Teachers
JFLA supports K - 12 grade teachers in our community and is thrilled to offer zero-interest, zero-fee loans from the Horvitz Teachers' Loan Fund for a wide range of uses, including costs associated with credit card reconciliation, continuing education and credentialing, professional development like conferences, classrooms supplies and learning materials, and even with most personal and emergency expenses like car repairs, rent, or moving expenses.
This loan program, available exclusively to teachers, is the only one that doesn't require guarantors thanks to the generosity of donors.
- Loans of up to $20,000 are available for people who meet our standard eligibility requirements and have two qualified guarantors. A guarantor is someone who can guarantee to pay back the loan if you do not. A guarantor is at least 25 years old and has strong credit.
- Loans of up to $7,500 are available for people without a guarantor, but who have a credit score of 680 or more. All other eligibility requirements must be met.
- Loans of up to $7,500 are available for people with a credit score between 600-680 and 1 qualified guarantor (credit score is 680 or more). All other eligibility requirements must be met.
- Loans of up to $5,000 are available for people without a guarantor, but who have a credit score below 600.
Final loan amounts are at the discretion of the JFLA loan committee.
Teachers Loans FAQs
- Which counties does the JFLA teacher loan serve?
Interest-free teacher loans from JFLA can be applied for by residents in the following counties:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- Ventura County
- Santa Barbara County
- Who qualifies for a JFLA teacher loan?
To qualify for a loan from the Horvitz Teachers' Loan Fund, you must be a full time, employed K-12 teacher who has taught for at least one year. Beyond that, applicants need to meet JFLA's standard requirements: be at least 18 years of age with a current California-issued ID and Social Security or ITIN number, hold a current California ID/driver's license showing permanent residency in one of the eligible counties of California, demonstrate a financial need and ability to repay the loan, provide documentation with a consistent mailing address, meet the guarantor requirement for the amount you request, and not be a current borrower on another JFLA loan.
- Do I need a guarantor, and who can be my guarantor?
The Horvitz Teachers' Loan Fund is the only JFLA loan that can be approved without a guarantor: up to $7,500 with a credit score of 680 or more, or up to $5,000 with a credit score below 600. Larger amounts do require guarantors. A guarantor can be a friend, a family member, or an employer. To qualify, a guarantor must be at least 25 years old and have strong credit. Because JFLA uses guarantors in place of collateral, choosing someone who meets these requirements is an important part of a complete application.
- How is a JFLA teacher loan repaid?
JFLA teacher loans are repaid over a term of up to 36 months, with payments beginning 30 to 45 days after you receive your funds. Because the loan carries zero interest and zero fees, you repay only the amount you borrowed, with nothing added on top. A small number of JFLA loan funds have shorter or longer repayment terms, so check the specific loan description for details that may apply to your situation.
- Can I use a JFLA teacher loan to pay off my student loans?
Yes. A JFLA teacher loan can be used for student loan debt refinancing and consolidation, along with classroom costs and many personal & emergency expenses. It is important to understand the distinction: JFLA does not forgive student debt. Instead, it lets you move eligible balances into a zero interest, zero fee loan, which can reduce what you pay in interest over time and simplify your monthly payments into one predictable amount.