Keep your cool with a no-interest loan
February 14, 2025
If you’re on a low, fixed income, Anglicare can assist you to apply for a no-interest loan from NILS Tasmania.
John* lives in southern Tasmania. He faced a dilemma last winter when his heat pump stopped working during a cold snap. An installer advised him that he couldn’t put a new pump in without upgrading to a new switchboard first.
John was worried that he couldn’t meet this additional and unexpected expense.
He made an appointment to see NILS Tasmania volunteer Brett Morris, pictured above, at Anglicare’s Glenorchy office.
In under an hour, Brett had assisted John to apply for a $1,000 ‘Energy Saver’ loan through NILS.
“It meant John could afford to replace the faulty heat pump with a modern, energy-efficient model that costs a lot less to run. He also had the new switchboard put in,” said Brett.
John received a loan offer within a week and was able to arrange installation shortly after.
“John’s repayments are within his budget,” Brett said. “And because the loan has no interest, he can repay the loan quickly and become debt-free within a short timeframe.
“John is enjoying a comfortable, cool home during this long, hot summer and is looking forward to staying warm next winter.”
Credit that’s safe and affordable
In 2023-24, NILS Tasmania provided 4,353 loans to Tasmanians that were worth $8.12 million.
Loans were used to purchase vehicles and mobility scooters, heat pumps, fridges and washing machines, and to cover expenses associated with bond and rent, funerals, dental and medical care, veterinary care and micro-business loans.
Purchases worth $8.83 million through suppliers across all regional areas boosted the Tasmanian economy.
One client described their loan as “life changing”: “It allowed me to begin my education to empower me to try getting off [the] disability pension. I’ll be forever grateful for NILS even though I’m still on disability I have purpose every day now to study.”
And from two older Tasmanian women – a demographic particularly vulnerable to financial stress during the current cost of living crisis:
“I became very unexpectedly a homeless woman at 63 years of age. My life (after gaining a Tas Housing unit) would have been very distressing and depressing without my many NILS loans which allowed me to furnish, install blinds, obtain carpets, and a laptop. I am extremely grateful to NILS.”
“I am an aged grandmother, living alone. Without NILS the outcome for my dog (security and best mate) would have been dire. Thank you.”
More information
Read the NILS Annual Report for 2023-24.
NILS is supported by the Tasmanian and Australian governments, Good Shepherd, Aurora Energy, Bank of us and NAB.
How Anglicare can assist
Anglicare hosts two NILS volunteers: Brett, who works out of the Glenorchy office, and Trevor Hurst, who is based in Launceston. They are both highly valued members of our financial counselling team.
You can make an appointment with Brett or Trevor by telephoning Anglicare on 1800 243 232. They can see you in person or support you over the phone if you live in a regional area.
Anglicare’s financial counselling service is friendly, professional and FREE. One of our counsellors will help you set up a budget so that you can take back control over your finances. The first step is to call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 and you will be put through to one of our team.
*We’ve changed our client’s name to protect their privacy.
