If you lost your job in 2025 or 2026 and are actively seeking new employment, the Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFL) may be able to help.
This program offers interest-free loans up to $18,000, disbursed in monthly installments of up to $3,000 for a maximum of six months. These funds are designed to help cover basic living expenses while you wait for back pay or search for your next opportunity.
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
Be Jewish or have a Jewish spouse
Live in the DC metro area
Have lost their job in 2025 or 2026 and be actively looking for new employment
Be able to repay the loan once re-employed
Guarantors
Guarantors All loans require guarantor(s) to co-sign on the loan. A borrower (or their spouse) cannot serve as a guarantor on their own loan.
Loans up to $10,000: 1 guarantor
Loans over $10,000: 2 guarantors
Guarantors must meet the following criteria:
Net income: greater of $70,000 or three times the loan amount
At least one must be Jewish
Each must complete the guarantor form in full
It is preferable for at least one guarantor to reside in the DC Metro Area but not required
Guarantors cannot be current borrowers, married to and HFL borrower, or guarantors on another HFL loan
Loan Terms
Loan Terms
Maximum loan: $18,000
Disbursed monthly, up to $3,000/month
Monthly payouts:
Must be requested by the borrower
Cannot exceed 50% of previous monthly income
Repayment begins after employment is secured or after 9 months (whichever comes sooner); monthly repayment amounts are on a sliding scale depending on the amount borrowed, increasing gradually
Example: Borrower receives $9,000 over 3 months, finds a job in month 4 → Repayment starts in month 5 at $100/month, increasing later to $200/month If still unemployed after 6 months → Repayment begins with a minimal amount and increases once employed
Application Process
How to Apply
Submit your loan application
Ask your guarantor(s) to complete the guarantor form
After review, an HFL volunteer will schedule a phone interview
The loan committee will evaluate your application
If approved, a Zoom loan closing will be scheduled with you and your guarantor(s)
Final documents will be sent via DocuSign
Funds will be transferred directly to your account
