Introduction:
New Immigrants (Olim) without housing, are entitled to rental assistance in their first months in Israel (Rent Allowance) as part of the Absorption Basket.
Afterwards, olim are a automatically granted rental assistance from the Ministry of Housing and Construction
For questions and clarifications contact the service and information call center at *2310.
For further information see the Ministry of Construction and Housing website and the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption website
New Immigrants (Olim) without housing, are entitled to a rental allowance in their first months in Israel as part of the Absorption Basket given by the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption.
- After the period of assistance through the absorption basket ends, the olim are a automatically granted a rental allowance from the Ministry of Housing and Construction.
- Olim who immigrated to Israel in April 2016 and earlier, receive assistance from the Ministry of Housing and Construction beginning their second year (month 13 from their aliyah date).
- Olim who immigrated between May and December 2016, receive assistance from the Ministry of Housing and Construction beginning in the 9th month from their aliyah date.
- Olim who immigrated from January 2017 and on, receive assistance beginning in the 8th month from their aliyah date.
Duration of Assistance
- In general assistance is given until the end of the 5th year from the person's aliyah date.
- Olim who are Single parents are eligible for assistance until the end of the 6th year from their date of aliyah.
- A single person who is serving in the army or in national service and is recognized by the army or Ministry of Absorption as a "lone soldiers" Olim are entitled to rental assistance for the period of time in which they are considered to be lone soldiers.
- Olim who are defined as without housing and are being supported by National Insurance payments, continue to be eligible for rental assistance without a time limitation.
Who is Eligible?
- Olim, holding a valid oleh certificate and who are defined as without housing and who rent an apartment in a rent settlement
- Olim who made aliyah after reaching retirement age or who reached retirement age within their first 10 years after aliyah, are eligible for assistance if they receive an Old Age Pension with an income supplement or if they are Nazi victims with 49% disability and damages of level 1, 2 or 3.
- Assistance is given to those who have reached retirement age even if they live with a family member of the first degree.
- Someone who has reached retirement age and is renting a house in the private market (and not with or from a first degree relative) is eligible for supplemental assistance for living on his/her own.
- For details of rates for those who have reached retirement age, according to their family situation see the Ministry of Construction and Housing website.
How to Claim It?
- In the majority of the cases the rental assistance benefit is paid directly into the bank accounts of the recipient.
- The aid is not given automatically to those who reach retirement age after their aliyah or to those olim who request a higher amount of assistance due to low income or living expenses.
- One who does not automatically receive assistance has to obtain a certificate of eligibility to receive assistance from companies providing services for rental assistance seekers.
- For questions and clarifications contact the rental assistance service and information call center at *2310
Level of Assistance
- The extent of the assistance changes based on personal circumstances but does not exceed 95% of the rental price.
- The assistance amount decreases in accordance with seniority in Israel.
- For a chart on the amount of assistance according to family status and amount of time in Israel see the government services and information website.
- Olim who rent apartments in areas of national preference are entitled to additional assistance on top of what they receive as olim.
Aid Organizations
- Click here for a list of organizations that help new immigrants
- Click here for a list of organizations that help with housing issues
Government Agencies
Laws and Regulations
- Ministry of Construction and Housing Procedure no. 08/04 dated 29.01.2012 - Rental Assistance Procedure
Additional Publications
- Assistance for New Immigrants and Returning Citizens on the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption website
- New Immigrant's Guide (in Hebrew) on the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption website
- Eligibility for Assistance from the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption on the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption website
- Calculator for Eligibility for Financial Assistance for New Immigrants on the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption website
Credits
- Original translation provided by The Shira Pransky Project.