StepUp Loans Victoria – Small Low Interest Loans

The StepUP program is no longer available – Learn about other loan options here.

Get a low interest loan for those on a low income and finding it hard to quality for a general loan. Knowing where to get help with an honest low cost loan can be challenging for most. StepUp allows borrowers to access up to $3000 with repayment terms over 3 years.
The loan is intended for low income earners and those who do not qualify with banks and don’t want an expense payday type loan.

These specialty loans are provided on a non-for-profit basis through Good Shepard Microfinance in partnership with the National Australia Bank.

Loan Details:
Loan size: $800 – $3000
Interest rate: Fixed rate at 5.99% p.a.
Period: set term up to 3 years
Costs: No fees

 
Loan Uses:
Loans are to be used for everyday household needs and not entertainment or debt, examples include:

– White goods such as a washer/dryer, microwave, oven, refrigerator, etc
– Essential Furniture
– Computer/Laptop
– Vocational education
– Medical and dental expenses
– Second-hand cars or vehicle repair

* if you are in need of a loan to pay for bills, there are other free bill assistance programs available.

Eligibility Criteria
– Centrelink recipients accepted (must have a Pension or Healthcare Card or be collecting Family Tax Benefit A).
– Earn less than $35,000 a year after tax
– Must be able to prove length of residence in current home, you will need a minimum of 3 months.
– Credit check required

How and Where to Apply in Victoria (VIC)
There are six StepUp loan locations in VIC, and they are located in the larger city areas. Simply contact your nearest StepUp office by enquiring online or calling.

Office Locations and Contact Details

Good Shepard Australia/New Zealand
354 Main Road West
St Albans, VIC 3021
Phone: 03 5979 8199
Open: Tuesday – Thursday

South East Community Links INC
186 Foster Street East
Dandenong, VIC 3175
Phone: 03 9791 8344
Open: Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm

Good Shepard Hastings
6 Wallaroo Place
Hastings, VIC 3915
Phone: 03 8312 8800
Open: Tuesday – Thursday

Good Money Geelong
104 Moorabool Street
Geelong, VIC 3220
Phone: 03 5223 8000
Open: Mon – Fri 9:30am to 4:30pm

Anglicare Victoria
162 Commercial Road
Morwell, VIC 3840
Phone: 1800 286 260
Open: Mon – Fri

Bendigo Family & Financial Services Incorporated
8 Meyers Street
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Phone: 03 5441 5277
Open: Tue, Thu, Fri 9am to 5pm

*If you are not near any of the above locations, contact the national line on 13 64 57 to arrange alternative borrowing options.

Review Other Financial Assistance Programs Below:
Find other financial assistance programs, there are numerous other social services like non-profits that can help with bills, rent, food and small cash loans or grants. If you dealing with financial hardship, there are options available to help improve your situation.

Bill Smoothing – A highly effective budgeting tactic used by utility companies but can be used across all bills. This helps keep monthly expenses at a low manageable amount and avoids large one off bills like rego.
Advanced Payment – For those collecting Centrelink benefits, this allows you to access a portion of your future payments to pay for current needs.
Financial Counsellors – For any general or serious financial issues, counsellors can assist. They have the ability to provide professional advice on all situations. They also have strong partnerships with most financial aid programs to help. There are numerous office located throughout VIC.
Centrelink Loans – If you are in a situation that requires cash, there are a range of responsible lending providers that help Centrelink recipients. Loans range from $100 to $4000 depending on lender and need.
Other Loan Options – In addition to the above, there are a range of other loan options for low income earners. This includes, bad credit, emergency, unemployed, single parent and more.