Israel (IL)
Start-Up Nation with world-class tech ecosystem, rich ancient history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant expat and immigrant community.
Social Security in Israel
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
Israel's social security system is administered by the National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi — ביטוח לאומי) at btl.gov.il. Founded in 1954, it provides comprehensive welfare coverage including old-age pensions, disability benefits, unemployment, work injury, maternity pay, child allowances, and survival benefits. Registration is mandatory for all residents within 90 days of arrival or commencement of employment. The system is funded through mandatory contributions from employers, employees, and self-employed persons.
Teudat Zehut Number (Israeli ID Number)
מספר תעודת זהות
Israeli citizens receive their Teudat Zehut (9-digit ID number) from birth (registered at Misrad HaPnim). New Olim (immigrants) receive their Teudat Zehut number upon Aliyah at Ben Gurion Airport — within 90 days a physical Teudat Zehut card is issued. Foreign residents (B1 visa holders) retain their passport as primary ID but also receive a file number (Mispar Tik) with Bituah Leumi for contributions.
- All government services and benefits applications
- National Insurance (Bituah Leumi) registration and contributions
- Tax authority (Rashut HaMisim) identification
- HMO (Kupat Cholim) membership and medical records
- Bank account opening and financial services
- Employment contracts and payroll
- All official and commercial transactions in Israel
- Vehicle registration and driving licence
- Property registration (Tabu)
Benefits & Support Payments
Old-Age Pension (Kitzva Z'kna)
קצבת זקנה
Monthly pension paid to eligible retired residents who have contributed to Bituah Leumi for the required period.
Men: age 67. Women: age 65 (rising gradually to 67). Must have contributed for at least 60 quarters (15 years) for full pension; partial pension with fewer contributions.
Apply at any Bituah Leumi branch 3 months before pension age. Online application at btl.gov.il. Required: Teudat Zehut, bank account details, and contribution history.
Disability Benefit (Gimlah)
קצבת נכות
Monthly payment for Israeli residents with work disability (65%+ disability rating) or general disability (60%+ rating).
Israeli residents under pension age with assessed disability percentage. Work disability: must have been employed and contributing. General disability: broader eligibility including those who were never employed.
Apply at Bituah Leumi with medical documentation. Medical committee assessment required. Process: 3–6 months.
Unemployment Benefit (Dmei Avtala)
דמי אבטלה
Temporary income replacement for involuntarily unemployed residents who have met contribution requirements.
Must have worked and contributed to Bituah Leumi for at least 12 months (360 days) in the 18 months before unemployment. Must register with Employment Service (Sherut HaTa'asuka). Non-citizens on B1 visas have very limited eligibility.
Register at Employment Service (Sherut HaTa'asuka) within 14 days of unemployment. Then apply to Bituah Leumi online or at branch.
Work Injury Benefit (Nezikey Guf)
פגיעה בעבודה
Income replacement and medical coverage for injuries or illness sustained at or directly caused by the workplace.
All employees and self-employed contributing to Bituah Leumi. Commuting accidents also covered (on direct work-home route).
Report injury to employer immediately. Employer files with Bituah Leumi. Medical documentation from treating doctor required.
Child Allowance (Kitzvat Yeladim)
קצבת ילדים
Monthly cash benefit for all children registered in Israel.
All children of Israeli residents under age 18. No contribution requirement — universal benefit.
Automatically registered when child's birth is reported to Ministry of Interior and Bituah Leumi. Paid to mother's bank account monthly.
Maternity Pay (Dmei Leida)
דמי לידה
Full salary replacement during maternity leave.
Must have contributed to Bituah Leumi for at least 10 of the 14 months preceding birth. Applies to employees, self-employed, and unemployed women (at reduced rates).
Apply to Bituah Leumi within 60 days of birth at btl.gov.il or at any branch.
Survival Benefit (Kitzva L'Almanot V'Yetomim)
קצבת שאירים
Monthly benefit for surviving spouse and children of a deceased breadwinner who was covered by Bituah Leumi.
Surviving spouse (widow/widower) of Israeli resident who contributed to Bituah Leumi. Orphaned children under 18.
Apply at Bituah Leumi within 12 months of death. Death certificate and marriage/birth certificates required.
Income Support Benefit (Havtachat Hachnasa)
הבטחת הכנסה
Means-tested minimum income benefit for those without other income or with income below subsistence level.
Israeli residents aged 20–67 (under pension age) with income below threshold and limited assets. Not available for most non-citizen foreign workers.
Apply at Bituah Leumi branch with proof of income and assets.
Contribution Overview
Employee contributions (2026): National Insurance: 0.4% on income up to NIS 7,522/month; 7% above that. Health insurance: 3.1% up to NIS 7,522/month; 5% above that. Employer pays: ~3.45% up to ceiling; 7.5% above. Self-employed pay higher combined rates. Minimum monthly NI/health contribution: approximately NIS 276/month (for those with no income). Contributions are automatically deducted via payroll (Tofes 101).
International Social Security Agreements
Israel has bilateral social security totalization agreements with several countries including the USA, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Romania, and several others. These agreements prevent double contributions and allow periods of contribution in both countries to be combined for pension eligibility. Check the Bituah Leumi website (btl.gov.il) for the current list of countries with which Israel has agreements.
New immigrants (Olim) should register with Bituah Leumi within 90 days of arrival. The registration process is straightforward — bring Teudat Oleh (or Teudat Zehut), passport, bank account details, and employment information. Self-employed must register separately from their tax registration. All correspondence from Bituah Leumi is in Hebrew — arrange for translation assistance for important documents.
Social Security
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