Retirees

The retirement support you’ve always envisioned in Israel begins the moment you arrive. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration provides a financial safety net through an Absorption Basket (Sal Klita). This may include assistance with living expenses and help with housing costs. Tailored specifically for those who qualify under Israel’s retirement age, this initiative ensures that your transition into Israel’s society as a retiree is as smooth as possible.

Eligibility for Sal Klita requires a new Oleh identification card (Teudat Oleh) and meeting the full criteria for new Oleh status. Additionally, those who have lived in Israel for up to 24 months, whether in one stretch or cumulatively over the 3 years prior to obtaining new Oleh status, can also access these benefits, making your move to Israel more comfortable.

Israel further ensures the well-being of its retired Olim through the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi). This system offers a special old-age benefit for those who might not be eligible to receive the standard old-age pension, ensuring that all retirees have access to financial support.

This benefit, funded by the Ministry of Finance, is designed for new Olim who made Aliyah after reaching the required retirement age (67 for men and the retirement age for women) without qualifying for old-age insurance.

In order to receive this special benefit, eligibility is based on the following criteria:

• Marital Status and Allowances:
  •  A married woman becomes eligible for this benefit upon reaching the age for an old-age pension as mentioned above, assuming her spouse does not receive a pension under the law.

• • Eligibility extends to retirees whose spouses are not beneficiaries of any allowance from Bituach Leumi. This includes men whose spouses may receive an old-age or work disability pension, provided the spouse has reached the pension age.

• Income Test:
  • The special old-age benefit is contingent upon passing an income test, differing from the regular old-age pension, which does not apply an income test after reaching pensionable age.

• • For those under 70, eligibility depends on whether their work income falls below a certain threshold, which varies based on family composition. As of January 2024, the threshold is set at NIS 9,208 for singles and NIS 12,277 for couples.

• • Non-work income eligibility is determined if the combined non-work income of an individual and their spouse does not exceed the amount of the old-age pension (Havtachat Hachnasa) entitled to them, based on family composition and age.

After making Aliyah, adapting to a whole new healthcare system might seem a bit challenging, especially for those in need of long-term care. Thankfully, Israel is committed to supporting its elderly and those with health challenges by offering long-term care benefits.

This benefit is designed for retirees who require assistance with daily activities or need supervision for personal and public safety. The aim is to alleviate the burden on families by providing the necessary care and support through both the public and private sectors.

To apply, Olim must meet the criteria and fill out a specific claim form to access these benefits. This form requires information about any income from abroad and must be accompanied by relevant medical documentation. The completed claim should be submitted to Bituach Leumi, which is responsible for evaluating and granting long-term care benefits.

Beneficiaries have the flexibility to choose the type of care that best suits their needs. Options include residing in a nursing home or receiving care at home from in-home care workers or foreign workers. The National Insurance Institute facilitates this assistance, ensuring that individuals receive the care they require within the comfort of their homes.

Regarding retirement benefits for Olim, particularly those from the U.S., there’s good news. Contrary to common misconceptions, U.S. citizens who make Aliyah can typically continue receiving their Social Security payments while living in Israel. However, there’s an important caveat for those aged between 62 and their full retirement age (which varies based on birth year): if you work more than 45 hours per month, your Social Security benefits may be temporarily suspended until you either reduce your working hours or reach full retirement age.

Although there’s no doubt that Israel’s warm sunshine and refreshing sea breeze contribute to a healthy lifestyle, the country offers an exceptional healthcare system accessible to all, regardless of age or pre-existing health conditions. Let’s get into the details.

In Israel every Israeli citizen has the right to join 1 of the 4 major health maintenance organizations (Kupat Cholim) that operate nationwide, including:

• Clalit
• Meuhedet
• Maccabi
• Leumit

Membership in these Kupot Cholim is guaranteed by law for every Israeli resident, ensuring no one is excluded due to medical history or health status. Each provides medical services through its network of facilities, allowing members to choose their preferred healthcare professionals.

Please note that an individual who receives a senior citizen’s pension without an additional income supplement will be charged NIS 223 for health insurance. In cases where a man receives a senior citizen’s pension that includes an extra amount for his wife, or when both spouses each receive their own old-age pensions, the health insurance fee deducted from the man’s pension will be NIS 321.

Navigating through Israel becomes significantly easier and more affordable, especially for seniors. Israel offers remarkable travel discounts for its elderly population to ensure mobility and independence. Individuals aged 75 and above are entitled to free travel on all public transportation modes, a gesture that underscores the country’s commitment to supporting its senior citizens. Additionally, senior citizens, defined as women over 62 and men over 67, benefit from a 50% discount on fares once they obtain their senior citizen ID.

To access these benefits, seniors need to have a Rav-Kav card (the Israeli train/bus pass) or set up a dedicated 75+ profile on the mobile app, known as a Zahav Kav. For those who do not yet possess a Rav-Kav card, it can be easily acquired through various public transport payment apps, some being available only in Hebrew, such as Moovit, Pango, Rav Pass, or Cello. Existing Rav-Kav cardholders must update their profile to “2” to enjoy free travel.