Getting Started Every JELF loan begins
with an application.

JELF's next application period opens in January for the 2025-26 academic year.

Let's find out if you qualify.

If you can check all the boxes below, you should apply for an interest-free loan through JELF!

Loan Process App Check Boxes (#30)

To qualify for JELF services you need to identify as Jewish.
Students must remain in good academic standing in order to be eligible for funding.
JELF requires a viable cosigner for each interest-free loan made.
Students must be enrolled full-time at their school in order to qualify.
Students must attend schools that have U.S. accreditation and are eligible for federal student aid.

Students must first apply for FAFSA and accept the federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans offered to them.

Students must have citizenship in the U.S. (or lawful immigration status) in order to process your request.

Students must be a resident of FL, GA, NC, SC , VA (except metro DC). 

If you are outside of JELF's five-state region, check out IAJFL for a comprehensive list of other Jewish free-loan resources around the globe.

Great! Looks like you may qualify. Keep reading to learn more about our process!

securing a cosigner

All loan recipients must have at least one qualified cosigner, who must submit JELF's cosigner form. They will receive instructions about this at the appropriate time.

Please note that a cosigner is typically a parent, legal guardian or relative.  Cosigners must reside in the U.S.  JELF does not permit either current applicants or spouses of applicants to serve as cosigners.  In some cases, a second cosigner may be required.

Required Documents

  • Cosigner’s most recent tax returns & schedules
  • Cosigner’s W-2s or 1099s
  • Cosigner’s ID (Driver’s license)

Next comes supporting documents

Now that you’ve filled out your application, the next step is to gather the required supporting documents. Please upload these directly from your account as you have them available.

Required Documents

  • School acceptance letter if an entering student
  • Transcript through the most recently completed semester, including cumulative GPA.
  • Financial aid award from the educational institution student will attend, showing the acceptance of the Federal Stafford Loan.
  • Cost of attendance from the school’s website or student’s account
  • FAFSA Submission Summary (received after submitting FAFSA)
  • Applicant’s tax return & schedules (if filed)
  • Applicant’s W-2 or 1099 (if worked)
  • Applicant’s ID (driver’s license, state ID or passport)

While we understand that not all documents are available immediately, a JELF application is not considered complete until all supporting documents are submitted.

Meet with your LJA

We place great value on personally connecting and interviewing each JELF loan applicant and their cosigner(s).

After your application is submitted, you will schedule a virtual or in-person interview with your LJA (Local JELF Administrator).  You will be told when this crucial step needs to happen and will be given the LJA's contact info at that time.

learn more about the personal interview

Submit Your Documents

Application is done.  Interview is complete!

Now we just need you to submit your required documents by June 15 or October 21, depending on your application period.

You can upload them to your loan application or email your JELF contact.

Without these documents your application will be considered incomplete. Please ensure your application is complete.

JELF cannot consider incomplete applications for funding. If an application is not complete and submitted by the designated deadlines, JELF will assume that an application has been withdrawn from the process.

Last Steps! Signing your Promissory Note

After JELF has finished reviewing all applications, JELF’s Central Office will contact you via email to let you know if you were granted a loan and for how much.

  • If you are provided a loan, you will receive half the loan amount in early August and the other half in December. Students who apply in September will receive one check for the full loan amount in December. You and your cosigner(s) must fill out and sign a promissory note (witnessed by your Local JELF Administrator (LJA) or a notary).
  • After your promissory note is fully executed, you will receive your loan. You will also have to submit an ACH form so that JELF can directly deposit the loan funds to you. To obtain your December loan, you will be asked to submit your fall grades to demonstrate that you are in good academic standing with your university or program.
FAQ lines

We know you have questions - and we have answers. Learn more about our loans and process!

Visit FAQ's
questions

Add your email here and we'll send you key reminders about our application dates.

payment

Read about our repayment process or set up your repayment via our ACH form.

Repayment Info

Send a note of thanks to donors and let us know how receiving a loan impacts you!

Joshua K.

Joshua K.

"My college journey was made possible by JELF, and I can’t express how appreciative I am for its existence."

tamir galili orlando

Tamir G.

"JELF was wonderful. Everything from the application on was easy and the people were so helpful."

See more Jelfies!

Important Dates

There are many dates to keep in mind when applying for any kind of financial aid!

Set calendar reminders for our most important dates for our January-April and August-September application periods.  Questions? Contact us!

January-April Dates August-September Dates

The January-April Application opens January 1 and closes on April 30 and is for students needing loan assistance for the following academic year (next fall/spring/summer terms).

Jan 1, 2025 Add to my calendar
January-April loan application opens. We suggest starting the application as early as possible.
Apr 30, 2025 Add to my calendar
Deadline for submitting January-April loan application and initial supporting documents.
May 31, 2025 Add to my calendar
All student loan interviews must be completed.
Jun 15, 2025 Add to my calendar
Applicant deadline for submitting all required supporting documents. These documents can be directly uploaded to the applicant or cosigner portal.
Aug 1, 2025 Add to my calendar
Students are notified of their loan amounts.

The August 1 - September 30 application period is for students that need assistance for spring and/or summer semester(s).

Aug 1, 2025 Add to my calendar
August-September Application opens. We suggest starting the application as early as possible.
Sep 30, 2025 Add to my calendar
Deadline for submitting August-September loan application and initial supporting documents.
Oct 21, 2025 Add to my calendar
Applicant deadline for submitting all required supporting documents. These documents can be directly uploaded to the applicant or cosigner portal.
Oct 31, 2025 Add to my calendar
All student loan interviews must be completed.
Dec 1, 2025 Add to my calendar
Students are notified of their loan amounts.