Military Service Guides
Army enlistment, service obligations, and exemptions for new Olim
7 Guides •1-6 months • Essential
Housing Options for Lone Soldiers
The five concrete housing options the IDF provides to Lone Soldiers — Beit HaChayal residential buildings, Yachad LeMa'an HaChayal 'Beit Cham' apartments, kibbutz adoption, monthly rent reimbursement, and maintenance expense reimbursement.
Financial Benefits for Lone Soldiers
The concrete financial benefits every Lone Soldier (chayal boded or chayelet bodeda) is entitled to during mandatory service — monthly grants, shopping and holiday vouchers, flight funding, marriage grants, and the Kochavim points system.
Ministry of Aliyah and Integration Grant for Lone Soldiers and Lone National-Civic Service Volunteers
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration provides ongoing support to Olim serving as Lone Soldiers and Lone National-Civic Service Volunteers — a monthly grant paid on top of regular military pay. Here's what you can claim and how.
Applying for Lone Soldier Recognition
A soldier who lacks family support during military service can apply for recognition as a "lone soldier" (chayal boded or chayelet bodeda) and receive assistance from the IDF. Submit your application to the recruitment office or to your unit, depending on whether you have already been drafted.
What to Pack for Military Service: A Complete Checklist
A practical packing checklist for new IDF recruits to help you arrive prepared and settle into your first days on base with less stress. Covers clothing, important documents, toiletries, essentials, and optional items — plus tips on what's included in the welcome kit and what's not permitted on base.
Leave and Vacation for Lone Soldiers
The seven leave categories every Lone Soldier (chayal boded or chayelet bodeda) is entitled to during mandatory service — Errand Day, apartment-move leave, leave to visit parents in Israel, leave to visit parents abroad, special economic leave with food allowance, emergency flight funding, and early departure for Shabbat/holiday.
Rights and Benefits for Discharged Lone Soldiers
Every honorably discharged Lone Soldier (chayal boded meshuchrar / chayelet bodeda meshuchreret) is entitled to a wide package of benefits — Discharge Grant, Personal Deposit, scholarships, career counselling, housing assistance, public-body discounts, and BeHatzdaa Club membership.