Reply To: Making it financially with less

If you get a discount on a coat, are you also considered as accepting charity?

If the discount is due to others subsidizing and giving as Tzedaka, then yes. You can argue that a tuition reduction is not Tzedaka, but then those who donate to allow for the discount are not giving Tzedaka. You can’t have it both ways.

As far as Chassidish/public school/homeschool, unforunately I have to agree with you. You probably are mechuyav to use one of those options in order to keep your items and not accept Tzedaka. Of course, ask your LOR what you need to sell, and what you should do L’Halacha.

I don’t think that you understand where I am coming from. I am not advocating that anyone who needs it should not taking Tzedaka, including tuition breaks or rental assistance. However, there is a chiyuv to sell your items before coming onto Tzedaka. Your suggestions are good for those who want to keep those items (such as Leichter, Straimel, etc.).