Help to buy stuff
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Q: I need to have my car repaired and can't afford it. Is there any subsidy for people with disabilities for this type of expense?A: There is no direct funding for one-off expenses such as purchasing household items, car repair etc. However there are some possibilities for assistance:
Centrelink pensioners can get an advance payment of their benefit. This is recovered, interest-free, from their payments over the next 13 fortnights. An advance payment can only be paid once in any 12 month period. However, the advance can be paid in two separate instalments.
No-interest loans are available from a number of community groups and charities. The loans are generally for amounts of $600–$1000 for such items as a washing machine, fridge or medical appliance. Loans are repaid over 12–15 months. For more information and to locate a NILS program in your area go to:
- NSW www.nilsnsw.org.au
- VIC www.infoxchange.net.au/haasp/hasnils.htm
- ACT www.carefcs.org/services/nointerestloanschemenils.html
- QLD NT WA SA TAS—do you know about your state? Please help us fill the gaps.
