Retiring to Israel

More and more seniors are choosing to spend their retirement years in Israel: Some join children who have already made Aliyah; while others come only to realize the dream of living in the Holy Land. Retirement to Israel is a viable option, and Nefesh B'Nefesh, in partnership with the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI) will assist you throughout the process.  There are many resources available to make your move to Israel easier- financially, socially and medically. Below are brief descriptions of resources and opportunities for retirees in Israel.

More and more pensioners and seniors in Israel are finding that life begins with aliyah! Listen to radio NBN, the Golden Years On Aliyah

Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute)
Olim who arrive at age 60 or over, and other Olim who have not paid premiums to the National Insurance Institute (NII) must apply to the NII to receive a "Special Old-Age Allowance." They are not eligible for the standard pension. It is also possible to receive an "income supplement," providing one's other sources of income do not exceed a set percentage of the average wage. There are also various other benefits, such as rental subsidies and discounts on municipal taxes. It is important to note that the special old-age allowance and the income supplement will not in themselves enable a retiree to survive financially in Israel. Additional sources or income, or capital, are necessary. However, remember that your eligibility for Social Security payments is not affected by your Aliyah. You will continue to receive payments in Israel.
For more info:
Bituach Leumi on pension benefits

Health Care
Every Israeli Kupat Holim (health maintenance organization) must accept every applicant. This means that there are no limitations based on pre-existing conditions.  If an Oleh is in need of long-term health care, options include nursing homes or in-home care workers, as they would in North America.  Bituach Leumi (The National Insurance Institute) offers assistance for either choice.
For more info:
Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) on long-term care
Bituach Leumi on in-home care workers

Housing Options
Many retirees purchase or rent their own apartments in Israel, and live entirely independent and self-sufficient lives, while others seek out retirement communities with full range of recreation activities.  Yet other retirees find they require an assisted living facility with full or limited nursing care.  To learn more about retirement/nursing facilities, we advise that you contact the AACI (Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel). The AACI offers guidance in how to make that choice, as well as a comprehensive list of retirement facilities in Israel.  In addition, you may want to consult with a retirement consultant who specializes in working with Anglo Olim.  Both the AACI and retirement consultants can assist you in planning a pilot trip that will enable you to thoroughly investigate viable living options.
For more info:
More about retirement facilities in Israel
AACI (they have a thorough listing of retirement centers)
List of retirement consultants
Bituach Leumi: counseling services for the elderly

Volunteer Options
Many retirees choose to dedicate a part of their week to volunteering. It's a great way to build a new circle of friends, contribute to the community, and learn something totally new. Many seniors opt to become docents in Museums.  They receive the necessary training to become experts in an entirely new field and receive serious training for the position. Others volunteer at charity organizations such as Yad Sarah, Magen David Adom, Meir Panim, or at hospitals. Israel also boasts a large number of cultural organizations that are constantly seeking volunteers - universities, women's organizations, friends of museums, etc.

Social & Recreational Activities
For social and recreational activities, your first resource is the AACI. The Seniors Division of the AACI has branches in every major city in Israel. At the AACI, you can find special interest groups of all sorts: Yiddish speakers, choral groups, handicrafts, folk dancing, exercises, you name it.  Also, keep checking your local newspapers for weekly updates on activities/events in or around your neighborhood.
For more info:
More about social opportunities in Israel
AACI (check out the programs & activities listings by community)
OU Israel Center

Educational Opportunities
Whether you are thinking about furthering your academic career or continuing a centuries-old tradition and returning to yeshiva, there is a wide range of educational opportunities in Israel for retirees. For example, Hebrew University, the Brookdale Institute Adult Education Center at Bar Ilan, and the Van Leer Institute are just three of the academic settings that offer classes that can be audited. There is also an abundance of religious classes of all denominations, for both men and women, at the hundreds of religious educational institutions in Israel.

Financial Issues
Working out your financial situation when you move to a new country can be a daunting task.  There are many issues to deal with such as US taxes, Israeli taxes, US Social Security and Estate planning.  There are many resources in Israel which are there to help you organize your financial life.
For more info:
Attorneys and CPAs in Israel
US social security & disability entitlements
Estate Planning in Israel
AACI

Further Resources & Links
AACI (Association for Americans & Canadians in Israel - your best resource)
Esra (English Speaking Residents Association)
Ministry of Immigrant Absorption (MOIA)
Article:Retirees - Making it in Israel (WZO)