The step-by-step instructions below are your guide to applying for an HFLS loan and learning about the loan approval and closing process.
To qualify for an HFLS loan, you must live in NYC’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island; have low to moderate annual household income; and locate one or two qualified guarantors, depending on the loan program. Some loan programs have additional requirements; each loan program page describes the specific requirements for that loan. HFLS is a non-sectarian lender; you do not have to be Jewish to receive an interest-free loan from HFLS.
Your household income must be at or below the amount listed below for your household size. The amounts below are the moderate-income limits for households in the NYC area, based on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s guidelines.
To determine whether you qualify for an HFLS loan, locate your household size in the chart below. If your pre-tax annual household income is at or below the amount listed for your household size, you are eligible to apply for an HFLS loan. If your annual household income exceeds this amount and you have significant need of an interest-free loan, please contact HFLS at (212) 687-0188 or info@HFLS.org to discuss whether you qualify for a loan based on your specific situation.
A married couple is considered one household, and spouses are co-guarantors for the loan. Guarantor spouses must sign the promissory note. (An applicant’s spouse may NOT serve as a guarantor, as they are a co-applicant.)
HFLS offers interest-free loans to meet emergency, health, education, business, and other needs.
Review the types of loans we offer and select the one that meets your needs. Each loan program page describes the application requirements for that loan, and you can apply online by clicking the link in the “Apply Now” section at the bottom of each loan program webpage.
Each online application includes a section for you to enter the name(s) and email address(es) of your proposed guarantor(s). Upon submitting your application, your guarantors will receive an automated email from HFLS explaining that you listed them as a proposed guarantor in your HFLS loan application and asking them to click a link to complete an online guarantor form. All applications are secure; the information entered is encrypted and transmitted directly into HFLS’s loan management system.
Please note that HFLS only makes one loan per household. This means that, if you are married or partnered, your spouse or partner is considered your co-applicant. The same is true for married or partnered guarantors; their spouse is considered the co-guarantor. The application and guarantor forms require contact, employment, income, and other information for spouses/partners, and spouses must sign the promissory note upon closing your loan.
