Bills piling up?

Feeling the financial impact of rising costs? Longer term financial impact from COVID-19?

Financial help for pressing expenses is available for the Western PA Jewish Community
Scroll down,
Read more about applying for grants, and click LEAVE US A MESSAGE under Contact Us.

Also available on this page, additional resources including:

FREE Financial Coaching/Grants/Loans/Scholarships through JFunds
JAF's Resource List

What do we consider
Pressing Expenses and Financial need?

The Jewish Assistance Fund provides grants for necessities, including:

Is this loan?

No
This is a grant with NO REPAYMENT

How often can I receive a grant?

Contact us to discuss applying, you may be eligible to apply at this time
Extenuating circumstances are always considered

How quickly will I hear from someone?

We return all calls and meet with eligible
applicants weekly throughout the year - By appointment

Who can apply? Am I eligible for a grant from the Jewish Assistance Fund?

You are eligible if you:
Live in Western PA
You or someone in your household is Jewish
Experiencing financial challenges
Difficulty paying bills

Applying for Financial Assistance

We encourage you to contact us if:
You live in Western PA,
Someone in your household is Jewish,
You have pressing expenses

All inquiries are confidential

412.521.3237

Leave A Message

Click here to send message

We serve the Western PA Jewish Community.
Please refer to eligibility information prior to contacting us.

"JAF is a story that so needs to be told. You have added quality and dignity to a senior's life and for that, we are all indeed appreciative. She feels special and doted upon. and this experience has indeed ignited her spirits. What a difference your kindness has made."

Sharyn Rubin
Director of Resident & Community Services
Jewish Association on Aging

"The Jewish Assistance Fund is an invaluable resource in our community. They transform impossible circumstances to help people rise above unimaginable challenges. I have been honored to work closely with JAF during my tenure as Executive Director at the Aleph Institute, and I look forward to continuous connection and collaboration."

Rabbi Vogel
Executive Director
Aleph Institute

"This is just a note to thank the Jewish Assistance fund for getting me my hearing aide. I will always remember your mitzvahs and I appreciate it so much."

Fondly, Edna

"I can't thank you enough for your help as I begin to get back on my feet due to your generosity!"

Financial Assistance Recipient

"We have had many situations in which clients have received eviction notices and utility stop notices. When they received a check from JAF they thanked us, and many in tears said they did not know what would have happened to them without our help."

JAF Grantor

"Words are difficult to find, but please accept our gratitude for your attentiveness, sensitivity and incredible generosity. With your help we are able to begin the dental work that is most desperately needed. Financial Assistance Recipient"

Financial Assistance Recipient

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your most generous grant. Although I am able to work part-time, my hours are limited due to my chronic illness. Therefore, your grant to me is most needed and most appreciated. "

Financial Assistance Recipient

"I just wanted to send a note thanking everyone at JAF for your kindness and understanding of my needs. The grant I received was used for medical bills and payoffs on past due debts. Thank you so much. I am so grateful that you are providing help for Jews in need."

Financial Assistance Recipient

Financial Help

Without repayment for pressing expenses

Over 500 people of all ages impacted

Living in more than 55 zip codes in Western PA touched by the easing of mounting expenses

Since 1985

Ensuring availability of confidential and accessible financial support

Helpful information for your appointment with
Jewish Assistance Fund Grantors

Location

Grantors meet with applicants BY APPOINTMENT ONLY in the Jewish Assistance Fund office. The JAF Appointment Coordinator will provide the exact location when an appointment is scheduled.

CLICK HERE TO DISCUSS AN APPOINTMENT

CANCELLATIONS

If you cannot come to your appointment, CALL TO CANCEL and leave a message: 412.521.3237

TRAVELING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT

Free parking is available in a lot in front of the building.
The Jewish Assistance Fund is accessible by bus

Free Financial Coaching is available through JFunds

Click here to learn more, watch a video clip and meet Shay Port, the JFunds Financial Coach
AND to schedule an appointment: JFundsPgh.org/financialcoaching

Wondering where else to turn?

Click here for info about financial resources including scholarships and loans through JFunds partner organizations.

Passover Financial Resources and Food for the Pittsburgh area Jewish Community

Click here for a downloadable listing for Passover 2023

Resource List provided by the Jewish Assistance Fund

Including local community organizations/services as well as financial resources/assistance programs for utility, housing, health insurance, and burial expenses

Click here for a downloadable listing of helpful community resources