Community Loans
Care has provided 0% interest loans in Canberra and nearby NSW (within 100km) for over 30 years. If you have a low to moderate income, you can borrow to purchase essential goods and services.
We also offer a specialist loan program for people who have experienced and left domestic or family violence.
Contact our team on 02 6257 1788 or email loans@carefcs.org
Community Loans offer 0% interest loans for people in the ACT and nearby NSW on low to moderate incomes. You can borrow up to $2,000 (subject to eligibility) for goods and services. Loans are prioritised by urgency, then by order received.
What can be purchased?
You can use Community Loans for 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 (repairs, registration)
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Car registration requires 4 weeks' notice.
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Do not book car repairs until your loan is approved.
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Medical and dental expenses (including pets)
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Education expenses (uniforms, courses, resources, etc.)
Loans cannot be used for:
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Food
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Rent
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Bills (utilities, phone)
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Cash advances
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Debts (credit cards, 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 registration, car repairs, medical/dental
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Required items: furniture, TVs, phones, etc.
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Other items
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility requirements:
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Live or work in the ACT or nearby NSW (within 100km)
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Have stable accommodation (renting, boarding, or own home)
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Have lived at your 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 support.
How much can I borrow?
You can apply to borrow up to $2,000. The final amount is decided by a Loans Caseworker's assessment. If your purchase costs more than your loan, you must pay the difference.
*Loans are paid directly to the retailer or trader, not to you.
How long is the loan term?
Loans must be repaid within 12–24 months. If you need to adjust payments, contact the team in advance.
What documentation do we require?
Applications are only accepted once all required documents are received. If you do not respond within 4 weeks, your application will be closed.
To assess your application, we require:
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A copy of your ID or concession cards
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Proof of income (e.g., current Centrelink Income Statement or at least 1 month's payslips)
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Transaction history for all bank accounts for the last 90 days (including mortgage)
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First 2 pages of your lease agreement or most recent rates notice
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Utility bills (e.g., 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' arrangements
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Registration papers or proof of vehicle ownership (for vehicle-related loans)
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A quote from the retailer or trader for the goods or service
Documents are valid for 4 weeks; after that, updated papers may be requested.
Loan approval process
After your documents are received and your loan is approved, you will sign a loan agreement stating the loan amount and the number of fortnightly payments required.
Forms and Applications
Below are links to essential fact sheets and application forms for Community Loans.
Please Note
We are a small team and will assess your application as quickly as possible. Please provide all documents promptly and be patient during the process. If staff are abused or disrespected, your application will be closed and loans will not be available until respect is shown.
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
