Unexpected car repairs are adding to cost-of-living pressure for some local households, with Brophy seeing people weigh up essential vehicle repairs against rent and other everyday expenses.
Brophy’s No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) is encouraging people experiencing financial difficulty to seek support before an unexpected repair bill puts further pressure on their household budget.
NILS provides eligible people with access to no-interest loans for essential goods and services, including car repairs.
For people living across south-west Victoria, having a reliable car can be critical for getting to work, appointments, school and essential services.
A Brophy spokesperson said an unexpected repair bill could place significant pressure on households already managing tight budgets.
“Car repairs can be difficult to put off, particularly in regional communities where people often rely on their vehicle every day,” they said.
“We’re hearing from people who are having to make really difficult decisions about where their money goes when an unexpected mechanical bill arrives.
“We want people to know there may be another option before they have to redirect money from rent, groceries or other essential household expenses.”
NILS is available to people aged 18 and over who hold a Health Care, Pension Card or those earn less than $70,000 a year as a single person or $100,000 with a partner or dependants, or have experienced family or domestic violence in the past 10 years. They must also show they can afford to repay the loan.
“Seeking support early can help prevent one unexpected expense from creating much broader financial pressure,” the spokesperson said.
Find out about NILS
People experiencing financial challanges are encouraged to contact Brophy to find out whether a No Interest Loan may be suitable for their circumstances.
To learn more or enquire about NILS, visit brophy.org.au/our-programs/for-community/financial-support/ or contact 03 5561 8888. People can also visit nils.com.au to check if they are eligible and to map repayments.