The repayment of $20 per fortnight I was
able to manage on income support [Client
interview].
to make some sacrifices to exist on a reduced
income, all reported that they were able to
continue to meet their basic needs. Some clients
reported choosing to pay off larger amounts of
their loans to repay it quickly while others
preferred smaller repayments stretched over a
year or longer. Allowing clients to have flexibility
with their repayment schedule and to pay the loan
off over an extended period was critical in ensuring
that payments were manageable.
The capacity of the program to tailor the intensity
of support according to presenting needs has been
critical in helping clients to overcome the main
reasons for seeking assistance. The case studies of
Majid and his mother and Mary below provide an
example of more intensive and shorter-term
intervention that were matched to client’s needs.
The foot into the private rental door provided the
stability for Majid to obtain paid work. For Mary, it
meant that she was able to find her own
accommodation that was safe and maintain her
own independence in this process. Both clients had
no difficulties repaying the loan and are doing well
in their current rental properties.
I borrowed $1300 to help me with the rent
in advance. I am paying back $50 a
fortnight and I can manage that [Client
interview].
I did not have any difficulty repaying the
loan, particularly as they were flexible in
how it was paid back. If I could only pay a
small amount because of other expenses
that was ok [Client interview].
28