnership with Good Shepherd Microfinance and supported by the Office of Fair Trading, and has been running as a national program since 1981.

Get in touch

No Interest Loans is a phone and appointment only service. Call (02) 9789 3744 or (02) 8709 0200 to get started.

For general enquiries, visit our main Contact page.

Frequently asked questions

What we don't cover

Cash. We pay suppliers directly for the goods or services you need
Existing debts, bills, holidays, rent arrears, ongoing rent or everyday expenses like groceries and petrol
Fines (a financial counsellor may be able to help reduce a fine through a Work Development Order, see our Financial Counselling page)

Is this actually a loan, or is it free money?

It’s a genuine no interest loan. We assess your income and expenses the same way any lender would, and you repay what you borrow over time. There’s just no interest and no fees.

What can't I use a NILs loan for?

NILS can’t be used for cash, existing debts, holidays, everyday bills like groceries and petrol, or fines.

What documents do I need to apply?

You’ll need 100 points of ID, details about your financial situation such as bank statements or payslips, information on any existing debts, and a quote or invoice for the item or service you want to buy.

How long do I have to repay the loan?

Repayments are set over a fixed 24 month period.

Do I have to live in a certain area to apply?

We’re funded to support Canterbury Bankstown, Inner West, Canada Bay, Georges River and Bayside, but if you’re outside these areas please still get in touch. We may still be able to help.

Is this a scam?

No. NILs is a legitimate, long running national program that’s been operating since 1981.