Applying for a Loan
How do I apply for a Loan?
To apply for a SAF loan complete a SAF application and send it, along with the requested documentation to office@hflawa.org. Have your guarantors send their applications from their own email accounts to office@hflawa.org.
How will I know if my loan is approved?
After your interview you will be contacted by our office. Usually this happens within 24 hours of your interview.
What documentation do I need to submit for a completed application?
The SAF Eligibilty page lists the eligibility requirements.
Can I apply for more than one loan?
You can apply for one loan at a time. Once your loan is fully repaid, you're eligible to apply for another loan.
I have sibilings, can they apply for SAF loans if I already have one?
At this time, if your siblings find guarantors they're eligible for a loan, too. And if you have repaid your loan, then your siblings are eligible.
Repayments
Do I have to repay while I'm in school?
Yes. While you're in school HFLA asks you to pay a small $50 per month. By the time you graduate, your loan will already be smaller and you will be closer to paying it off.
Where can I find the repayment schedules?
The repayment schedules are posted on the SAF Eligibility page. You can download them.
What's the best way to make a payment?
We want our borrowers to repay without incurring fees. At this time the most efficient method is to use Zelle.
Other payment options are to use PayPal or your bank's bill pay application. We discourage using PayPal because it takes a fee from your payment, reducing the amount applied to your loan. HFLA cannot absorb the PayPal fees.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Contact the office if you miss a payment. We understand things happen, please be in touch to let us know of your circumstances.
Does HFLA pull payments from my bank account?
HFLA doesn't pull payments automatically from your bank account. You will setup automatic payments to be made to HFLA. We encourage you to make payments through the Zelle electronic banking system.
What if my bank or credit union doesn't support Zelle?
The network of Zelle participating financial institutions is growing. It's likely your institution supports Zelle. For mobile banking Zelle provides an app for Android and iOS.
How long is the loan repayment period?
The repayment periods are based on the number of years you'll be in school. The repayments last from 5 - 7 years.
When I graduate do my monthly repayment amounts increase?
Yes, 6 months after graduation repayment amounts increase. HFLA tries to keep repayments below $200 per month so as not to overburden borrowers.
What if I'm unable to make my payments?
If you're having a medical crisis or a period of unemployment contact the office. We will work with you to modify the payment and discuss deferrment until your situation improves.
What happens if I have to leave school because my finances have changed?
Whenever your finances change to a degree as to affect your loan repayments, contact the office for remediation. We will work wtih you.
Guarantors
How many guarantors do I need for a SAF loan?
HFLA requires two guarantors for a SAF loan. A married couple can serve as one guarantor. Often a grandparent or another relative or good family friend serves as the second guarantor.
Why does HFLA require Guarantors?
HFLA requires guarantors to guarantee repayment if the student is unable to fully repay the loan.
Does HFLA do a credit check on Guarantors?
At this time HFLA is not doing a hard or soft credit check on guarantors.
Interviews
How long is the loan interview?
A Student Access Fund interview is generally no longer than 20 - 30 minutes.
Do I have to interview in person?
The interview can be done in person or virtually depending upon your location.
Study Abroad
Money Disbursed
When is the loan money distributed?
Check the SAF Eligibilty page for the estimated date the funds will be released. Each year the dates may shift moderately.
Where is the loan check sent?
HFLA will send the loan check directly to you to use for education expenses such as tuition, school fees, housing, food, equipment, travel to school and home, and books. Expenses related to attending school are covered by this loan.
Student Access Fund (SAF)
Frequently Asked Questions
