This is a great organization! They didn't come through for me when I was in law school bc I felt Embarrassed to ask a relative to be a co-signer but glad to see they work well for others who need them. I have seen people who never get a loan or are the ideal predatory lending victim be saved by this great organization. At the end of the day, no one owes you a free loan. As for why the collections they are in a fiduciary position. Anything but following the strict guidelines of two co-signers and an aggressive group would constitute a breach of their fiduciary duty to stakeholders. Like the donors who have e trusted the money to keep revolving, the employees who depend on processing loans to have a job, and to be borrowers who depend on borrowers paying back their loans so they can borrow. Thank you for helping me during the pandemic! Writing this in response to the negative comments I read !! They Got me annoyed. I neither work nor donate consistently to JFLA. These are my opinions and my opinions only. Neither any staff nor an employee of JFLA is responsible for the content of this yelp post. read more

I reached out to them yesterday and heard nothing back. I'm not sure if this is a reliable relief for women in desperate situations.

I just spoke to someone named Bobby. He texted me, I texted back. Then he texted for me to call him. He should have not texted me if he wanted me to only call him. That was the first red flag. The next red flag was him asking for my credit score and proof of need. I already submitted this information online. The questions being asked of me were odd, they really didn't make any sense and he was too rude and pushy. When he asked for my Social Security number I just lost all trust and said I will have to withdraw my application I don't feel comfortable moving forward and it was because how he chose to speak to me. Then real fast he said "OK I'll remove your application," and said his goodbyes. Usually entities ask why the change of mind, but he was done, just like I was with the convo. I can say, afterwards, I felt a heaviness in my chest, he left me feeling uneasy and I can't wake to shake this feeling off. read more

I firmly believe they do not want to help . First off you need a guarantor for a measly 2-12k loan. And not one but two guarantors. They then make excuses of why they need to make sure they don't lose money blah blah . But the problem is they don't want hard working people as guarantors . I was told they like "wealthy, stellar credit guarantors ". And why ? Well they are hoping for more donations . They will insult your guarantor if the individual is a hard working middle class person so if a person is coming for help and they know a wealthy individual wouldn't you just go to that person for help ? Does that make any sense ? . Perhaps they throw out a loan here or there to keep the organization looking like it helps people but they don't want to so don't waste your time , you will just walk away insulted . read more

We have a loan through this company and we had to jump through hurdles to get it. We are nearing the completion of the loan and had a mishap with our bank account by not transferring over money. Well you would think we had just skipped out on a Las Vegas gambling tab with the way these fools acted. Bobby began texting aggressively and sending rude emails asking to send a Zelle right away. It was kinda bananas considering we are close to paying off a sizable loan and never had problems before. Beware of their Sopranos type practices, you might swim with the fishes. read more

It's been said,a kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Such, is the help that I needed ,when i was referred to JFLA by the Wise & healthy Aging in Santa Monica. I was impressed at the quick follow up by Sarit and her efficient and professional follow up to quickly address my needs. I am so very touched and awed at their loan process, which was virtually very practical and easy. Needless to say, I have always believed in miracles- but now I am ever so convinced of angels in our midst. Thank you for your help- it will never be forgotten. read more

This place saved me, he gave me the loan to be able to obtain a decent place for my children, thank you

JFLA has helped me in a severe time of need. They were able to get my loan processed quickly and efficiently. The staff are beyond amazing and I can't say enough great things about this organization. Nikki helped me with the loan and she was brilliant. Sarit followed up with me after the loan and she was kind and patient with me explaining my story of need. Thank you JFLA, Nikki & Sarit! Highly recommend this organization and I'm so grateful! read more

I feel like they weed people out by requiring two unrelated creditworthy cosigners for a small (under 5k) loan. I have excellent credit and read within their website that for certain expenses you could qualify on your own. If I had cosigners willing to assume the loan if I defaulted, wouldn't I just ask my cosigners for the money? She ended the conversation with 'Best of luck to you.' Is that what you say to someone you denied giving the lifeline you were offering? Maybe it is but it sure seemed inappropriate in this context. read more

What a wonderful service!!! We were able to facilitate a student loan for our son who is going to college in the fall. Bobby made it very easy and held our hand through the process. JFLA no interest loan is truly a public service. Thank you! read more

Because of miscalculation at University Fin Aid office, I ended up owing a balance while I shouldn't as I am graduate student and TA. I have been referred by Graduate Division to JFLA, and after my visit I have been helped in a fair manner, appropriately. I am grateful to JFLA for their help; and I definitely had a positive experience. I will try my best to cover this interest free loan ASAP. Thanks again and thanks for helping students!!! LH read more

I am so incredibly grateful for this organization! I was able to get approved for a loan and it was such a tremendous help to me during a difficult time. Sarit was so empathetic and helpful throughout the process and I truly appreciate the support I received. Thank you! read more

These people MAY loan you the money...I dont know but they are unorganized, rude and tell you to do a bunch of things then they dont follow through. They almost make you BEG CRIMP to let you borrow the money. I ended up suffering in the heat driving in my car until I saved to fix the air in my car. Buyer be wear. They NEED TO get way BETTER at streamlining the process, hire more people or stop advertising that they have no interest loans read more

The JFLA has served as a tremendous resource for my family during some very trying times. Twice during the last 8 years we've applied and received a loan. The staff at JFLA has always been compassionate with our family dynamics and demonstrate a clear desire to help. If you are in need of assistance I encourage you to reach out to JFLA. read more

I was referred to JFLA through a friend who received a loan from them several years ago. The application process was simple, the people in the office I communicated with were extremely helpful, and the loan officer I dealt with (Sarit) was super fast with responses and helped guide me along the way. In terms of feeling comfortable and informed, it couldn't have been any better. I'm extremely grateful for their assistance and the fact that such an organization exists. read more

Wow, the criticism on these yelp reviews is so silly. Do the reviewers understand a loan? They need co-signers to guarantee that the money will be paid back. They need the money to be paid back so that others can also borrow it. If you fail to pay it back on time, the organization will follow up with you to get the money back,again, so they can loan it to others. Giving a one star because they are organized to maintain the ability to give out FREE loans seems utterly ridiculous. I, personally, am grateful that this organization exists in my community. read more

Great service to the community. The JFLA really helps people with obtaining a loan from their organization. I'm recommending JFLA to all my friends and family. Jerald G. read more

I am eternally thankful to JFLA for their help at a time when it was much needed. A special thank you to Sarit for her patience, kindness and overall excellent guidance. She went above and beyond and made herself available to me when needed JFLA is an amazing organization that helps people of every and any faith.. Thank you to this amazing team read more

Bobby was very patient and wonderful to work with. Very grateful for JFLA for the help with my son's college tuition.

This organisation is such a life saver! Not only are they open to any and everyone in need but they are so kind, thoughtful and helpful that each time I went though a rough spot ( 3 times now!) they were there for me. The best part of course is not having to pay interest but having such considerate people on my side did more for me morally than the money itself ever could. I cannot recommend them enough. read more

I can't say enough about JFLA. From the start of the application to the very end I feel JFLA has provided a very personal service. The staff at JFLA, namely Bobby, has been absolutely responsive to all our questions and helped guide us through the loan application process. I wish I knew about JFLA earlier when my son was a freshman! Great organization. read more

I am extremely appalled by anyone giving this company a bad review! JFLA has helped me twice when I was in dire need. If you or someone you know is in crisis, by all means contact JFLA immediately. read more

Jewish free Loan Association was mentioned to me by a friend when I was going through some financial struggles. I applied and got approved and couldn't be more happy with how fast and efficient the process was to get approved. I am forever thankful for my friend who mentioned this association to me, for Jewish free loan for their consideration and lastly, for the employees who have made this entire process a smooth one. read more

Years ago, the Jewish Free Loan Association in San Francisco helped us pay a suddenly spiked tuition for my husband's school. We had nowhere to turn and they loaned us enough to pay tuition. A couple of years ago, a family member fell on hard times and needed financial assistance in Los Angeles. At our suggestion she went to the Jewish Free Loan Association of Los Angeles and received enough money to help her survive very rough financial times. This is truly an amazing organization and this is why we support organizations such as this whenever we can. We are truly grateful. read more

I am beyond grateful to have found JFLA. Going through nursing school is tough, and dealing with the financial stress to afford tuition is even harder. I am so thankful for JFLA for the loans that I've been granted. The process is simple, Bobby Saidian has always been super helpful through out the application process, always has a quick response to emails/phone calls, very professional and kind. Thank you again Bobby and JFLA for helping me achieve my goal. I would highly recommend everyone that is going through a financial hardship to apply. It is an interest-free loan with no hidden fees, you pay exactly what you've been granted. Thank you again, I can't even express my gratitude towards JFLA. read more

Staff unprofessionally, rude,talk to you like you nothing, a lot of people donate money to them,if they knew how they talk to customers they would be sick,even I complain to director Rachel G she was same way,no wonder staff talking to you like that,even though they give interest free loan,I WOULD NEVER ASKED THEM AGAIN FOR HELP. read more

There is a global pandemic going on. I emailed to hold my payments as I sort out my finances. I received a very unprofessional email stating we don't stop payments I can lower it to $20.00. This place and Bobby have been nothing but rude and unhelpful. I will be calling the Better Business Bureau and doing everything I can to apply pressure to this organization at this time. This is unacceptable. read more

Bobby at JFLA was extremely helpful in providing the resources and information needed to assist us with our daughter's loan for college. We are all very excited for her, and very grateful for the support of JFLA. read more

I've been a guarantor for friends needing loans from this organization twice. It's amazing they can provide these loans with no interest or costs of any kind to people in need, thanks to their donors. It's a tremendous community resource more people need to know about. read more

The Jewish Free Loan Association is an incredible organization who offered me support when I most needed it. The application process was made extremely easy, in large part due to Bobby Saidian. He was always available to answer my questions, was extremely quick in his response time, and was overall a good communicator. I am extremely satisfied with my experience with the JFLA and would recommend them to anyone! read more

I am incredibly grateful for JFLA's existence and willingness to help those in need. Sarit was efficient, communicative, and non-judgmental every step of the day. The entire process took about 10 days, which seemed a bit lengthy and involved, but I understand their need for thoroughness when their offering is considerably more accommodating than a credit union, bank, etc. It's a true mitzvah. read more

Heard about this organization and I thought great I was told by the lady that answered the phone that if it's a loan under $2,000 I shouldn't need a co-signer and other requirements like having a job ID social and need I met. I felt pretty good thinking that I would finally get some help since I don't have a great credit score and I'm used to other places either denying me or requiring the co-signer so after I submitted my application I was excited to hear that a loan advisor had emailed me requesting I submit my documents which I did but not surprisingly after I did that I was asked about my own credit score and was told that if I had collections or my score wasn't at least 680 I would need 2 co-signers!!! Like I understand nobody has to give me anything and I don't doubt that they have actually been a blessing to others but why was I told that I wouldn't need a co-signer for the amount I was requesting that's crazy. If I had 2 co-signers with great credit I would just ask them to borrow the money or apply for a loan somewhere else like wtf read more

This is a great organization helping people in need with small loans. Nikki is outstanding. She helped me throughout the entire loan process answering all my questions. This loan is helping me survive during Covid 19. read more

So happy with my experience with JFLA. Bobby and Sarit were super helpful and efficient! Highly recommend this organization :)

Amazing organization! Sarit and the JFLA team helped me out in a time where I felt I had no where else to turn. What a great resource for people in LA county. Truly grateful! read more

If ever there was an organization that truly cares and wants to help people in their time of need, this is it. Sarit handled my interview and loan process with such kindness and professionalism. The world is a better place thanks to people like Sarit and JFLA! read more

I am writing this review retroactively as we just recently (3 months ago) paid off our loan that we took out to help my husband complete his masters degree. This resource for LA and ventura county residents is a well kept secret--I happened to find an article about them and I reached out. We were looking for scholarships and grants to help cover the expense of attending UCLA, and I read an article about JFLA. The experience was fantastic. They were very sensitive to our situation on the phone and equally warm and understanding in person. Here are the details of our experience. We need two guarantors for a $5k loan (we asked family). We were able to take out $5k the following year as well since my husband was still in school--apparently this is the only loan you can take out consecutively every year without paying it off first. We had to pay back the loan in very small monthly increments ($75/month) while he was in school and then I think it was $125/month until we paid it off--completely affordable, and hey did reassure us that if there was a difficult month to just be in communication with them, they would help us figure it out. Since we have paid off our loan we have given back to this great organization because we are so grateful for their help. There was no interest or fees ever!!! We couldn't find that anywhere else and aside from a grant or a scholarship this was the best choice! The great thing about this organization is that the money we borrowed and paid back was turned around and went out to help someone else in LA who needed financial assistance with their education. They help everyone--no need to be Jewish. So glad this organization exists! read more

They do not offer loans to those with "urgent needs", or who "may not qualify through normal financial resources." I needed funds to cover basic living expenses while I waited for a new job to begin. After all the hooplala of getting 2 guarantors with impeccable credit and job history, going for an in-person interview to their office and showing proof of a job contract, they rudely told me no. Although the initial in-take person, Sam, was pleasant and encouraging I now realize that's just a front. Another person, Bobby, phoned me to make me feel like I didn't have a chance in hell. I even wrote a letter to the head, Rachel, explaining my situation more clearly (since I am a university professor, I do know the importance of paperwork) but never received the courtesy of a reply. Don't bother, a bank will at least try to treat you better. read more

They want the cosigner to have a MINIMUM credit score of 680. I'm a military veteran and they just kinda shunned me away because my cosigner didn't have the credit rating. They don't inform you of anything before you go down. I had every bit of information they requested still didn't matter. They should tell you the minimum is needed prior to trying to sign forms. read more

A wonderful organization offering a much needed service in this economy. They have helped me twice when I needed it. The loan officers are very professional, helpful in their advice, compassionate and non-judgemental. So appreciated! read more