Chayalim Bodedim – Lone Soldiers

A chayal boded is a solider whose parents do not live in Israel for more than 3 months out of the year.  Soldiers with this status are entitled to a variety of benefits.  They should be aware of the entitlements and expectations.

Starting the Process
Like all other soldiers, chayalim bodedim interact with the army through the Lishkat Hagiyus- IDF recruitment center.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you appear at Lishkat Hagiyus:

• Candidness: Tell them everything; don't hide things because usually the army will find out anyway.
• Heath: Once again let them know everything.  Do not try to conceal medical conditions.  Even if something changes with your health from the time you receive your tzav rishon  (first induction notice) till when you actually go in then be sure to inform the lishka.
• Status: Make sure that you let them know of your status as a chayal boded.  Before you finish up all the procedures with Lishkat Hagiyus you should have a private interview, where you will make the staff aware of your status.
• Testing: When you go for your tzav rishon, your knowledge of Hebrew is tested.  There are 9 levels.  If you score 5 or below, then you are required to take an army Ulpan before entering your unit (this is counted towards your time requirement for your army service).  Additionally, you are required to take a pyscotechni test –logic test, which you can request to take in English.

Benefits
Financial Assistance
In addition to the sal haklita (absorption basket) that all olim receive during their first eight months in Israel, chayalim bodedim are also awarded an additional 352 shekel per month from the Ministry of Absorption.  After their first year in the country, chayalim bodedim receive 230 shekel per month from the Ministry of Absorption.  In order to receive these benefits, the soldier must bring his army identification card, teudat oleh, and chayal boded letter (issued by the army) to the Ministry of Absorption.  If for whatever reason, the soldier does not receive these benefits when he is initially eligible, they can be obtained retroactively for up to a year.

The chayal boded also receives financial assistance from the army.  While most soldiers receive a salary of 352 shekel per month, the chayal boded receives double that amount.  (It is important to note that this amount is entirely separate from what is received through the Ministry of Absorption.)  After advance training, it is possible for the chayal boded to receive up to 1400 shekel from the army.

Housing
The chayal boded is entitled to rental assistance through the Ministry of Construction and Housing.  He will receive 424 shekel per month, once he has been in Israel for at least a year.  This assistance must be renewed every six months.  To receive this benefit, the chayal boded must go to the Ministry of Construction and Housing with his army identification card, teudat oleh, and chayal boded letter.

In addition, the army provides chayalim bodedim with a rental subsidy of 782 shekel per month.  There is also the possibility of receiving additional financial assistance for housing maintenance costs.  This assistance, like all other army assistance is accessed through the mashakit tash (similar to a counselor for soldiers).

Chayalim bodedim are also eligible for a variety of housing options.  They can be "adopted" by a kibbutz, in which case the kibbutz is entitled to receive the rental subsidy that the soldier gets from the Ministry of Construction and Housing.  Most kibbutzim are also happy to arrange adoptive families for the chayalim bodedim.  Through the army the chayalim bodedim are also entitled to army housing, though they will likely to find it not to be at the standard they are accustomed to. 
Chayalim bodedim are exempted from municipal property tax.  To receive this exemption, the chayal must bring his army identification card, teudat oleh, and rental contract to the municipal offices. 

Vacation
A chayal boded is entitled to up to one month off per year to visit his family.  Sometimes an organization like Agudah L'Man HaChayal will even help subsidize the cost. 

Other Benefits

• Vouchers for Rosh Hashana and Pessach to approximately 50 stores
• A 10- minute international calling card each month

When do you have time to deal with everything?
Chayalim bodedim are entitled to a 'yom sidurim' (errand day) once a month.  In the beginning of a chayal's service, it is possible to get this once a week.

.*** All amount of money that are listed above were correct when this was written but are subject to change.