General Loans

Low cost loans for general purposes

If you are considering entering into a Debt Agreement – DO NOT apply.
(See Fact Sheet – AVOIDING DEBT AGREEMENTS )

General Loans will be made available for any reasonable purpose and will attract a Fund Maintenance Contribution. The Fund Maintenance Contribution may vary in rate from time to time however; the rate applicable at the time a loan is paid remains extant for the life of the loan. Notwithstanding, the rate will be set at a much lower rate than comparable commercial loans. Loans will be available from $300 increasing in $100 increments to $6,000. Members will have the option of varying repayment terms with two years being the maximum term permitted.

From time to time there may be a wait period for the funding of an approved loan; especially following peak application periods of February and March and September through November. In periods where there is a queue of applications, the Secretary of the Fund will ensure those applicants in greatest need will receive priority over those who present as having a lesser need for payment.

General Loans are paid in a pay fortnight cycle (Thursday). The Trust banks with Defence Bank. If a member nominates an alternative financial institution into which funds are to be deposited, expect at least an overnight delay for the funds to be transferred.

In some instances your Conditions of Service should be checked first as you may not need a loan. This information is accessed through the DRN using the electronic Manual of Personal Administration.

If a loan is approved and you continue to have financial difficulty make sure you seek advice and understand the consequences insolvency or bankruptcy has on your future credit and if it could affect your career prospects. The Australian Government Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia web site provides information.

Loan examples

Vehicle Repairs – genuine repairs (not modifications).
Vehicle purchase – assist with the costs of vehicle purchase (including motor bike).
Furnishings – to replace or repair furniture and white goods or to establish a household.
Legal bills – to assist with legal costs.
Medical and dental bills – to assist with bills not covered by Health Funds.
Funeral costs – to assist with travel to or costs associated with.
Housing – to assist with own home / *investment property repairs.
Education expenses – to assist with educational needs.
Debt Consolidation – credit cards and other bills. (low priority during high volume times)

Loan top ups are the exception. An application which has not been endorsed in the first instances by the Secretary will be rejected.

General Loan conditions

An applicant needs to have completed Initial Employment Training or have served at least 12 months.
General Loans attract a Fund Maintenance Contribution.
Your Supervising Officer is an important part of the ARTF’s formal loan process.
Your Supervisor will review your application to validate your employment details and, in conjunction with the Fund Secretariat, determine if the loan request is approved. Note that your Supervisor comments add value and are important for assisting the Fund Secretariat in the approval process.
Remember you are required to check the progress of your application.
In all cases, applications are considered on their merits and in the context of funds availability. There is no guarantee that a loan will be approved.
Repayment is deducted from a members pay at a rate which will fully repay the loan within a maximum period of two years. The Secretariat actions all transactions associated with the Army Relief Trust Fund.
Members can calculate the repayment rates for a loan by using the loans calculator on this website.
Members can only have one loan at a time.
Top-up loans may be considered by the ARTF Secretary in exceptional circumstances. Please consult the Fund Secretary before submitting. Note that there may be times during any given year where top ups will not be considered due to the volume of applications.
Should a member be currently under a debt agreement or bankruptcy arrangement the application may be rejected until such time as the member can provide written evidence that they have been discharged from said agreement.

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