Payday loans are, by nature, short-term emergency loans that the borrower is expected to repay in full after receiving their next paycheck; hence the name. But it’s important to consider whether unemployed people can still qualify for a payday loan, despite not having a traditional source of income.
Surprisingly, yes – you can still get a payday loan without a job. The likelihood of receiving funds however is very much dependent upon eligibility and can vary from state to state.
What Is a Payday Loan In the US?
With approximately 23,000 payday lenders across the US (twice the number of McDonald’s restaurants) payday loans have become a very popular means of receiving short-term cash quickly. Typically ranging between $100 and $1,000, payday loans offer small-scale funding for financial emergencies when in between paychecks.
Common uses for payday loans can include:
- Medical bills
- Home repairs
- Car damage
- Home bills
- Temporary personal expenses
Due to the smaller size of these loans, applications are often approved fast and allow you to access money as soon as the next business day, making them rather convenient during a period of financial difficulty. However, payday loans are not designed for luxury expenses, such as vacations, or long-term payments due to their high interest rates, so be wary of how you intend to use your loan.
How Can I Get a Payday Loan Without a Job?
Unlike traditional bank loans, payday loans do not require an official employment record, a good credit score, or any form of collateral. Instead, lenders assess a borrower’s eligibility based on their overall level of income. This does not mean you need a job to apply for a payday loan.
Depending on your state’s regulations, unemployed borrowers can include the following as proof of income for payday loan applications:
- Disability Income
- Unemployment benefits
- Pension funds
- Veteran benefits
- Social security benefits
- Alimony benefits
In some states, lenders may accept job contract offers, evidence of upcoming inheritance, or sales agreements as proof of income. For the majority of states though, you will need a consistent income of $800 per month (minimum) – this is the case for payday loans in Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, and Tennessee.
For loans in Mississippi, the minimum income required is lower at $500 per month, which is similar to Nevada where borrowers must earn between $500-$800 per month (minimum) to qualify for payday loans.
In Florida, Ohio, and Texas you will need to be employed and earning a minimum of $800 per month. These are the only states where employment is necessary to receive a payday loan.
Along with evidence of income (traditional or otherwise), you will need a checking account, valid identification, and to be over 18 years old to apply for payday loans.
Can I Get a Payday Loan In My State?
Despite its popularity, many US states have introduced laws and regulations against this method of funding, including interest rate caps on payday loans in Illinois for example.
Payday loans are illegal in Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
To apply for an online payday loan, you will need to complete an online loan request form. After checking your eligibility, choosing your loan amount, and completing the form with your required information, we will contact the best direct US lender for your request. If approved, you should receive your loan by the next business day.
