Centrelink loans are a quick and easy way to borrow cash. They can help you get through a rough financial patch or make a purchase that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.
But there are a few things you should know before applying for a loan. First, it’s important to disclose your Centrelink income.
Urgent Payments
If you’re on a Centrelink payment, it might be worth checking whether your payments can be arranged as an advance or crisis payment. These can be a great way to get extra cash when you’re facing severe financial difficulties.
For example, you could be in a situation where your rent is unpaid and you’re about to get evicted. Your local government or housing charity may be able to assist you with this.
Alternatively, you might be eligible for an advance or crisis payment from Services Australia. They’re a one-off payment for people who are in severe financial hardship as a result of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.
You can check if you’re eligible for an advance or crisis payment by using the Services Australia website. You can also call 132 850, 8am to 5pm AEDT, Monday to Friday for more information.
If you’re in a position where your income is falling behind, it might be time to consider taking out an emergency loan. But make sure that you’re getting a reasonable amount.
Personal Loans
Personal loans are used for a range of things. They can be for home improvements, a new car or even for travel or holidays.
However, it can be difficult to get a personal loan when you have Centrelink payments as your main income. There are some lenders who will still consider your application but it is often a case of proving you have other sources of income and can afford to make your repayments on time.
Many people who have received Centrelink payments for a long period of time will also have a poor credit rating. The reason for this is that they haven’t had a lot of money to pay their debts and it can take them a long time to rebuild their credit.
In the end, this can have a negative impact on your credit rating and ability to obtain finance in the future. This can be a frustrating experience as it can mean you have to apply with more than one lender, which can be time consuming and hassle.
Car Loans
Centrelink loans are a great option for people on lower incomes who want to buy a new car. These loans can be personalised to suit your financial situation, and they’re free of any fees or obligations.
The first hurdle when applying for a Centrelink loan is to demonstrate that you can afford the repayments. This is based on your Centrelink benefits and bank statements.
You can do this by proving you have a surplus from each pay cycle that can be used to service your loan repayments.
If you do this, you’ll be in a much better position to get your application approved for a car loan.
Another option is to ask a family member or friend who can act as your Centrelink guarantor to shoulder the responsibility of paying back the loan should you default on it. This could result in a more competitive interest rate and a larger loan amount available for you to borrow.
Brokers
Centrelink loans are designed specifically for people who need help in a financial crisis. These loans can be processed in an hour with no credit check required.
However, getting a Centrelink loan can be challenging. While many lenders will not engage with applicants on Centrelink payments, others will, and it is important to find the right one for your needs.
Lenders will assess your application, determining your income and expenses and any current financial commitments you have. If more than 50% of your income comes from Centrelink, then you may not qualify for a standard loan.
There are a few home loan products that cater for people who receive Centrelink benefits, such as the HECS-HELP or HomeStart home loans. However, these home loans typically come with higher interest rates than other types of home loans.