For more information about financial assistance programs, contact Scot Rittenbaum at Scot@CharlestonJFS.org or call 843-614-6494.

Jewish Free Loans of Charleston’s (JFLC) mission is to provide members of our Jewish community financial loans to help them meet unexpected financial challenges, or assistance with the cost to engage in Jewish life.

Jewish or “Hebrew” Free Loan Associations have been providing interest-free loans to individuals across North America for over a century. There is a recognition that sometimes life throws a wrench in one’s plans, and that the support of the community can make the difference in how one is able to meet that challenge. Supporting one another through “life’s ups and downs,” we ensure the strength and vitality of our community now and into the future.

Eligibility: applicants must:

• Identify as being Jewish

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Demonstrate financial need Have a Co-signer (Two co-signers if the loan is over $2,000)

• Have lived in the Charleston or Greater Charleston area for at least one year

Applicants must:

• Fill out an application

• Provide required documents including proof of income for Borrower and Co-signer

• Provide required documents (complete application and proof of income from both Borrower and Co-signer)

• After credit checks are completed, you will meet members of the Loan Committee for an in-person interview.

• After all documentation is received and interview is complete you will receive notification of your loan status.

Loan Details:

• Loans available for up to $4,000

• Loans are available for life’s “ups and downs,” e.g. legal fees, small business loans, car repair, medical expenses, housing assistance, adoption/fertility assistance, etc.

• Loans will be made for a worthwhile or legitimate purpose. Borrowers are required to provide a Guarantor/Co-signer for loan. A spouse is a co-borrower but does not satisfy the requirement for a co-signer. One co-signer required for loans up to $2,000, two co-signers required for loans of $2,001-$4,000

• Borrower and Co-signer are required to provide proof of employment/income source(s)

• Borrower and Co-signer are both subject to a secure credit check run by Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston.

• The loan documentation and application materials are strictly confidential.

Repayment Details:

• Loans must be re-paid in the time-period determined by the loan committee, not to exceed 36 months

• Loan repayment will be set up and paid by automatic debit/credit charge or ACH (automatic withdrawals from checking or savings account)

• Failure to make timely payments may result in a request for full payment at/or before the next scheduled payment date

• Co-signer will be required to repay the loan if the Borrower fails to do so

JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund)

Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston is proud to work in partnership with JELF to help local Jewish students reach their academic goals. Higher education costs are rising and JELF is meeting the need through providing 0% interest loans to Jewish students.

All qualifying applicants must be:

• A permanent resident of FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA (excluding metro DC) (they can, however, attend any U.S. accredited school)

• Enrolled full-time in a program leading to a degree or certificate

• In good academic standing

• A U.S. citizen, or have lawful immigration status Able to provide a designated co-signer that lives in the U.S.

• Planning to accept federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans (FAFSA application required)

JELF loans are intentionally designed to help cover costs associated with the educational and living expenses that other financial aid often does not cover, such as travel, rent, food, and books.

JELF’s 0% interest loans help save borrowers thousands of dollars in high interest-bearing debt each year. The JELF application is open each year from January-April for students seeking assistance for the next full academic year and again in August-September for students that need assistance for spring and/or summer semesters.

To apply, or for more information please visit www.jelf.org.