Matanot LeEvyonim

1. Matanot LeEvyonim should be given during the day and not the night of purim.
2. One is obligated to give two gifts of charity to two poor people, one to each person.
3. Some say that the amount one should give for each of the poor people is at least Prutah (which is 2.5 Agurot which is a 1/25 of a Shekel) whereas others say the minimum amount is how much it would cost to buy a meal of 6 Kezaytim of bread. According to Sephardim, it’s proper to be strict for the second opinion.
4. If one gives Matanot LeEvyonim before purim and is sure that the poor person won’t use it before Purim one fulfilled one’s obligation and some are strict to give it on the day of Purim itself. Similarly, before Purim one can give it to a messenger (Shaliach) who will give it on Purim itself.
5. Nowadays, someone who doesn’t have a stable income that can support one’s family for normal expenses and doesn’t have property that’s not usually used and could be sold or if one has abnormal expenses such as for medical bills, or making a wedding for which one can not afford, is considered a poor person regarding this mitzvah.