Post-Army – Lone Soldiers Program | Nefesh B'Nefesh FIDF https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp Thu, 02 Nov 2023 08:09:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Assistance in Rent Payments For Released Soldiers https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/assistance-in-rent-payments-for-released-soldiers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=assistance-in-rent-payments-for-released-soldiers Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:35:07 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=85341

In recognition of your service in the IDF, during the first year after your release, the Department and Foundation for Released Soldiers, will provide financial assistance for housings costs of up to 12,000 NIS (up to 1,000 NIS per month for up to 12 consecutive months after your release).

Assistance will be provided upon showing official documents of your apartment’s (or house’s) current contract for your first year post-release, in addition to other official documents for those who are eligible (detailed below).

This benefit is granted in accordance with the Released Soldiers Absorption Law amendment (in update 19, from 2017) and is subjected to a limited budget.

The registration process must be completed, including the verification of the data, within two months of the application being submitted online, and no later than the end of the first year after release from the IDF.

In addition, it is recommended to check for eligibility for assistance in purchasing basic home appliances.

Who is eligible for these benefits?

  • Lone soldiers, that according to the army, are/were eligible for rent assistance through the end of their military service.
  • Lone soldiers that have completed the application and turned in all official documents required within the first year of their release (or the end of mandatory service, if signed on for additional time – “Keva”).
  • Lone soldiers whose leasing contract is updated and in effect for the first year post- release from the IDF.
  • For lone soldiers who have more than one contract within their first year post-release, their assistance will only be supplied for the duration of the first contract and upon submission of the second contract. If the contracts are continuous, the assistance will continue.

The leasing (apartment) contract must comply with the following requirements:

  • The contract must be under the name of the applicant (for the rent assistance), during the first year after release from the IDF/end of mandatory service, and the contract must state the date and time of the start and termination of the contract and the amount of monthly rent actually paid by the applicant. (Only relevant if living in Israel.
  • The contract must be signed by the applicant (tenant) and the property owner (leaser). Leasing contracts in which the applicant is a sub-tenant will not be accepted.
  • Contracts in which the leaser is the parent of the applicant will not be accepted.
  • It is recommended that the lease be for at least six consecutive months.
  • If the lease contract is for less than six months or no updated contract is submitted during the period of eligibility, continued assistance eligibility is dependent on the submission of a new or updated contract that shows a continuity (of dates) between the contracts.

Note: Released lone soldiers who are not eligible for this assistance, according to the above requirements and are renting an apartment are advised to apply for eligibility for rent assistance from the following- https://www.hachvana.mod.gov.il/Soldiers/Pages/lonelymoney.aspx

The actual amount of financial aid that will be received by an individual will be calculated according to the following:

  • The eligibility period is the first year after release from the IDF and up to 12 consecutive months.
  • The amount of aid per month is up to 1,000 NIS for each month of eligibility. If the applicant’s monthly rent is less than 1,000 NIS, then the assistance provided will be calculated in accordance to the actual rent payments of the applicant.
  • The rent assistance will be provided in two separate payments. Each payment will provide up to six months of rental assistance at a given time.
  • If the applicant receives financial assistance for rent from other government ministries, such as the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, The Estates and Trusts Department, etc. the applicant must declare the amount of aid received and this amount will be deducted from this benefit.
  • If the applicant is living in Bet Hachayal or an Alach apartment, the months while living there within the one-year of eligibility post-release, will be deducted from the period of eligibility.

See Registration Guidelines.

]]> Ma’anak and Pikadon https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/maanak-and-pikadon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=maanak-and-pikadon Tue, 28 Aug 2018 06:40:25 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=65291

Mazal Tov! You just finished your army service. Now it is time to find out about your benefits.

If you have served for at least 12 months (or if you were supposed to serve for 12 months but was released earlier due to medical reasons), you are entitled to a Ma’anak Shichrur or a release grant. This is a one-time sum that is transferred into your bank account within 60 days of your release.

If for some reason the payment has not been transferred into your account within 60 days of your release date, please call the IDF Payments Department at 03-6792888. If you are unable to reach someone there, please call 1111 Ext. 3 for the Payment Department.

The size of your grant depends on whether you served in a combat, combat support, or non-combat position.

Click here to get a rough estimate of how much money you should receive.

The Pikadon is a deposit (the amount depends on where and how long you served) that is put aside for soldiers and Bnot Sherut who served for 12 months or longer. The Pikadon cannot be touched for five years from the end of your service, and at that point is transferred directly to the bank account that you provided during your army service.

You will need to bring the form to Bank Leumi or Bank Hapoalim and request that they release your Pikadon to your new bank account.

If you are having any problems, please call the branch of the Ministry of Defense that handles released soldiers and former Bnot Sherut at 03-777-6770.

You can calculate your Pikadon amount here

You can withdraw your Pikadon within the five-year timeframe for the following six purposes: education, vocational training, driver’s license, opening up a business, marriage, and buying an apartment. Click here for more information.

** Please note that if you do not claim your Pikadon within 10 years of your release, you are no longer eligible to receive it.

If you leave the country, and no longer have an Israeli bank account, you will need to appoint a Power of Attorney to claim the Pikadon. To find out the process please follow the instructions here or send an email to Pikadon_5@mod.gov.il.

Whoever you have appointed in Israel to deal with your Pikadon will need to bring in both forms (the power of attorney document and the form from the website) to either Bank Leumi or Bank Hapoalim. Once both forms are submitted, the army will send your Pikadon to a registered Israeli bank account of your choice.

Receiving your Pikadon after 5 years

According to the Law of Released Soldiers; 2017, 5 years after you finish your compulsory army service, your pikadon will automatically be transferred within 60 days, to the bank account you had when you finished your army service.

If during those 5 years, you decide to open a new bank account, it is recommended to keep the bank account you had when you finished your service open.

When will it be transferred?

If your mandatory service finished after 14th of January 2014, and you did not use all of your Pikadon during those 5 years, the money will be automatically transferred to the bank account that was in the IDF system when you finished your mandatory service.

The Pikadon will be transferred within 60 working days from the month that you were released from the army 5 years prior.

If you finished your service after the 12th of July 2010, you will be able to see your Pikadon status in the Personal Information on www.hachvana.mod.gov.il

Your Pikadon will be available to you according to the 2017 Law for 10 years from the end of your mandatory service.

If my bank details from the time of my army service have changed/expired?

You can choose to receive an SMS which will allow you to withdraw your Pikadon via the Post Office (Bank Hadoar).

Steps:

  1. Login via the Hachvana Website
  2. A notification will appear to agree to transfer your Pikadon to the Post Office.
  3. Approve the request
  4. After approving the reuqest it will take 7 working days and then you can go to any Post Office Branch to collect.

Well Done! All that is left for you to do is:

  1. Book an appointment in accordance with Covid restrictions in an area that is close to you
  2. You will need to show ID in the form of: TZ (ID)/Drivers License/Passport/ID of a Released Soldier

Pay Attention:

  • You will be able to take out the money from the Post Office only after 7 working days from approving the request. You will have 90 days to take it out from the Post Office. If you do not take the money out within 90 days, the money will be automatically put back into your Pikadon.
  • If the representative at the Post Office is having trouble finding your Pikadon, you can ask them to Login and enter תוכנית J171 – מוסד 45
  • When you arrive at the Branch, you will need to provide a document of proof of your bank account.
  • You can receive the Pikadon via Bank Transfer or Cash (up to 11,000 shekels).

If you want to withdraw between 10,000 to 11,000 Shekels, you need to provide ID documentation (Teudat Zehut) including an updated photo. You cannot use a passport or a driver’s license.

If the Pikadon is more than 11,000, you cannot withdraw it via Cash at the Post Office. You have to ask for a Bank Transfer.
If you don’t have a bank account you will need to do a יפויי כוח of a relative.

If you have any questions please call 03-777-6770 or visit https://www.hachvana.mod.gov.il/Pages/default.aspx

For any further questions please email lspnlspen@nbn.org.il.

]]> Life After the Army https://www.nbn.org.il/nbnlsp/life-after-the-army/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=life-after-the-army Wed, 15 Oct 2014 08:56:38 +0000 https://www.nbn.org.il/?p=12151

Congratulations! You finished your army service. What’s next?

Post Army: Second Aliyah

Many Olim consider their release from IDF service as the second Aliyah. You will need to re-adjust to civilian life, get used to speaking a different, non-army version of Hebrew and make decisions about what comes next.  Will you travel?  Will you work in Meudefet?  Will you take advantage of Israeli higher education benefits as an Oleh?  Will you begin your professional life? This guide is meant to help you understand your options and embark on your second Aliyah.

Aliyah Benefits

Many Aliyah benefits are frozen as long as you’re in the army, but once you leave the army, the clock starts ticking.

Health Coverage

Olim are eligible for a year of free health care after they make Aliyah. While you are in the army, you are registered under the army health care system. After you are released, the different Kupot offer various benefit packages for released soldiers.

Kupah Benefit
Meuchedet One year of their Adif package for free, if you join within 90 days of your release. One year of Meuchedet C (highest level) for only 13 NIS per month.
Maccabi One year of Maccabi Sheli or Magen Zahav (the two highest levels) for free, if you join within 6 months of your release.
Leumit One year of Leumit Zahav for free
Clalit One year of Mushlam Zahav for free. Platinum coverage (highest level) for 40 NIS a month.

Bituach Leumi

While serving in the IDF, soldiers are exempt from paying Bituach Leumi. After being released from the IDF, soldiers are entitled to an exemption for an additional two months from their release date. If they are unemployed, the released soldier must begin making payments of 170 NIS per month to Bituach Leumi. If they are employed, Bituach Leumi will be paid by their employer directly. Once they become employed, it is advised to visit a Bituach Leumi branch to fill out all necessary paperwork to avoid any clerical discrepancies or unnecessary debt to Bituach Leumi.
For additional information on Bituach Leumi, click here.

Driver’s License

Olim have one year to drive on their foreign driver’s license from their date of entry to Israel. Olim have five years from their Aliyah date to convert a foreign driver’s license to an Israeli driver’s license. This process does not freeze during the army. However, many Misrad Harishui offices may allow a one year extension for recently released soldiers.
Please note: The Misrad Harishui will review each case individually before allowing an extension.

Arnona

In most cities, an exemption from paying Arnona is granted during a lone soldier’s active service. This exemption extends to four months after a lone soldier’s release date. Visit your local municipality building for more information and activiation of this benefit. Click here for a list of municipality locations.

Customs Benefits

Olim are eligible for customs benefits for the first three years of Aliyah. This benefit freezes during army service. The benefit includes bringing three customs tax-free shipments from any country, and buying or importing a car at a reduced tax rate. To find out more about this benefit, send us an email at customs@nbn.org.il.

Rental Assistance

Olim Chadashim are entitled to Rental Assistance from Misrad Hashikun (The Ministry of Housing) on a monthly basis until the end of your fifth year of Aliyah. Serving in the army affects this benefit in a few ways.

While serving in the Army you are entitled to payments of 402 nis per month. As part of a new initiative, this will happen automatically and there is no need to go to a Rental Assistance company in order to activate your payments. The payments will be automatically transferred into the bank account that Misrad Haklita has on file.

When you are released, you will need to turn to a Rental Assistance company to open a file in order to continue receiving your payments. If you are still within the eligibility period of 5 years (60 months), you will be put back into the appropriate bracket. For example: If you are released in your second, third or fourth year of Aliyah, you will receive 400 nis per month, if you are in the fifth year of Aliyah you will receive 89 nis per month.

For more info: Rental Assistance

Upon finishing your full eligibility for the Rental Assistance benefit, you must once again go to the same Rental Assistance company you have opened a file with right after your release in order to receive a Released Oleh Lone Soldier extension.

The extension is given only after applying to the Rental Assistance company. Make sure to apply right after your 60 month of Aliyah is up as you can only receive payments retroactively for up to 3 months. For example: If you turn to the Rental Assistance company in the fourth month following your release, you will lose out on 1 months payment.

The extension is given for the amount of months you have served in the Army (maximum 36 months) at the rate of 402 nis a month.

Please bring the following forms:

  • Teudat Zehut
  • Official Bank Details document (Ishur Nihul Cheshbon) or cancelled check
  • Teudat Oleh\Zakaut
  • Teudat Shichrur from the army, or Ishur Al Meshech Sherut (Document stating how many months you served)
  • Teudat Zakaut from Rental Assistance company

For additional information and eligibility for Olim Chayalim Bodedim:

Shaul Gibenber- Lone Soldier Olim Coordinator in Misrad Haklita: shaulg@moia.gov.il

For general personalized information:

Misrad Habinui Vhashikun hotline: *5442

Tuition Subsidy Benefit

Your university tuition may be subsidized if you begin your studies before age 27 for a BA and age 30 for an MA, AND if you start your studies within three years of Aliyah. This benefit freezes during IDF service. Students who are under 23 also receive assistance for Mechina, a year preparatory course. Please be in touch with nbnstudents@nbn.org.il to find out if you are eligible for the subsidy.

Psychometric Examination Information

The psychometric exam is equivalent to the SAT exam in the US. It is comprised of 3 sections – Verbal, Math and English Comprehension. The score on this exam ranges from 200-800 (800 being the highest score). Your score on this exam will be calculated together with your GPA from high school in order to determine your eligibility for acceptance to a specific program.
Note: If you have taken the SAT exam in the US, your score will be accepted by many programs in lieu of the Israeli psychometric exam.
For more information about the psychometric exam and preparatory courses, click here: https://www.nite.org.il/index.php/en/

Scholarships

IMPACT! Scholarships for Discharged Soldiers

The Friends of the IDF (FIDF) organization, together with the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers (AWIS) offers scholarships to discharged IDF combat soldiers whose economic circumstances do not allow them the opportunity of pursuing higher education and who meet the criteria set by the FIDF directorate. The scholarship is set at $4,000 per year of study. In return, the recipient commits to carrying out 130 hours per year of community work throughout the period of his/her studies, and maintaining contact with the donor who is funding the scholarship with two letters each year.
Note: The scholarship is not available for Mechina (preparatory program)/completion of Bagrut (matriculation) examinations/studies via the Open University/part-time studies, nor is it offered to released soldiers who already hold an academic degree.
The criteria for application for a scholarship, the request form, and instructions for submission may be found on the AWIS website: www.awis.org.il/impact
The AWIS scholarship department can be reached at 072-270-2270.

The Heseg Foundation

The Heseg Foundation offers aid to discharged soldiers (combat and non-combat) who are recognized by the IDF as Chayalim Bodedim and who completed a full and satisfactory service. The grant includes tuition fees for an undergraduate degree as well as a monthly subsistence stipend. In return, the recipient undertakes to perform 130 hours of community service per year.
The scholarship does not cover Mechina studies, studies towards completion of a Bagrut certificate, or further study for a released soldier who already holds a degree or diploma.
The request form and instructions for its submission may be found on the Heseg Foundation website: www.heseg.com; or by contacting the Foundation’s offices at: 03-771-3100.

TAKEOFF

Atidim’s TAKEOFF program provides Lone Soldier Olim with support after their release from the IDF. TAKEOFF assists from the end of your army service to college education until finding a satisfying career paths and permanent job placement. Take a look at the TAKEOFF brochure for more information.

Please note that if you are unemployed, you are required to pay Bituach Leumi. If you are currently searching for a job, please contact our employment team at employment@nbn.org.il.

Income Tax Reduction

Olim are eligible for a reduction on their income tax for the first 4.5 years of Aliyah. This benefit freezes during the army, and university. When you begin working, your employer will ask you to fill out a Tofes 101. On the Tofes, be sure to mark off that you are an Oleh Chadash, and input your Aliyah date. The benefit will begin automatically.

Dmei Kiyum

Olim who have made Aliyah in the past 6-12 months and are unemployed are entitled to a monthly living allowance through Misrad Haklita, known as Dmei Kiyum. Note that unemployment benefits begin AFTER Sal Klita payments finish. To sign up for Dmei Kiyum, you’ll need to visit your local branch of Misrad Haklita.

Meudefet

Released soldiers are entitled to a one-time grant of NIS 9,550 upon completion of six full months (150 days) of work in a Meudefet approved workplace.  The released soldier must begin the work within 12 months of his/her release date. For more information please visit http://www.muadefet.co.il/.

Knafayim/Wings

The Wings Program facilitates a supportive, safe beginning for lone soldiers being discharged. Wings provide an all-inclusive educational, career, financial, and life-skills program. Young immigrants are empowered to embrace Israeli society as independent and contributing members while affirming their decision to remain in Israel for the long-term. You can find out more information by checking their website: http://www.wings.org.il/afterarmy

Some released soldiers will be called for reserve duty several times each year. Traditionally, there is a one year grace period between a soldier’s release and their first call-up to reserve duty.

Ma’anak Miluim

An annual ma’anak is awarded to miluimnikim as per the amount of days served in miluim in the preceding year:

10-14.5 days- NIS 1.308
15-19.5 days- NIS 2,616
20-36.5 days- NIS 3,924
37 days or more- NIS 5,232

B’hatzdaah

B’hatzdaah is a benefit for released soldiers who are serving in Miluim (reserve duty).  In order to qualify for the benefit, one must serve at least 20 days of reserve duty per year.  Once meeting the minimum requirements and then registering via the B’hatzdaah webite you will be eligible to receive discounts, special offers, and more from B’hatzdaah.

Vital Work (עבודה מועדפת) are the preferred job in fields which are listed on the BTL website.

Normally, Vital Work (עבודה מועדפת) positions must be filled for at least 6 months (4 months in agriculture) within 2 years from the date of release.

For general information regarding unemployment for released soldier and Bnot Sherut, see here. (Non-Corona related)

Many of the positions are related to tourism, hotels and other occupations which may have been frozen affected by the Coronavirus.

Here are some specific guidelines referring to Vital Work (עבודה מועדפת):

  • Those who were sent on חל”ת (unpaid leave) for at least 30 days will be eligible for Unemployment from BTL
  • If they have been let go or put on unpaid leave from Vital Work (עבודה מועדפת) job due to Corona and they didn’t complete 6 months of work (150 days), they will have to complete their eligibility period by working the remainder of that amount of time after the Coronavirus is over. Those who work in agriculture need to complete 4 months (100 days) in order to be eligible for Unemployment and will receive the relative amount.
  • The חל”ת (unpaid leave) will not be considered as part of the working period – the 6 months needed (4 months in agriculture).

For general information regarding unemployment, see here. (Non-Corona related)

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