National Insurance Guides
Bituach Leumi registration, social security, and benefits for new Olim
5 Guides •30-60 min each • Essential
Special Services Allowance and Disability Benefit for Olim
If you are an Oleh with a severe disability and depend on another person for daily activities, you may be eligible for a Special Services Allowance for Olim (Kitzbat Sherutim Meyuchadim Le'Olim) and a Special Disability Benefit for Olim (Kitzbat Nechut Meyuchedet Le'Olim) during your first year in Israel. Eligibility is based on your level of dependence on others — not on a medical percentage of disability.
Registering as Common-Law Partners (Yaduim be-tzibur) with the National Insurance Institute
If you and your partner live together but are not married, you can register as common-law partners (Yaduim be-tzibur) with the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi). Once registered, you have the same rights and obligations under national insurance as married couples. If you stop living as common-law partners, you must notify Bituach Leumi in writing.
Exemption from National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) Contributions
As a rule, every Israeli resident aged 18 and over is legally required to pay National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) contributions. Certain groups are exempt — and in some cases the exemption applies for a limited period only.
Coordinating National Insurance Deductions for Salaried Employees
If you're a salaried employee with income from more than one employer, or you receive an early pension alongside employment, you may be paying more in National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) and health insurance contributions than you need to. You can request a coordination (teum) to prevent over-deduction — and if too much has already been withheld, you can apply for a refund.
Special Old-Age Benefit for Olim and Returning Residents
An Israeli resident who is ineligible for a standard old-age pension may be entitled to a special old-age benefit, funded by the Ministry of Finance. This benefit is aimed at Olim who first came to Israel after age 62 (men) or retirement age (women) and are not covered by old-age insurance, and at Returning Residents (Toshavim Chozrim) who did not accrue the required qualifying period.