Evoloan Factsheet

Aim

The aim of the Evoloan is to provide no interest loans to eligible Residents of Evolve Housing to assist with purchasing of essential items.  Essential items may include:

  • Fridges
  • Freezers
  • Washing Machines
  • Split system air conditioners
  • Computers/Tablets*
  • Medical Equipment

The benefit

  • The scheme will enable tenants to buy essential items when they need it most. Most people on low incomes find it hard to build up savings. Often the need for an appliance is urgent, such as when a fridge or washing machine breaks down, or when setting up a new household. “Doing without” involves a grim standard of living – hand washing clothes every day or being unable to keep perishable food.
  • The scheme will create a cost effective way to obtain essential items for households. Alternatives such as commercial Laundromats or rented appliances are more expensive.
  • Evoloans will be used for the purchase of new appliances only. New appliances will help tenants save money by avoiding the trap of maintaining an unreliable old appliance that requires frequent repairs incurring ongoing costs.
  • Evoloans will enable Evolve Housing tenants to gain control of their financial situation.
  • Evoloans will save Evolve Housing tenants from loan sharks and Payday lenders.

Loan Interview

Evolve Housing tenants who wish to apply for a loan must firstly be interviewed by the Community Engagement Team.

A loan application form will be completed by the applicant and then reviewed by the interviewers. All applicants when applying for a loan will be asked to present a photo ID.

Eligibility

To be eligible, the applicant must be a permanent tenant of Evolve Housing.

If you are a tenant in the Supported Housing Program, the tenancy must be of 12 months or longer, and a support letter from the Support Partner must accompany the application for the loan.

The applicant must also:

  • Have no more than $100 in non-rent debt including water charges
  • Be two weeks in advance on their rent
  • Have the ability to repay the loan (a budget will be worked out at this time to determine a possible repayment plan)

In addition to the above criteria, Evolve Housing will also consider the following factors:

  • The nature of goods required
  • The financial circumstances of the applicant
  • The purpose of the loan
  • The ability of the applicant to repay the loan

Assessment of loan application

Assessments of loan applications will be carried out by the Community Development Officer and approved by Tenant Engagement and Social Inclusion Coordinator.

Assessments will be based on the eligibility criteria listed above.

Discussions of Approval

The applicant will be advised in writing of whether the loan has been approved or not. If the loan is approved the applicant will be asked to meet with the interviewing officer to sign a Loan Agreement form. During this meeting, strategies for repayment will be discussed.

Loan Limit

  • As a guide for long-term tenants, the Evoloan grant may not exceed $1200 per applicant.
  • For formal supported tenants, where their support period extends beyond 12 months, the loan limit may not exceed $600.

The amount approved will be determined by the tenant’s ability to repay the loan within a 12 month period.

Payment Method

The whole transaction will be carried out cashless (no cash will be exchanged). The payment for appliances will be directly made to the retailer. (all white goods are purchased through Appliances Online).

Where items include delivery charge, the goods will be delivered to the recipient’s place of residence, and will be included as part of the loan.

Loan Repayments

Repayments will vary according to the applicant’s ability to repay the loan and taking into account the applicant’s current financial commitments.

  • Loan repayment terms are for up to 12 months
  • A minimum repayment of $25 per week is required

Under special circumstances, the repayment plan can be varied. The loan recipient will need to complete a Loan Variation Form and a copy of the Variation will be held by Evolve Housing and the loan recipient.

Repayments will be made through direct debit only.

Further Information

Further information and application forms can be obtained by contacting Evolve Housing on 1800 693 865.

*Priority given to residents over 50 years of age

Please note: The official text of the Evolve Housing website, and of each of the documents and other information available on the website, is the English version.