There are essentially two types of Centrelink loans available and multiple options within these two…
Centrelink Computers for All
Computers and smart phones are some of the most use items in today’s busy world. Having a computer and being connected to the internet has become a part of everyday living and is needed for work, education and entertainment. As such, getting access isn’t always that easy as computers along with software and accessories can be expensive.
Luckily in Australia there are numerous programs aimed at helping low income earners and Centrelink recipients get access to affordable, quality computers in addition to other household appliances. One of the more popular organisations who specialise in providing low cost computers to those on Centrelink is Make it Mine. This program makes it affordable and safe for you to acquire quality household appliances, computers and tablets with direct payments from your Centrelink account – details below.
Eligibility
A number of income supplement payment programs from Centrelink are automatic qualifiers for the Make it Mine! Program. Parenting payments, carer and widow allowances, aged pensioners, those on family tax benefits, and also those on disability support pensions all qualify for this special program.
The process is fairly simple and allows low income earners the best low cost and no interest option to rent-to-own quality goods for their home.
Application Process
Enrolling in the program is simple and straightforward. Simply go to Make it Mine online and apply under the Centrelink application. You then set up your payments through the Centrelink offered options, so payments can come directly from your monthly allowance and then sign the documents agreeing to the contract. Then you can just sit back and wait for your item to arrive.
Purchase Program
The purchase program is based on a one year rental. After 1 year of rental of your item you can then make an offer to purchase the item for a low price of $1 or more. Within the program there are no hidden fees like administration fees, setup fees or surcharges. There is also no deposit required. Simply pick out your item, apply online and wait for your item to be delivered, free of charge shipping. Computers and appliances are offered for various price ranges and needs.
Other Programs
Another great program that provides very low cost refurbished computers is workventures.com.au. They provide a range of laptops, desktops and desktop cpu boxes if you already have a monitor. Their computers not only cost a fraction of a new computer but also come with Microsoft office, anti-virus, 6 month warranty, tech support and users guide (laptops come with a bag). Its incredible value for those who want an off the shelf product with all you need to get started.
GreenPC is another non-for-profit that provides low cost computers across Australia.
You may also be able to find affordable second hand computers on websites like eBay, Gumtree and the tradingpost however it is buyer beware with these purchases and they may not include warranties or programs like Microsoft office.
The above are great ways to access quality computers for the home or office. While these programs offer low cost computers, they do have a cost. If you are unable to afford a computer, there are other options such as the library and community centres which will provide access to computers and internet until which point you can afford to purchase your own.
Depending on the urgency of accessing a computer, you may look at other ways of getting the cash you need for purchase which can include an Advanced Payment through Centrelink or a Centrelink loan.
Related Posts
hi i am wanting to buy a laptop computer
Hi Heather,
Please follow the links provided in the article which will direct you to the different laptop options.
Regards,
Hi I am 64 years old an I live by myself I want to purchase a tablet how do I go about this I’m on a disability pension, can I purchase a cheaper one through centre link
Thankyou for your time Regards Di 🦋
I need a p.c. Or a laptop
Hi Beau,
Please follow the links or contact the organisations mentioned in the article for assistance.
Regards,
Hello, how do I get a make it mine computer? I’m not on the disability support pension, parenting payment, widow allowance, carers payment, aged pension, or family tax benefit? -so, what about people just getting youth allowance, How can I pay a computer off (so I can study with a computer). I can’t afford one outright! :'(
kind regards….
Assistance for laptop for online study, on jobseeker payment and unable to get loans
Please help I am 73 years of age and on Monday placed my husband into residential care, and now my computer is not working, even tho I paid. Technician $375 , and now cannot to buy even a second hand an you help please
I would like to get s pc for my kids to do their homework .
Hi my close friend is only on new start also and after she was first considered and refused she has now been aproved on her third application. Prior to this she was aproved for cheaper items to establish a history now she is getting an expensive phone.
hello my name sarah mcgoldrick I need a computer to start studying community studys or child care
I need a laptop for study n applying for jobs
Hi
I just got accepted into a fulltime course inCommunity Services. I will need a fast dependable Laptop i would like to if possible a Macbook
I am in need of a hard drive computer for my son to start his first year at high school
Im in need of a computer as me and my husband have started a new business and our computer has judt stopped working
How do I get something from make it mine when my name has been black banded and not by myself
You don’t. If you think you’ve been banned and its not your fault then you can probably appeal it- go into centrelink and talk to them about it. If you’ve already tried that and they won’t take you off the black list then you can’t use it I’m afraid.
You can try getting a loan or advance payment from centrelink though. If you got a $200 loan and paid it back over time, then it would work out the same as the make it mine option. Who knows, it might even work out cheaper because you would own it to start with and wouldn’t need to buy it at the end!
I would like to apply for a laptop plz adap
Guys, this is just a page giving you information. If you want to buy a laptop/computer/spare parts, hop across to http://www.workventures.com.au/webshop as recommended above.
At last someone said something. Thanks Robyn!
The link doesn’t even work
Thanks for letting us know – that has been updated now as they had made changes to their website.
Hi I want to buy a desk top computer but don’t want to pay to much
I am on Newstart but have debt with centrelink and my health is very poor atm I am getting regular Dr certificates but am single paying off funeral bills and medication some which is not on concession card and am in homeswest a house but I struggling to feed myself and paying for car rego or petrol 🙁 I need a computer laptop and can’t get help and it’s vicious circle please let me know how to get help
I just looked at make it mine website. I looked at the payments for a suitable computer. $36.00 a week for 12 months which = 1872.00 total. I looked up the current going price for the same computer and it retails for $779. 00. Just make sure your not getting over charged on some of these offers that seem fair but are certainly not.
Hi Kim!
Yeah, I wanted a new computer as well and found out the price of the rent at the end of the 12 months plan. It’s worth saving up the money to get a computer from places like JB HI-FI. If I saved up for a Alienware computer priced around $2000, it’s almost the same as two $23 per week, 12 month plan Nintendo Switches.
For those out there, if you need a computer, try the local library and/or centrelink (they usually have some).
EVERYONE PLEASE DO NOT BUY HERE.
All laptop and computers from websites which sell to people of low-income are rip offs.
You can buy cheaper and better laptops and computers from other sites and used ones from sites like gumtree and ebay.
Do not waste your money here. You can end up paying hundreds if not thousands dollars for a crap computer worth $100
I am looking for a laptop so I can find a job can you plz help with that???
buy a linux OS laptop or desktop they are a lot cheaper dont crash dont need anty virus(GOOGLE LINUX LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS .AU
I am interested in Getting a Laptop for my Studies, But cannot afford one
I’m after a gaming laptop if I can get one hope you can help me
I need a computer or laptop for my 3 kids to do online learning through this covid 19 period
Wondering if I can make repayments in this!
I am single mother of 5 kids my two teenage boys need helps with laptops for their school.