3,184. How Much Tzedaka to Give

Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 7:5

If a needy person asks for his needs to be met and the donor doesn’t have the means, he must give according to his ability, as follows: The optimum way to fulfill this mitzvah is to give one-fifth of one's possessions, but one-tenth is the regular standard. Less than that is considered stingy. One should never give less than a third of a shekel per year; one who gives less than this has failed to fulfill his obligation. Even a needy person who survives on charity must give charity to others.

Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 7:6

If an unknown person claims to be hungry and requests food, we don’t investigate to see if he’s a fraud. Rather, we feed him right away. If he needs clothes and requests them, we do investigate whether or not he’s a fraud. If he’s known, we dress him according to his honor right away without investigating.