Resource
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 housing-related expenses. For people on low incomes, including sole traders under pressure.
Phone
13 64 57Mon–FriCost
No interest, no fees, no charges. Loan amount is what you repay.
Coverage
National
About this service
Good Shepherd's No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) provides no-interest, no-fee, no-charge small loans for essential household items and services — up to $2,000 for goods and services like fridges, washing machines, car repairs, education, dental, medical — and up to $3,000 for housing-related expenses (bond, rent in advance, moving costs). Eligible Australians are on low incomes, hold a Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card, or earn under the assessed income threshold. The federal government recently committed $48.7 million over 5 years to NILS, with additional capital from NAB. Note: the StepUP and Household Relief products have been discontinued for new applicants; existing recipients continue. NILS does not refinance business debt — it is for personal essentials that keep a household stable while a business owner navigates the harder problem.
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. Long track record. Operates through hundreds of community partners. Federal funding extended through 2028–29.
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 26 May 2026.