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apply for assistance
Apply for Help from National Zakat Foundation
Get the Financial Support You Need
application process
A Few Steps Away From Relief
Our application process is simple and confidential. Get in touch with us if you require help at any stage of the process.
Start by filling out this waitlist form
Wait for an email invitation to apply
Submit all required documents
A caseworker will be assigned to your file to assess your situation
Your file will be reviewed by the Program Manager or Senior Caseworker for final approval.
Receive your support by mail or online
Processing time: Applications are usually processed within 7–10 business days. Missing information can delay your support.
Financial Aid Policies
At NZF Canada, we aim to meet your essential needs with dignity while fulfilling our responsibility to distribute funds with care and integrity, in compliance with Canada Revenue Agency regulations:
- Cash assistance is not provided.
- Food and basic essentials are offered through gift cards and vouchers.
- Rent support is issued directly to landlords or property management companies via cheque or direct deposit.
- Utility, medical, and dental expenses are paid directly to service providers.
Please be aware that support is based on available funding, and our policies may be updated without prior notice.
*These policies are in place in order to be compliant with the Canada Revenue Agency. Please note, policies may change without notice, and that assistance is dependent upon available funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does National Zakat Foundation pay student loans with Zakat?
NZF does not cover student loans and other long-term debts with Zakat. At this time, our priority is to focus on serving the most immediate needs of our community with respect to housing, food and other critical essentials.
Does National Zakat Foundation provide direct support with cash?
NZF funds clients in a manner that the organization sees fit and aligned with the needs highlighted in the application. Under current CRA regulations, NZF does not provide cash directly to applicants.
Does National Zakat Foundation only assist Muslims?
We follow the legal guidelines of Zakat as a restricted fund to assist Muslims in need. However, we do receive applications from those, not of the Islamic faith and provide whatever assistance we can from non-Zakat funds as well as by connecting them to other resources available in the community. Read more here.
How long do recipients have to wait to get assistance?
Most applications are processed within 7 to 10 days from the submission of all supporting materials required depending on the volume of application we are dealing with at that specific time. For urgent cases, we process cases much sooner depending on the circumstances. Read more here.
What is the length of assistance for recipients?
NZF provides assistance for a short period of time (2-3 months generally). However, our team of caseworkers are equipped with the knowledge of government benefits and community resources, which are key in providing a more holistic service, with an aim toward self-sustainability.
What languages do you offer support in?
We’re here to help in the language you’re most comfortable with. Our team speaks English, French, Arabic, Urdu, and Somali. We also offer interpretation services in over 40 additional languages — so no matter your language, we’ll do our best to support you.
How we help
Help Comes in Many Forms
Qualifying applicants can receive Zakat funds for food, rental assistance, utilities, medical and dental bills, and other essentials.
Food
Get access to nutritious food and escape hunger and food insecurity.
Rental Assistance
Get financial support to help pay for housing, preventing eviction and homelessness.
Essentials
Get assistance covering costs of necessary healthcare and other critical needs, ensuring overall well-being.
Do you need help with your application?
Our intake staff will be happy to assist you over the phone.
Call us at 1-888-693-2203. Phone lines are active Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm EST.
We’re here to help in the language you’re most comfortable with. Our team speaks English, French, Arabic, Urdu, and Somali — and we offer interpretation in over 40 other languages.
Call us at 1-888-693-2203. Phone lines are active Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm EST.
We’re here to help in the language you’re most comfortable with. Our team speaks English, French, Arabic, Urdu, and Somali — and we offer interpretation in over 40 other languages.
contact us
Do You Have Any Questions?
Please contact us via email, phone or fax using the information below. We will respond to you as soon as possible.
