3,181. How Maaser Ani May and May Not Be Used

Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 6:16

If someone sells his field, including the land and the produce, and he subsequently becomes needy, he is allowed to take leket, shich’cha, peah and maaser ani from his former property. The buyer may not do so even if he hasn’t yet paid for the field. Even if he borrowed money to pay for the field, he is no longer entitled to the gifts for the needy from it.

Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 6:17

Maaser ani may not be used to repay a loan and it can’t be given to the recipient in exchange for a favor. It may be given as a form kindness, but the giver must inform the recipient that it’s maaser ani. It may not be used to redeem captives, as a wedding present or as a gift to charity. It can be given to the city Torah scholar, but it may not be taken from Israel to outside of Israel. This is derived from Deuteronomy 14:28: “You shall place it within your gates” and 26:22: “They shall eat in your gates and be satisfied.”