Centrelink & Short-Term Loans
What you need to know before applying
We get asked often whether Cash On Your Mobile can help applicants who receive Centrelink payments. Here’s a clear, honest answer.
Important: Cash On Your Mobile is a licensed finance broker, not a lender. Our current lender panel does not accept applications where Centrelink payments are the only income source. Panel criteria can change, and each lender applies its own eligibility and responsible-lending assessment.
What If I Receive Centrelink Alongside Other Income?
If Centrelink payments make up part of your income but you also have regular income from employment or self-employment, you may be able to submit an enquiry. Cash On Your Mobile can make a preliminary assessment and assist with your application; a lender independently assesses suitability, verifies your circumstances and decides whether to approve. The current panel criteria include:
- At least 18 years old
- Australian permanent resident
- Regular income of at least $1,000/month from employment or self-employment
- A bank account with direct deposit
Understand the Cost Before You Apply
If a lender makes an offer, review the interest or fees, repayment amounts and total amount repayable before accepting. Short-term credit can be expensive, and approval, the amount offered and funding timing are not guaranteed.
If Your Income Is Centrelink-Only
We’d rather point you to the right place than take an application we can’t help with. A few options that may be worth exploring:
- Centrelink advance payment: if you’re already receiving an eligible payment, you may be able to request an advance directly through Centrelink. Call 13 17 94 to ask what you may be eligible for.
- Free financial counselling: the National Debt Helpline offers free, independent advice — call 1800 007 007.
- No Interest Loans (NILS): a no-interest loan scheme for essential goods and services, available through Good Shepherd and other providers.
- MoneySmart: the Government’s MoneySmart website has independent guidance on managing money and the options available to you.
A Note on “Guaranteed Approval”
You may see other sites advertising “guaranteed approval” or “no credit check” loans for Centrelink recipients. In Australia, there’s no such thing as guaranteed loan approval, and responsible lenders are required by law to assess your ability to repay before offering any loan — that protects you as much as it protects them.
For general information about application assessment, costs and alternatives, read our cash loan overview.
Have Other Income? Apply Today
If you have regular non-Centrelink income of at least $1,000/month, you can submit an enquiry for broker review. A lender will make any approval decision after its own assessment. Free to apply, with no obligation to accept an offer.