The Absorption Basket is a financial assistance designed to help immigrants to make initial arrangements, with living expenses during the period of ulpan study (6 months) and includes rent for their first twelve months in Israel.

In previous years the Absorption Basket was granted to immigrants who made aliyah from countries from Eastern Europe, Latin America, and some Asian and African nations. Since 2002, the Absorption Basket became available to immigrants from France and South Africa.
 
A decision reached by the Government on 3/11/02 granted the Absorption Basket to all new immigrants, from all countries, who have made aliya from 01/12/02. 
  

Who is entitled to receive the absorption basket?
 

 Those who first arrived in Israel on a "new immigrant" visa.

 Those who were in Israel for less than 18 consecutive or cumulative months during the 3 years before receiving immigrant status. 

 Immigrants from Western countries who made aliyah as of 01/12/02, and immigrants from France and South Africa who made aliyah as of 01/01/02.  

In addition, the following are eligible for the absorption basket:

 Immigrant citizens who meet the above mentioned criteria.
 Returning Minors who meet the above mentioned criteria.

Period of eligibility for receiving the Absorption Basket
 

Immigrants may receive the Absorption Basket for up to one year after their immigration to Israel.

Overseas travel halts basket installments. Upon return, immigrants must contact the Ministry of Absorption branch in their place of residence.
 
The Absorption Basket is given in the following manner:
 

 The first installment is granted to the immigrant upon arrival at the airport: a portion is given as a cash payment and another part in the form of a bank deposit.

 The remainder of the Absorption Basket is paid out in seven monthly installments.
After six months from the date of aliyah the immigrant may apply for income assistance. Assistance for covering rental expenses is given as a supplementary grant.

NOTE!
In order to receive Absorption Basket , you must open a joint account in the names of both spouses at commercial bank of your choice, and inform the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption of your bank account details. It is recommended that you do this immediately, during the first few days after your arrival in Israel.

This is a bank account in the name of both spouses and therefore both must be present when opening the account.

Your bank account number should not be changed during your first years in the country. If you are forced to change your account details, report this immediately to the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. If any problems arise concerning receiving the Absorption Basket, you should immediately contact the branch of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption closest to your home. 

NOTE!
All information contained here is general. Your particulars, such as stay in Israel, change in marital status, etc. may affect your eligibility for the aforementioned. Before taking any action, contact the Ministry of Absorption branch nearest your place of residence and confirm whether the information is valid for you. In case of any discrepancy between this information and regulations, the regulations will prevail.

Sal Klita loans
 

Immigrants who made aliyah from 01/01/96, and who received an Absorption Basket loan, and whose family status has changed, are entitled to convert the loan into a grant, according to the following conditions:

 One who reached retirement age and is eligible for an old age pension and income supplement from the National Insurance Institute.

 One who is entitled to steady disability pension from the National Insurance Institute(Kizvat nechut yezivah).

 One who is entitled to a widow/widower pension with income supplement from the National Insurance Institute.

 Victims of terror who have been recognized by the National Insurance Institute.
The loan is converted to a grant by a special committee.

All immigrants who belong to any of these categories can turn to a district office of the Ministry with up- to- date documentation from the National Insurance Institute.

NOTE!
all information contained here is general. In case of any discrepancy between this information and existing laws and regulations, the laws and regulations will prevail.