National Insurance Contribution Exemption for New Olim from the United States

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   In brief

   Important: Income that is exempt from Bituach Leumi contributions is not exempt from health insurance contributions.

   • From January 2026, new Olim from the United States who pay U.S. social insurance contributions on their work income are exempt from paying National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) contributions on that same income.
   • The exemption applies for the first 5 years after your Aliyah.
2. 2

   National Insurance contributions on additional income

   You'll still need to pay Bituach Leumi contributions on additional income on which you did not pay U.S. social insurance contributions, in the following cases:

   • Additional income from self-employment above ₪3,442 per month
   • Additional income from employment as an employee above ₪6,443.85 per month
   • Non-work income above ₪2,065 per month

   It is worth checking with Bituach Leumi for the current additional income thresholds and the contribution amounts payable on them.

3. 3

   Who is eligible?

   • Olim from the United States who pay U.S. social insurance contributions on their work income (whether as an employee or self-employed).
   • The exemption applies for 5 years from the date you received your Teudat Oleh.
4. 4

   How to claim the exemption

   Contact your local National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) branch.

5. 5

   Eligibility for Bituach Leumi benefits

   If Bituach Leumi benefit eligibility requires a qualifying period during which contributions were paid, the period in which you are exempt from paying contributions will count as though you paid contributions on the exempt income.

   Benefits whose eligibility conditions require a qualifying period include: unemployment benefits, old-age pension, maternity pay, and survivors' pension.

6. 6

   Helping agencies

   Government helplines:

   • Bituach Leumi — phone: *6050
   • Sh'il — phone: 118

   Government websites:

   • Bituach Leumi website
   • Sh'il website