How It Works: Casework & The Distribution Department at NZF

August 7, 2018

NZF has a superb team of caseworkers dedicated to serving the cause of Zakat as an essential pillar of Islam and an Amanah (moral trust). Our caseworkers and distribution team are the first responders to the needs of all inquirers and applicants of Zakat. They work closely with clients to determine their eligibility and present their clients’ cases fairly to the panel along with recommendations on the amount of financial assistance the clients should receive.

Casework

Once an applicant’s case is assigned to a caseworker, the caseworker communicates with the applicant via email or phone or even WhatsApp. If everything is in check, and all the required documentation and ID have been sent, the applicant will have to wait up to 3 weeks for assessment. The process can be longer or shorter depending on the complexity of the case and the responsiveness of the clients.

Panel

The Panel is made up of (but not limited to): Zakat experts, the Distribution Manager, and the Executive Director. It is required that the Panel members and caseworkers are present for every Panel Meeting in order to fairly assess the pending applicants’ eligibility. A case can either be accepted, denied, or held—until sufficient information is received from the client. If the client doesn’t meet the eligibility requirements as specified by the Foundation or if the information provided proves to be false, the case is denied Zakat. If the case is denied, the clients’ caseworkers will refer them to other resources and agencies better suited to their needs and situation, such as 211 and others. If the case is approved by the Zakat panel, the caseworker will contact the client confirming via email or phone.

Distribution Team

The Distribution Team handles the administration and delivery of Zakat funds based on the recommendations given by caseworkers. Zakat is always mailed to the client, rather than picked up, in order to ensure convenience and security. The mailing process takes 1 to 5 business days, depending on the urgency of the case.