Benefits for Olim Chadashim

The following is a listing of benefits provided to new Olim by the Israeli Government. Please note that each of these benefits is valid for a limited time period.

Sal Klita (Absorption Basket)
Description	Financial assistance provided by Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Immigrant Absorption). You receive an initial cash payment at Ben Gurion Airport, followed by an additional wire transfer after you give Misrad Haklita your bank details. You will receive six monthly installments of Sal Klita, which will be transferred directly into your Israeli bank account. (Olim must provide bank account details to Misrad Haklita before they can receive the second payment.) Note: This assistance is granted only to those who spent less than 18 months in Israel (consecutive or cumulative) during the three years prior to making Aliyah; or no longer than three years in Israel, during the seven years prior to making Aliyah. Singles receive approximately 17,820 NIS. A family of five receives between 54,971 NIS and 62,049, depending on the ages of the children.
Timetable	Paid out over the first six months after Aliyah, between the 1st and 15th of each month. If an Oleh leaves Israel during the first six months (regardless of reason), payments are stopped. The payments can easily be restarted by visiting Misrad Haklita. If an Oleh returns to Israel 13 months or more after Aliyah, payments are discontinued. To review exact sums, see: Sal Klita Calculator back to top
Health Coverage
Description	Full coverage in any Kupat Cholim (Health Fund); free coverage for those who are unemployed. For an Oleh who is working, the health insurance payments are deducted directly from the Oleh’s salary.
Timetable	First 12 months after Aliyah.
	See: Healthcare back to top
Hebrew Ulpan
Description	Free Hebrew Ulpan course, available in many locations around Israel. The address that appears on an Oleh’s Teudat Zehut dictates the location of that individual’s Ulpan.
Timetable	Olim must apply within the first 18 months after your Aliyah. A standard Ulpan course lasts for 5 months (5 days a week, 5 hours a day).
	See: Ulpan Guide back to top
Free Tuition for BA or MA Degree Assistance
Description	Candidates up to the age of 23 can receive assistance for Mechina (preparatory year course). Candidates up to the age of 27 can receive assistance for a BA and candidates up to the age of 30 can receive assistance for an MA. Student Benefits are provided by the Student Authority. Students who are studying for an MA may be eligible for a subsidy covering up to a year of Hashlamot, in addition to assistance with the cost of the degree. Students who choose to study in a one year MA program are eligible to receive two years of assistance to use towards the cost of their studies. Note: There may be changes regarding the tuition assistance received by Olim. Nefesh B'Nefesh will keep you updated as soon as the situation is clarified.
Timetable	Must start studies within 3 years after Aliyah or within the proper time frame given the student's age. For example, if you make Aliyah at age 26, you will have one year to start your BA studies, as the benefit is only granted to students up to the age of 27. A student must study at an institution of higher education recognized by the Student Authority.
	See: Student Aliyah and Higher Education in Israel back to top
Rent Subsidy
Description	A single Oleh (2nd to 4th year after Aliyah) receives 223 NIS/month. In the 5th year, the subsidy will be 89 NIS/month. An Oleh family receives 402 NIS/month in the 2nd year, 322 NIS/month in the 3rd year, 223 NIS/month in the 4th year and 99 NIS/month in the 5th year.
Timetable	Begins automatically 13 months after Aliyah. See: Rent Subsidy back to top
Mortgage for Olim Chadashim
Description	Low interest rates, compared to other market rates, for up to about 150,000 NIS. Olim need to obtain a Teudat Zakaut (Certificate of Eligibility), which is issued by the Ministry of Housing through the mortgage banks.
Timetable	Granted up to 10 years after Aliyah. This benefit is only granted for the purchase of a first home in Israel. See: Mortgage and Purchase Tax Benefits back to top
Tax Breaks
Description	Discounted income tax payments on income earned in Israel; and tax breaks on passive and active income earned overseas. The income tax reduction on income earned in Israel works on a point system, where one point is equal to 215 NIS. New Olim receive three points per month (645 NIS) during the first 18 months after Aliyah, two points over the next 12 months, and one point during the last 12 months. Once you begin to work, advise your employer that you are an Oleh, so that you receive this benefit.
Timetable	Olim are eligible for the tax reduction on income earned in Israel over the first 3.5 years after Aliyah. If you begin university studies or army service during the first 18 months after your Aliyah, you may submit a request to the Income Tax Authority to freeze your benefits for the duration of your studies or army service (the benefits can be frozen for a period not exceeding 42 months from your date of Aliyah). Olim are eligible for tax breaks on passive and active income earned overseas for 10 years after Aliyah. Please check with an accountant to confirm eligibility; there may be some restrictions based on residency for those who have lived in Israel for an extended time period, prior to Aliyah.
	For more information, please consult with an accountant. For a listing, see www.nbnbusiness.co.il. See also: Taxes for New Olim and Tax Benefits on Income Earned Abroad back to top
Arnona (Reduced Municipal Tax)
Description	All cities and towns in Israel charge Arnona (property tax). Olim are customarily granted a discount of 70 - 90% (for up to 100 sqm.) on Arnona payments.
Timetable	Available for Olim to use during one of the first two years after Aliyah, for one 12-month period.
	See: Arnona back to top
Customs Benefits
Description	Olim are allowed to bring appliances and household goods from ANY COUNTRY tax-free. In addition, Olim are eligible to purchase Israeli-made appliances tax free in Israel. The only Israeli manufactured appliances on the market are refrigerators and air conditioners.
Timetable	Olim can import appliances tax-free for up to three years after Aliyah, and may bring up to three shipments of imported goods. Olim have up to three years to purchase an Israeli-manufactured air conditioner tax-free and four years to purchase an Israeli-manufactured refrigerator.
	See: Buying Tax Free Appliances in Israel back to top
Customs Benefits for a Car Bought in Israel
Description	Olim pay a reduced tax rate of 75.7%, regardless of engine size. In order to be eligible for the tax reduction, Olim must hold a valid foreign driver's license that was issued at least three months prior to the date of Aliyah. A valid Israeli driver's license is also required. This benefit is valid only for a new car or "Passport to Passport" purchase. Nefesh B’Nefesh does not recommend shipping cars from abroad.
Timetable	Available up to 3 years after Aliyah.
	See: Buying a Car in Israel vs. Shipping a Car from Abroad back to top
Temporary Housing
Description	Absorption centers are a form of temporary housing that are available to Olim on an extremely limited basis for a minimal rent charge plus the cost of electricity, water and a phone line. There are currently two absorption options available for English-speaking Olim: Dirat Kelet, or Absorption Center Apartment: Available for Olim up to the age of 35, and can be used for a maximum of two months immediately after Aliyah. An Ulpan program is available on the premises. Dirat Kelet is available in Beer Sheva, Ashdod, Raanana and Karmiel. The purpose is to offer temporary housing while Olim search for permanent housing. Single Olim will share a room with other Olim. Ulpan Etzion: An extensive Ulpan with living accommodations that is open to Olim up to age 35 who have graduated from university. Ulpan Etzion runs in Jerusalem and Haifa. See the Ulpan Directory for details. For more information and to request temporary housing, contact your Aliyah Shaliach. Acceptance to any of these programs must be requested prior to Aliyah and is subject to approval by the Jewish Agency. Please be aware that it is very difficult to get into a Dirat Kelet as space is very limited. It is important to know your exact date of Aliyah so that the request can be submitted. If you are eligible for Ulpan Etzion, apply as soon as you can, as spaces fill up quickly.
Timetable	Dirat Kelet: Maximum of two months immediately after Aliyah Ulpan Etzion: Five-month program back to top
Discount for Gan Tuition
Description	In some cities, new Olim are eligible for a discount of up to 90% for Gan (Trom-Trom, Trom, or Gan Chova) tuition. If you live in an area where municipal services are provided by a Moetza or Mateh, you are not entitled to this discount, although other discounts may be available. Please refer to your local Machleket Hachinuch (Department of Education) for more information.
Timetable	Up to three years after Aliyah. back to top
Free Transportation from Ben Gurion Airport
Description	Olim receive a free taxi to their destination.
Timetable	One time only - for the Aliyah flight. back to top
Free One-Way Ticket to Israel
Description	Only available when making Aliyah from abroad. Only economy class can be flown. The Aliyah flights are funded by the Jewish Agency for Israel. Nefesh B’Nefesh recommends that Olim join a Nefesh B'Nefesh group or charter flight. However, individuals who would like to fly without a group can contact our toll free number at 1-866-4-ALIYAH to reserve a flight.
Timetable	Only for the Aliyah flight. Olim who pay for their own tickets are not eligible for a refund for the cost of the flight. back to top
Maximum Sum of Money Olim Can Bring to Israel
Description	The maximum amount of cash that an Oleh can bring into Israel is 1,125,000 NIS (combined sum in the reporting person's possession). From this sum and above, you will need to report to customs by filling out a form that is available online at: http://ozar.mof.gov.il/customs/forms/84eng.pdf. Please see the Israel Tax Authority website for details. (In the Information Guides section, see the Customs Guide for Oleh and Foreign Resident.)
Timetable	Applicable only for the Aliyah flight. Please speak with a qualified accountant for further details. back to top

Please note that the above information was correct at the time of the last website update, but may be subject to change.

Nefesh BNefesh

Benefits for Olim Chadashim