Centrelink Loans
Receiving Centrelink payments? Cash Train’s loans on Centrelink are designed to give people go.
Why get a Centrelink loan with Cash Train?
Easy loan applications
Breathe a sigh of relief knowing you can apply online in just minutes.
Fast approval process
We value people’s time. Expect a quick decision regarding your loan application.
Responsible lenders
For over 20 years, Cash Train has been one of Australia’s leading lenders.
Read why our customers love us
Read why we are one of Australia's trusted lenders
Eligibility requirements
As a responsible lender, we're proud to provide loans our customers can comfortably afford.
To be eligible for a loan, you must:
Existing customers can benefit from a faster borrowing process. As your trust rating improves, you may borrow more money with any subsequent loan - as long as you meet loan payments, the loan meets your requirements and objectives and repay your loan in full, on time and can afford the higher amount.
Our application process
Applying for a Centrelink loan with Cash Train is as simple as 4 easy steps.
Apply online
Submit your application online at any time. All you have to do is answer some simple questions.Get a loan offer
Get a fast conditional loan offer* outlining the terms and total cost of your loan while you wait for final approval.Loan approval
We’ll assess your loan application to give you a fast decision. The outcome will depend on each unique circumstance as we balance speed with responsible lending.Get your money
After we approve your loan, pick up your money from your Branch or get your funds transferred as a lump sum to your nominated bank account within 30 minutes.**Why choose Cash Train?
At Cash Train, we’ve been helping Australians access short-term cash loans for over 20 years. Whether you need funds for an emergency or unexpected expense, we provide a fast, simple, and responsible lending solution.
Here’s why thousands of customers trust us:
- Fast & Easy Applications – Apply online in minutes or visit one of our branches for in-person assistance.
- Quick Loan Decisions – We process applications fast, with same-day approvals possible.
- Flexible Loan Options – Borrow between $200 and $4,600, with repayment terms tailored to your budget.
- Centrelink-Friendly – Loans on Centrelink are possible, depending on your affordability needs. Flexibles with affordable repayment terms.
- No Hidden Fees – Transparent costs, no early repayment penalties, and clear loan terms.
- Trusted & Responsible – We follow responsible lending practices under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009, ensuring our loans are suitable for your financial situation.
- Regulated & Accredited – We are a licensed credit provider and a proud member of the National Credit Providers Association (NCPA).
- Excellent Customer Reviews – Many of our customers return and recommend us due to our friendly service, fast approvals, and hassle-free experience.
- Online & In-Branch Support – Choose between cash loans online or in-branch, with funding direct to your bank account.
Cash Train operates under two licensed entities. Online Loans Pty Ltd, trading as Cash Train, holds ABN 62 102 154 781 and Australian Credit Licence (ACL) 389 189, while Branch Loans Pty Ltd, operating under the Cash Train brand, holds ABN 28 114 540 797 and ACL 389 268. As a responsible lender, we comply with the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 and follow strict lending regulations to ensure our loans are fair and suitable for all of our customers.
Centrelink Loan FAQs
What are Centrelink loans?
Centrelink loans are personal loans available to people who receive Centrelink payments as part (or all) of their income. At Cash Train, we consider Centrelink benefits when assessing affordability, meaning you may still qualify for a loan even if some or all of your income comes from government support. Our cash loans range from $200 to $2,000, while our larger personal loans may go up to $4,600.
Loan amounts will depend on your need, plus a review of how affordable the repayments would be for you. As a responsible lender, we need to make sure that the loan is affordable for you and that you can repay the loan, comfortably.
What could I use my loan for?
A Cash Train loan can help cover a wide range of unexpected or essential expenses when you need extra funds. Some common reasons customers use their loans include:
Emergency expenses:
Urgent car repairs (e.g., fixing a broken transmission, replacing tires)
Medical or dental bills (e.g., check-ups, unexpected procedures, prescriptions)
Vet bills for pets
Household and personal needs:
Essential home repairs (e.g., fixing a leaking roof, replacing a broken appliance)
Moving costs (e.g., rental bond, removals, temporary accommodation)
School-related expenses (e.g., uniforms, laptops, excursions)
Travel for urgent family matters (e.g., funerals, medical emergencies)
Unexpected financial shortfalls:
Covering temporary cash flow gaps due to delayed income
Emergency travel or accommodation costs
Please Note:
As part of our responsible lending commitments, we cannot offer loans to fund gambling or any purpose deemed irresponsible under responsible lending guidelines.
How much could I borrow if I’m on Centrelink?
At Cash Train, we offer loans from $200 to $4,600, but the amount you could borrow depends on your financial situation and loan needs.
- Cash Loans: $200 to $2,000 (2 to 12-month terms)
- Personal Loans: Over $2,000 to $4,600 (13 to 15-month terms)
Our team assesses your income and expenses to ensure repayments are affordable without causing any financial hardship.
How does the application process work?
Applying for a Centrelink loan with Cash Train is simple and fast:
- Apply online or visit a branch – Complete a short application form on our website or at one of our branches.
- Provide your bank statements – We use a secure service to retrieve your latest 90 days of transactions.
- Assessment & approval – We review your income, expenses, and ability to repay.
- Loan offer & acceptance – If approved, you’ll receive a loan contract outlining terms and fees.
- Receive your funds – Once you sign your loan agreement, funds are transferred on the same day or next business day (depending on your bank). Funding is possible via NPP Instant Transfers in 30 minutes.**
If you apply in a branch, you may be able to collect your cash on the spot after approval, when you sign and accept your loan agreement.
What documents will I need to provide?
To apply for a Cash Train loan, you’ll need:
- Your bank account details
- 90 days of recent bank statements (retrieved securely during application)
- A valid phone number and email address
- Proof of regular income (your Centrelink benefits count)
If applying in branch, you will also need:
- A valid form of ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
Will my Centrelink payments be enough to qualify for a loan?
You could qualify for a loan with us, if your Centrelink payments are stable and meet our lending criteria.
When assessing your application, we consider:
- Your total income, including Centrelink benefits
- Your regular expenses and ability to make repayments comfortably
- The type of Centrelink benefits you receive
Some benefits may be more acceptable than others, and approval depends on whether the loan is affordable based on your overall financial situation. If Centrelink is your only income source, you may still be eligible.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, our team is happy to review your situation and provide guidance.
Can I apply for a loan if Centrelink is my only source of income?
Yes, you could, but it depends on which Centrelink benefits you receive.
Commonly accepted benefits:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension (DSP)
- Family Tax Benefits (FTB)
- Carer’s Allowance
- JobSeeker (Newstart)
Other benefits:
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy/Abstudy
If Centrelink is your only source of income, you could still get your loan approved with us.
Will applying for a loan affect my benefit payments?
No, applying for a loan with Cash Train does not affect your Centrelink benefits.
However, it’s important to only borrow what you can comfortably afford to repay.
Are pensioners eligible for Centrelink loans?
Yes! If you receive the Age Pension or Disability Support Pension (DSP), you may be eligible for a pensioner loan, provided you meet our lending criteria.
We consider pensioners for both small cash loans ($200 - $2,000) and personal loans ($2,001 - $4,600), depending on affordability.
Can you get a loan on Centrelink?
Cash Train’s primary requirement for a cash loan is proof of income – which includes regular Government benefits like Centrelink payments or the age pension. While this must be confirmed by a Centrelink income statement, Cash Train has helped many people on Centrelink secure a cash loan.
Can I get approved even with bad credit?
Yes, it is possible! Cash Train considers applicants with bad credit, as long as you meet our criteria and can afford the repayments.
Unlike traditional banks, we focus on your current financial situation rather than past credit issues. If you have stable income and meet our affordability checks, you may still be approved - even with a history of defaults or missed payments.
See our bad credit loans for more details and to apply.
What can I use a Centrelink loan for?
Paying one-off costs
Bridge financial gaps with a top-up when you need it most.
Rental bond deposits
Pay your deposit with confidence and secure your dream home.
Moving costs
Say hello to your next chapter with stress-free finance solutions.
Unexpected expenses
Tackle life's surprises with emergency cash loans for Centrelink customers.
Car loans
Cover car repairs and get back on the road sooner.
Definition & Features
Application fee
A fee that is charged when you apply for a personal or cash loan and your loan is approved.
Extra repayments
Extra repayments are made after the establishment of the loan and could help reduce fees and repayment term.
Loan use
The conditions for use of loan. Our loans can not be used for general living expenses such as rental payments or grocery costs.
Loan term
The length of the loan. Generally, shorter loan terms have lower rates and longer loan terms mean lower repayments and higher fees rates.
Rates, fees, and limits
Example loan costs
EXAMPLE: Our Cash Loans incur a 20% Establishment Fee and a 4% monthly fee, based on the amount borrowed. For example, a small loan of $1,000 over 3 months has fees and charges totalling $320 (1 x $200 + 3 x $40), resulting in a total repayment of $1,320. The minimum loan term is 2 months and a maximum of 12 months. An APR (Annual Percentage Rate) does not apply to Cash Loans.
WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan.