Good Shepherd — No Interest Loans (NILS)
Also known as: NILS, Good Shepherd NILS
No-interest loans up to $2,000 for essential goods and services, and up to $3,000 for bond on a new rental or costs after a natural disaster. NILs pays the supplier directly; it can't be used for cash, bills, rent or debts.
No interest, no fees, no charges. Loan amount is what you repay.
National
About this service
Good Shepherd's No Interest Loans (NILs) are no-interest, no-fee loans paid straight to the supplier: up to $2,000 for essentials like appliances, furniture, car repairs, a computer, or medical, dental or vet costs, and up to $3,000 for bond on a new rental property or costs after a natural disaster. NILs can't be used for cash, bills, rent or debts. You may be eligible if you have a Health Care Card or Pension Card, or earn under $70,000 before tax as a single (under $100,000 with a partner or dependants), or have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years; and you've lived at your address for at least three months and can show you can afford the repayments. Call 13 64 57 (13 NILS) to find a local provider.
When to use
A specific essential item or housing-related cost is the difference between holding the household together and not. Avoiding payday lenders while you stabilise.
When not to use
You need to clear business debt. You need cash for general expenses. You are not on a low income.
Who they help
Sole traders and other low-income individuals who need a fridge, a car repair, dental work, or housing-related costs covered without going to a payday lender. Useful for stabilising the household while the business situation is being worked through.
Who they don't help
Cannot refinance business debt. Cannot pay tax debt. Not for cash for general expenses. There are income eligibility rules.
Strengths
Truly no-interest, no-fee. No credit checks. Repayments over up to 24 months. More than 130 local community organisations in over 500 locations.
Limitations
Not for business or ATO debt. StepUP and Household Relief discontinued for new applicants.
Source authority
goodshep.org.au/services/nilsOften used alongside
National Debt Helpline
Free, confidential personal financial counselling — for the personal side of a sole trader's debts, or anyone whose business has folded and is now dealing with creditors as an individual.
Small Business Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.
We do not refer to commercial debt-relief operators.
Every service we point you to is free or low-cost, government-funded or not-for-profit, and independent of creditors. If a paid operator is offering to negotiate your ATO debt or run a Part IX agreement for a fee, talk to the Small Business Debt Helpline first — 1800 413 828, free.
TEKVA provides information, not financial counselling or legal advice. Phone numbers, URLs, and operating hours were checked on 6 October 2026.