Community Loans
Care has been providing 0% interest loans in Canberra and the surrounding NSW area (within 100km radius) for over 30 years. If you are on a low to moderate income, you can borrow to purchase essential goods and services.
We also have a specialist loan program for people who have experienced and left a domestic or family violence situation.
Contact our team on 02 6257 1788 or email loans@carefcs.org
Care's Community Loans offer a 0% interest loan for people in the ACT and surrounding NSW region, on low to moderate incomes. The loan is up to $2000 (subject to eligibility) and can be used to purchase goods and services. Applications will be assessed in order of priority then order of receipt.
What can be purchased?
Community Loans are available to purchase essential goods and services including:
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Household furniture
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White goods
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Electrical/electronic items
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Car related costs such as car repairs, registration
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For car registration, we require 4 weeks notice
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For car repairs, do not book the car repairs until loan is approved
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Medical and Dental expenses (including pets)
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Educational expenses such as uniforms, courses, resources, etc
Please note, loans are not available for the following items:
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Food
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Rent
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Bills (i.e. utility, phone)
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Cash advances
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Debts (i.e. credit card, personal / car loans) or debt consolidation
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Used vehicles
Priority List
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Essential items – fridge, washing machine, etc..
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Time sensitive – Car rego, car repairs, medical/dental
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Required items – Furniture, TV’s Phones, etc..
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Other items
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for a loan you need to:
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Live or work in the ACT or surrounding NSW region (within 100 kilometres of the ACT)
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Stable accommodation (ie. renting, boarding, own home)
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Been living at current or previous address for at least 3 months
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Show capacity and willingness to repay the loan over 12-24 months
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Have a low to moderate income or receive government income support
How much can I borrow?
Eligible applicants can apply to borrow up to $2000. However this will be determined on your capacity to repay the loan. If the item you want to purchase costs more than $2000 then you are able to contribute your own funds to make up the difference.
*please note, loans are paid directly to the retailer/trader and not to the applicant.
How long is the loan term?
Care's 0% interest loans have a repayment term of 12 - 24 months. Within this time if you need to adjust the payment amounts, please call the team ahead of time and discuss it with us.
What documentation do we require?
Applications will not be accepted until all required supporting documents have been provided. Applications will be closed if 4 weeks have passed without a response.
In order for us to assess your suitability for a loan we require the following documentation:
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A copy of your I.D/ concession cards
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Evidence of income such as a current Centrelink Income Statement and/or a minimum of 1 month's payslips
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The last 90 days transaction history for all bank accounts (including mortgage)
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The first 2 pages of your lease agreement or most recent rates notice
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Utility bills (eg: electricity, gas, water, phone/internet)
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Most recent statements for any other credit facilities
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Most recent statements for any 'Buy Now - Pay later', payday loans or 'rent-to-buy'
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Registration papers or proof of vehicle ownership (for vehicle related loans)
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Quote from the retailer/trader for the goods or service
Documents will only be valid for 4 weeks, after which updated documents may be requested.
Loan approval process
Once you have provided all required documentation and your loan has been assessed for approval, you will be asked to sign a loan agreement. This outlines the amount you will be lent as well as how many fortnightly payments you be required to pay.
Forms and Applications
Please find below links to important factsheets and application forms for our Community Loans program.
Please Note
We are a small team and will do our best to get your application assessed as quickly as possible, to do this we require your help in providing all documents at the time of application, and your understanding & patience throughout the process. If it is deemed that the staff/team have been abused or disrespected, your application will be closed and community loans will not be available until respect is shown to the team.
Have you been impacted and left a domestic or family violence situation?
The Assistance Beyond Crisis (ABC) loan program offers no interest loans for people who have experienced and left a domestic or family violence situation.
Click here for more information about the Assistance Beyond Crisis (ABC) loan program.
Want to find out more?
Our Community Loans application forms are available to download. They contain important information, including a guide to assist you to gather necessary documents when you apply. Note that completing one of these forms is in no way a guarantee that the loan will be approved.
Community Loans application form
ABC referral form
ABC application form
