Uniting Care Wesley Bowden works in partnership with Uniting Care Wesley Port Adelaide to deliver the NILS West no-interest loan scheme. This partnership enables residents in the inner western suburbs to have easy access to applying for a no-interest loan. UCW Bowden’s microfinance worker assists people through the process of applying for a NILS loan.

Loans applications are assessed twice per month by the assessment committee which includes UCW Bowden’s Team Leader, Low Income Support.

When a borrower makes a repayment to a NILS® program, funds are then available as a loan for someone else in the community. This is called “circular community credit” and is a real demonstration of the community in action.

The basic philosophy behind the provision of No Interest Loans is:

• To offer low income consumers credit on fair and reasonable terms.
• To provide low income consumers with access to credit, without the burden of high interest charges.
• A belief that all people should have access to essential household goods for which credit is often a necessity.
• A commitment to an assessment process which includes a determination of the applicant’s capacity to repay the loan.

Who is eligible for a NILS West loan?
Applicants must comply with all the following criteria:

¨         People on low incomes (pension, benefit and family payment recipients and health care card holders).

¨         Residents living in the Western suburbs (defined as North of Sir Donald Bradman Drive and West of Churchill Rd)

¨         People who have lived in the same dwelling for a minimum period of 6 months. (Special conditions may apply if you have been a South Australian resident for 5 years.)

¨         People with a proven capacity to repay the loan in approximately 12 - 18 months.

What can the loan be used for?
The loan can be used to purchase essential household items including, but not limited to:

• Washing machine
• Refrigerator
• Water heater
• Other essential household items
• Computer (For educational purposes only can also be acquired, but must have evidence of course enrolments)

Some other goods are available in special circumstances. Generally loans are available for purchase of one item; however approval may be given to the purchase of two items in certain circumstances. Other size and value limits may apply on certain items. Please speak to your nominated interviewer at your application interview.

How much is the loan for?
Usually the loan is up to $1000. In special circumstances a loan up to $1,200 may be available.

For more information contact

Sandee Othams, Microfinance Worker, phone 8245 7100