A Step UP Loan is a non profit loan developed with Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service. These personal, unsecured loans are between $800 and
$3000 for individuals and families living on a low income and are offered at a basic interest rate of 6.99%p.a.. The loans provide affordable credit for the purchase of essential personal, household
and domestic goods and services (eg. refrigerators, washing machines, medical expenses, cars and car repairs, computers). Repaying a Step UP low interest loan establishes a credit rating with the
credit bereau. Recipients are 'mentored' by a microcredit worker throughout the loan process and repayment period. Step UP Loans are available for individuals or families. You need to live in
eligible locations in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.
The individual or family must also:
- hold a current Centrelink Healthcare Card or Pension Card or are eligible to receive Family Tax Benefit
- have lived at their current address for more than six months.
You may still be eligible for a Step UP Loan if you:
- have a poor credit history
- hold an existing loan or mortgage but are currently unable to access normal bank loans because of a change in circumstance
- are over 70 years of age.
How much can I borrow
The maximum value of a Step UP Loan is $3000. The minimum value of a loan is $800.
- The loans come with a 6.99% p.a. fixed interest rate for the period of the loan.
- Loans may be taken out for six months to three years.
- There are no fees.
- Loan repayments can be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
What if I have a poor credit history or some bad debts
You may still qualify for a Step UP Loan, so please contact a microcredit worker at an eligible location near you.
The amount of outstanding debt will need to be less than $500 and you will have to arrange to repay the outstanding debt. The microcredit worker at your location will be able to help you identify any
debt that may sit with an external credit checking agency. They will also be able to provide advice on how to repay outstanding debt.
What can I borrow money for
Step UP Loans can be used for:
- furniture
- house maintenance and repairs
- medical and dental expenses
- second hand cars
- car repairs
- airfares (for refugee family reunion or emergency)
- computers
- vocational educational costs
This loan list is not exhaustive. Loans are not limited to one item.
Step UP Loans are NOT for:
- consolidation of any debt
- fines
- Christmas expenses
- bills
- holidays
- cash
Where are these loans offered
As part of the loan application process you will need to contact a Micro credit worker at one of these locations.
Victoria
Greater Melbourne
Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
117 Johnston St
Collingwood
Ph 03 8412 7317 (Vanessa)
Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
354 Main Road West
St Albans
Ph 03 9364 5230 (Andrea)
Mornington Peninsula
Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
Hastings
Ph 03 5979 8199 (Bernadine)
New South Wales
Lithgow
Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre, Lithgow
Ph 02 6352 2077 (Julie)
Bathurst, Cowra and Orange
Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre,
Bathurst
Ph 02 6332 4866 (Margaret)
South Australia
State-wide coverage
UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide Inc
10 Pitt Street, Adelaide
Ph 08 8202 5180 (John)
Western Australia
Perth
Mercy Community Programs
Ph 08 9208 4410 (Bev)
With less than perfect credit you may qualify for a Citibank Personal Loan. A Citibank Personal Loan can help you get what you want time and
again. It is an unsecured fixed instalment loan with competitive rates and flexible loan terms making budgeting easy with set loan repayments. The loan amount is dispersed directly into your account
giving you the freedom to use as you choose and prioritise which debts you pay off first.
Have the freedom to buy what you want
With $4,000 to $75,000 loan amounts and terms from 1 to 5 years, budgeting is made easy with set repayments.
SAVE with low setup and ongoing fees
Low $100 establishment fee and only $7 per month account servicing fee.
SAVE with competitive fixed rates
Competitive fixed interest rates start from 10.99% p.a. (comparison rate 11.36% p.a.) x. for low risk borrowers and up to 25.99% p.a. for credit impaired.