Making Aliyah with an adult child with special needs comes with a unique set of questions. Where will they live? What programs and services are available? How will their current support system translate to life in Israel? Which government agencies will need to recognize their needs, and when should you begin the process?

These are important questions, and the answers can influence not only your child’s future in Israel, but also where your entire family chooses to live.

The key is to start early. Researching programs, understanding the recognition process, gathering current documentation, and speaking with professionals and other families before Aliyah can help you make informed decisions and identify the environment in which your child can thrive.

Begin Your Aliyah Application Early

We encourage families to begin the Nefesh B’Nefesh application process within 18 months of their anticipated Aliyah.

Once an application involving an adult with special needs is identified, the initial Jewish Agency interview may be fast-tracked.

Required documentation may include current medical or psychological evaluations, as well as birth certificates, passports, and proof of Judaism for both parents and the individual with special needs. Apostilles on the relevant legal documents may not be required at the initial stage but will be necessary in order to complete the Aliyah process.

The Jewish Agency and Ministry of Welfare Recognition

In 2022, an initiative was established to assist Olim with Disabilities to receive recognition by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs (Revacha) prior to Aliyah. This can potentially allow an individual to receive approval to participate in an appropriate residential or day program prior to making Aliyah. Prior to 2022, families would sometimes wait as long as a year for this recognition.

Eligibility is specific to conditions recognized by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, including certain cognitive and developmental impairments. Individuals whose primary needs are related to mental health follow a different recognition process involving the Ministry of Health (Misrad Habriut) and National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi).

Your Jewish Agency representative will provide you with a function report to complete. The report provides information about your child’s needs and level of dependence and is reviewed by a social worker connected with the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs.

Following the review, eligible individuals may receive documentation confirming recognition of their disability and eligibility for Revacha-based programming prior to arrival. For more information, please speak with your Jewish Agency Shaliach (representative).

It is important to understand that recognition by Revacha is separate from recognition and eligibility for benefits through Bituach Leumi.

Research Programs and Communities

You know your child better than anyone. Whether your child is 25 or 55, already participates in a residential or day program, or your family is exploring these options for the first time, finding the right framework in Israel should be a central part of your Aliyah planning.

When researching programs, consider:

• How far is the program from the community where you are considering living?
• Does the program accommodate your family’s religious preferences?
• Does it have experience working with non-Hebrew-speaking Olim?
• What types of programs, services, and activities are offered?
• Are English-speaking professional staff available?
• How does the program compare with your child’s current framework?
• Could your child’s placement affect where your family chooses to live?
• How do you envision your child integrating into the new environment?
• How does the program communicate with parents and family members?
• Is there a waiting list?
• If placement is not available immediately upon arrival, what will your family’s plan be in the interim?
• Can you connect with other families who have made Aliyah with adult children with similar needs?

Whenever possible, consider a pilot trip to Israel to visit programs you are seriously considering. Seeing the environment, meeting staff, and asking questions in person can provide valuable insight before making a final decision.

Programs are available throughout Israel, but finding the right fit for your child’s individual needs should be a priority. As you begin your research, our Organizations That Provide Services for Disabilities can help connect you with additional resources and support available in Israel. Online research is a good starting point, but conversations with other families, relevant organizations, and special needs professionals can provide additional insight that may be difficult to find online.

Recognition and Eligibility for Programming

As you learn more about the programs available in Israel, your research may influence your original Aliyah plans, including where you choose to live.

Residential and vocational programming may be funded through Revacha.

Even if you have already contacted a particular program, staff will generally want to meet a prospective participant, often first by Zoom and later in person, to determine whether the program can appropriately meet their needs.

Coordination with Revacha is also essential, as authorization is required for placement.

If recognition has been received from Revacha prior to Aliyah and the evaluations submitted were sufficiently recent, typically within a year of arrival, further evaluation in Israel may not be necessary for that recognition process.

After arrival, contact the local Revacha office in your community to connect with a social worker. Be sure to provide the eligibility documentation received before Aliyah so that the recognition process can continue locally.

Rights, Benefits and Support Services

Healthcare

Regardless of age or a pre-existing condition, Israeli residents are eligible to enroll in a health fund and access the levels of healthcare coverage offered by their chosen provider.

If your child takes regular medication, research its availability in Israel before Aliyah through the Israel Drug Registry.

Bituach Leumi

The National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) is responsible for many social benefits in Israel, including disability and mobility benefits.

The application timeline and available benefits will depend on your child’s level of dependence and whether they live at home or in a residential setting. For more information, see https://www.btl.gov.il/English%20Homepage/Benefits/Disabledchild/Pages/default.aspx

Remember that Bituach Leumi recognition and benefits are separate from recognition through Revacha.

Disability Parking Badge

The Ministry of Transportation is responsible for disability parking badge applications.

Eligibility may require recognition of a disability level of 60% or higher through Bituach Leumi, along with additional criteria. For more information, see https://www.gov.il/en/service/disability_parking_badge.

Build the Right Plan for Your Family

There is no single Aliyah plan that will work for every adult with special needs or every family.

Give yourself time to research. Speak with your Jewish Agency representative, Nefesh B’Nefesh, relevant government offices, program staff, professionals, and families who have already navigated the process. If possible, visit potential programs before making your final decisions.

The goal is not simply to find a program. It is to find the community, services, support, and environment that can help your child build a fulfilling life in Israel while allowing your entire family to successfully make Israel home.

Last Updated: September 16, 2026