No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS®)

Developed by Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service nearly 30 years ago, the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS®) offers small, no interest loans for people on low incomes for the purchase of essential household goods.

Loans are safe, and affordable – in the region of $800 to $1,000 – and are completely free of interest and fees.  In addition, the NILS® loan process also helps borrowers improve their savings and budgeting skills.

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service accredits community organisations to be NILS® providers and co-ordinates the National NILS® Network, currently consisting of 280 NILS® programs around Australia.

NAB has provided $15 million to expand NILS® across Australia, as part of NAB's $130 million capital boost to support lending to low-income groups.

Over time, NAB’s support of the NILS® network is expected to treble the number of interest-free loans currently offered to Australians living on low incomes.  With NAB's investment, the program’s expansion will also focus on communities experiencing increasing disadvantage including Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, a focus for NAB and outlined in NAB’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

The NILS® capital supplied by NAB, will essentially become community funds lent on an ongoing basis for continual "recycling" by community-based no interest loans providers. 

To become an accredited NILS® provider or to apply for a no interest loan, contact Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service on 03 9419 5477.

For locations 

NILS® is a registered trademark of Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service.