Loans for people on Centrelink or Newstart
If you are receiving Centrelink or Newstart benefits, getting a personal loan can have its challenges. Most mainstream lenders or banks have very strict lending criteria which can make things difficult for borrowers whom don’t have a full-time job and good credit.
Generally it’s the payday loan operations or similar businesses that will provide loans to individuals with irregular income or bad credit. In certain instances these types of service may benefit the borrower, but in many cases, they end up in a worst position. The charges and fees for these types of loans are generally very high. In addition, if you miss your repayment, expect to be slugged with a very high fee and increased interest rate. Just make sure you read their terms carefully and fully understand what you are signing up to. As mentioned above, these types of services may be beneficial in certain circumstances.
If you are in need of a personal loan and rely solely on Centrelink or Newstart for an income, there are options available to you albeit not as many as if you had a job. Below are a range of options which will help you access funds if welfare is your sole method of income.
POSSIBLE OPTIONS INCLUDE:
Microloans – If you are in desperate need of $100 – $5000 dollars, this may be the option for you. One of the benefits of a microloan is the speed in which you can receive them (generally within 48 hours). If you are in need of cash immediately, this may be an option for you. As mentioned above, make sure you are aware of the terms and all fees that may be involved.
Specialist Lender – If you are having trouble qualifying with the banks, try a specialist lender. These businesses provide different loan options for people on Centrelink, low incomes, bad credit and other circumstances or criteria that may be unfavorable for the banks.
StepUP – Is a program that allows for small personal loans up to $3000. These loans come with a low fixed rate and have no fees or charges attached to them. These loans are typically for everyday living needs, such as a second hand car, household goods (fridge, washer, dryer, etc…), medical treatments, etc…
Centrelink – Current users of Centrelink may be unaware of low income concession cards. This is for a lesser amount than above but can help with certain circumstances. In addition, if you are currently receiving a Centrelink payment, you may be able to receive an advanced payment. An Advanced Payment is a process where you can obtain a part of your normal payment in advance as a lump sum. You can learn more about this service on the Human Services website under “Advanced Payments”.
Community initiatives – In certain states and cities, there are different types of non-profits or community centres that may provide local residence with micro loans to help with different financial troubles. One good place to start is with your local non-profit financial counsellor, they may be able to provide you with more assistance, beyond a loan.
Visit here to find a financial counsellor
Banks/Building Societies – In certain circumstances banks run different initiatives that provide loans for people on Centrelink or on a low income. These programs come and go with the different banks so it is worth asking as they may have a product that suits. Don’t just apply for any random loan that has great rates and favourable terms as you may not qualify based on income source. Make sure that you talk to the banker/lender and discuss your background and ask them about possible products that would work. Do be mindful of your credit score, if you apply for loans to multiple lenders in a short period of time, this may have a impact on your credit score in a negative way.
Alternative Cash flow – There are alternative methods beyond loans for people on Centrelink to create savings or increase disposable income. Look at addressing your current bills and family budget. A reduction in monthly costs across your home and living services can go along way. Avoiding taking out a loan by creating savings through budgeting!
Finding loans for people on Centrelink can be difficult, however there are other ways beyond a loan to access money. In addition to the options above, think about selling unwanted items on eBay or having a garage sale. If you don’t want to sell items, perhaps use a pawn broker. These options are great as you are obtaining money without a loan, potentially keeping you out of further debt.
Picking up part-time work is another great option opposed to applying for a Centrelink loan.
If you know of any additional loan options for people on a low income or collecting benefits, please provide details in our comments section. As general options are limited any help in giving readers more choice is welcomed and encouraged.
Below are other non loan options for people on Centrelink or in financial hardship and need government assistance.
Whilst the Australian government provides numerous financial services for those experiencing money problems, many Australians are unsure of what these services are. Recently the government updated their websites and introduced some new finance related sites to help Australians manage their money better. These changes are excellent in letting Aussies know what services are available and how to qualify. If you are currently on Centrelink, and the before mentioned concession card or advanced payments are of no use, look into the income management service. It’s essentially budgeting assistance and rearranges how you receive your current payments to make sure you are on top of your bills.
If you currently are not on Centrelink and are in serious financial hardship, look into the special benefits service. This is for those who are unable to earn a income to provide for their family or themselves do to circumstances outside their control.
For more government services, visit www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/information/centrelink-website or for information on managing money visit www.moneysmart.gov.au/
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LOANS FOR PEOPLE ON CENTRELINK BENEFITS
1. Why do so many payday loan businesses target people on Centrelink?
Many banks and mainstream lenders tend to view borrowers on welfare as a risk. This generally has to to with their financial situations and ability to make repayments although there are other factors considered as well. Payday lenders have lending criteria that may be a bit more flexible making it easier to qualify. However the cost associated with these loans are typically high and if the borrower is unable to make the repayments, fees can quickly get out of hand. Because of the high costs associated with these types of loans, they have received a decent amount of negative press in the past.
2. Does applying for a loan when on Centrelink affect credit?
Yes it can, if you are applying for multiple loans in a short period of time this can have a negative impact on your credit rating. Watch out for lenders that state they can approve anyone, make sure you do your due diligence on them. In the end they may be just giving you false hope. If you are desperate for money, please look at some of the options listed above which are provided by the government or non-profits.
3. How can I improve my chances for getting approved for a loan whilst on Centrelink?
There are a few things that a person can do. Try having a co-signer who has a stable job and good employment history apply for a loan with you. There are possible secure loan options where by you use some sort of asset as collateral (like a car, boat, home, etc). One of the best things you can do is talk to the potential lender and give them your complete background and ask them if based on your situation if its work applying. As mentioned above, applying to multiple lenders can have a negative impact on your credit rating.
4. Why are my small loan applications getting denied, I have good credit?
If you your sole income is from Centrelink, most providers will not approve your loan request as they generally require some form of employment in addition to the welfare benefits. If you have a mixed income and the majority of it is from Centrelink, a good rule of thumb is that the repayments on the loans should not exceed 20% of your total income. Do note that this is just one aspect of lenders approval criteria and does not guarantee a successful outcome.
66 Comments
I appreciate this article on loan options for people on centrelink. Most options on google are just the high interest dodgy businesses. Being a senior on centrelink is tough and the stepup program sounds fantastic. Thanks
If your on centrelink or a low income earner, I would avoid any payday loan places too. Like this article says, they charge ridiculous fees for such a small loan. I found out the hard way. I’ve found it very hard to get loans as a single mother on centrelink. I wonder if there are any banks that will provide a loan with reasonable rates.
I was researching loans for Newstart/ Centrelink income earners and there seems to be alot more available to us then there was a few years ago. Google “Progress Loans, Microfinance Loans, Step UP Loans etc” …Most StepUP loans are for financially disadvantaged but NAB offer it for personal, domestic or household purposes.
You would need to be able to make a face 2 face meeting. My closest meeting office is 4hrs drive away.
Thanks for the information on getting a loan here. I have been on Centrelink for 2 years now because of an accident and haven’t been able to get a credit card or loan. I also don’t like the quick cash, bad credit loan businesses. Their fees and terms are ridiculous. Like why would I pay a company $100 to borrow $300? Again, thanks for this post with other options!
Why is it so hard to get a loan when your on centrelink? I have good credit but can’t seem to get a loan. I’ll try one of the other choices you have mentioned.
Cheers
Zara
I’m on centrelink and its very hard for me to get a loan, regardless if its a home loan or a personal loan.
This puts me in a rut that I can’t get out of.
hey james im on centrelink too and just got approved for a loan through fairloans..they are specially made for pensioners..please try these guys..they are pretty good..
thank u for giving out the idea about fairloan,s im going to email them now as im very desperate for a car
How do n you contact fairloans i have been searching for their site as i was told about them but cannot find them. Would appreciate any help in doing so
Its hard finding loans for people on centrelink. Thanks for the article, there are at least some good options here.
loans for centrelink dependent people are very hard to find and the constant rejections from lenders is depressing. Thanks for providing some real options!
Great blog
Great post on loans for centrelink people. It’s hard to find good info and lenders
Do you know where people on centrelink can go for a car loan?
I’m on new start and family tax benefits part A&B. And I have $3280 in debt that I’m having trouble in paying these at the same time. Is there anyone who wild give me a loan so I can then just have to pay one loan instead of struggling with three . Pls respond to let me know. Michelle
Centerlink loans are hard to find. Thanks for sharing some options. I wish the banks would be more flexible with personal loans for people on centrelink.
I think that banks should provide small loans for their customers, especially if you have been with them for years. They are happy to take our hard earned money but when we need help they charge us through the nose or deny us.
i had to go on Centrelink due to illness and my bank would not help me. I’m glad I found this article and some options beyond the banks. I cant wait to get back on my feet, I’ll be taking my business to a building society or something.
Are there any home loan options for centrelink recipients? I’ve contacted a few lenders and have been knocked back. I don’t have bad credit and am unable to work but get my benefits ongoing.
The options show here are great for people who want a small loan but do you know about getting home loans?
thanks
Will these types of loans work for people who are not on Centerlink but have a low income? If any one can provide info on where I can get $7000 for a car that would be great.
I’ve noticed that these microloans are becoming very popular for centrelink and low income earners as a loan option. Are there any other options for loans of a higher amount, like over $10k? I’m currently on Centrelink but also work part-time but am a permanent employee. I’d really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction.
Cheers,
D
I found this article from the essential baby forum. Great information on centrelink loan opportunities. I will defo pass this blog on to my friends.
Is there also information on finances for teens available?
Good piece on some funding options for low income earners. In addition, I say if your on welfare that taking out a loan might not be a good idea if you can help it. Looking for some money saving cutbacks in your budget could go a long way. In addition, selling unwanted items is a great way to get cash without borrowing. That being said, if you can get a low or now interest loan, that can be a good situation.
As there are some options for smaller personal loans, are there any good choices to get decent larger loans? I’ve found it hard to get loans or credit cards above $8000. Receiving welfare benefits really does make things hard. The only lender that I have spoken to for receiving a big loan wanted security. They asked me to take out a home equity loan as I own my house from my parents, they also said I could refinance my car. I would prefer not to do either of these things and find a lender who will work with me. I don’t have bad credit and have assets. Are there any unsecure loan options for low income earners larger than $5000?
Thanks,
Steve
I’ve looked everywhere and haven’t found and loans for people on centrelink over $5000. It looks like a secure loan might be the only way you can go. But, maybe like this article mentions, try a building society, especially if you have good credit and assets.
good luck
Great loan info for people on centrelink, ive looked all over the place and only found stepup info. Its good to see other choices out there.
Thanks
I have to agree with a lot of the comments above. I moved here from Canada a while ago and recently had some financial issues. I didn’t understand that Centrelink is the name of the welfare system here. Needless to say i have been searching all over Google for information on wefare loans but didnt find anything relevant. Once I looked for Centrelink loans I found this article and it has provide me with some great options for financial help.
Thanks a lot this is a great blog!
Cheers,
Big Mack
Because private loans are made by private institutions such as a bank or other private lending institution, your ability to get a loan will be based on merit, specifically good credit, essentially, a high enough credit score. Cash advance online shortens the processing time immensely, especially when compared to banks or other traditional lenders. These loans act as a boon in cases of emergency and so are largely favored by people.
I find that a lot of loans for Centrelink customers require you having a passport or drivers license, I have neither 🙁 so I can’t get a loan from anywhere.
hi i am a mum to a 4year old and another on the way and just wondering if anyone knows any places that finance cars? i went bankrupt 3years ago due to debts left by my ex thanks 🙂
Have you tried any of the recommendation in the article?
If you have with no success, I’d suggest contacting a financial counsellor through the link that was provided.
One thing I’d suggest is to try and get by without a loan. Taking up extra work or selling things that you don’t need is a better alternative to borrowing.
Finding loans for people on centrelink is difficult…thanks for the great article!
Can you explain why it is hard for people with good credit to get a centrelink loan? I have a good credit score and work parttime in addition to my centrelink payments. I still get knocked back when trying to get a loan from the banks.
Why dont the banks provide small loans for people on Centerlink? I don’t want to apply for a loan with some company I never heard of.
Can you provide some options from a big bank?
Great loan information here, the banks are such a headache. Do these loans work for people who also have bad credit? I don’t want to waste my time applying if they are just going to knock me back.
You can get a loan (advanced payment) of up to 1030.00
On newstart, they just take money off your fortnight payment over a year.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/advance-payment#a3
does anyone know anywhere that offers up to $10,000???
Its refreshing to find information on getting loans for people who are in need of a loan while on Centrelink benefits. Most of the options I have found are payday loans and this is the type of loan that has got me in trouble with my credit score and finances. Thanks for the read and I’ll be contacting the free financial counselors.
I can’t get a loan because I don’t have a license and I’m on centrelink. It sucks. Maybe I need a suga daddy ha ha.
Thanks for providing some information on loans for centrelink people. All the options i’ve found so far have been payday lenders. they keep telling me that i will qualify and then when i dont they just ignore me and dont give me a reason why i didnt get a loan. i will never apply to these type of places again. plus since ive been looking around it hink its better that i dont. many people seem to have bad experiences with these companies.
Excellent information on centrelink loans, i’ve looked around and like other comments have only found payday lenders which i despise! Thanks for the great article and info.
are there any banks that give personal loans to people on centre link? i dont want to get a GE or payday loan
payday loans should not be advertised as centrelink loans and there should be some law or regulation that does not allow payday lenders to target people who are collecting centrelink benefits. Its the biggest rot ever – screw payday loans and the debt trap they create whilst ruining low income earners credit!
On centrelink and need a loan to pay all my bills on track
I’ve just heard that I’ll be out of work soon, can I still get a loan to consolidate my debt before that happens. I may or may not be on centrelink but want to know my options.
I need to apply
for a small loan
Thankyou to everyone for all your comments and advise I am going to give these places a shot I have got onto so many places to try and get a loan and got knocked back by all of them cause of being on centrelink I want to start my own busniess and need the help doing so.it makes me feel like loan lenders treat centrelink people like 3rd class or scum and rather people living on the street etc or get nowhere in life really makes me angry.
Great advice from the article and more awesome advice from the comments. Thanks for posting & keep posting comments. Great website. Thankyou. X
I am 59,and desperate for someone to help me get a loan for $1,800 for bills that have gone to debt collectors.I am also bankrupt due to my career of twenty years walked out and left me with these bills,I didn’t know I had. I have tried all over the place to get help,but get knocked back.I am honest with them about my problem but still no go.Is there anyone I can turn to for help.I just want to clear my name. Please help.
Hi Stephen,
Try reaching out to GoodShepardMicroFinance as a starting point. It may also be worth while speaking to a free financial counselor who can provide additional financial assistance.
I wanted to enquire about how to apply for a loan
How to you apply ?
Needs a loan asap
Need a loan asap
I am on a disability pension and have been on it since 1998 with AAA credit rating own my own house, cars x 2, caravan, boat and all house contents but the minute you tell them you are on disability pension they dont want to know you anyone got any ideas???? Only need to borrow $3000
Hi my name is Teresa and I’m on carers pension and at the moment I’m short on cash as I had unexpected car repairs and I was wondering can you help me I applied for so many loans and because I’m a carer none wants to know you can you help
Hi iam Linda I was just wondering if u could help me out until next pay I am on centerlink and only get paid fortnight and I have applied for a few lones but been nocked back as I do have bad credit as its me and my 8 kids and just need help until next pay
Currant
I am a single mum in need of a car i am on newstart payment with family payment including
I’m on cetrelink all the stuff I went threw to get declined at the end the gov owes me not out to rort them only wat I’m untitled to is wat I’m after
Australia is the best and between me and u the only thing I was guilty of is keeping quiet but when I talk about the cards I’ve been delt I’ll like to see the reaction on the face on if 2 wrongs make it right well don’t tell me I’m wrong would be allright
Great info but can someone explain how n where you can apply for a setup loan please ?
Hi can you please help me with a loan I’m on new start & also single Mum with 4 kids needing a loan for help moving in our new home
Can I try for loan
Im jeaneth tan been applying a loan im only a centrelink payment really need a money to fix our house even $35000 will do to$50000 i need we dont owe anyone we can secure our property if we need to get a loan our property is not mortgage so we canmake our prooerty as collateral toget a loan hope i can get a loan that suits for me.centrelink payment and having a husband as self employed.hope there is a loan suits for me. Thank you.
regards
Jeaneth
I am looking for a small loan to get a car as my current one is falling apart as I need one for medical appointments and I am on Newstart and I have tried alot and kept getting declined. How are we meant to try when nobody is willing to help
My children ate coming back into my care and I want to set up a room for them!
how do I go about getting a loan please..were do I go to apply.couldnt zoom in on my fone so had trouble reading sorry