Assistance given to new immigrants by government authorities is dependent on residence in Israel, and ceases in most cases if the recipient leaves the country.
Resumption of assistance upon return is possible only for certain types of assistance, given by specific government bodies.
The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption assists new immigrants who fulfill conditions of eligibility, provided that they have not received similar assistance in the past.
However, the period of eligibility for some forms of assistance cannot be extended.
General Note
Every immigrant's status is different regarding the assistance they may have already received and the period of time spent in Israel.
If you plan to leave Israel you should verify all terms and conditions you will need to fulfill in order to receive assistance, prior to your departure.
Calculating the Period of Eligibility
According to Ministry of Immigrant Absorption regulations, one who is within their period of eligibility, and who travels overseas for a period of more than six consecutive months, can have their rights for various forms of assistance frozen until their return.
Visits to Israel will be considered part of the period of eligibility.
Stays overseas of six months that include visits to Israel are considered as residence in Israel, and do not qualify for an extension.
Extension of Eligibility Applies to Most Forms of Assistance Given by the Ministry of Absorption (if the new immigrant did not receive the same assistance in the past), for example:
Eligibility to receive assured income from the Ministry of Absorption - for one who has been in Israel for less than one year. Assistance is given until the end of the first year following aliyah only.
Eligibility for assistance with mortgages - The period of eligibility will be based on the date of aliyah. The period of eligibility for those who made aliyah before 1/9/89 is seven years. For people who immigrated after 1/09/89, the period of eligibility will be 15 years.
Eligibility for assistance in public housing - eligibility for assistance for public housing to new immigrants who are eligible to receive this housing is 15 years from the date of aliyah.
Eligibility for courses - for those who have not studied in a course previously is 10 years from the date of aliyah.
Employment assistance for those who have not yet received such assistance. Eligibility is for 10 years from the date of aliyah.
Students who meet all Student Authority requirements (e.g. age and continuity of study).
Customs Grant – note changes in the sums of the grant and terms of payment.
Examples of Fields that are Not Eligible for Extension of Eligibility:
Absorption Basket - extension of eligibility is granted only to those who traveled overseas and returned to Israel within one year of receipt of new immigrant status.
Assistance in Rent - rental subsidies are for a five year period only. There is no possibility of extending this period of eligibility. One who left Israel prior to 1/1/90 and can receive a rental subsidy of NIS 250 per month for one year only.
Note: Certain returning immigrants can receive rental subsidies as veteran Israelis, including families with a large number of children, those who receive income assistance from the National Insurance Institute).
Customs - There is no extension of the period of eligibility for returning minors who travel overseas (with the exception of those who serve in the IDF or study in a university, and who fulfill all other conditions of the Customs Authority). It is important that you check with the Customs Authority for details.
Acquisition Tax - There is no extension of the period of eligibility for those who travel overseas. If you have deviated from the period of eligibility for the discount in this tax (7 years from the date of aliyah), you may appeal to the exceptions committee.
Note: Ministry of Immigrant Absorption regulations are subject to change. The procedure determining provision of assistance is the one that is in effect at the time you receive assistance following your return to Israel.
Ministries you should check to clarify the possibility of extension of assistance:
Customs– You should clarify your eligibility before traveling overseas. Returning citizens should check directly with Customs.
With National Insurance – prior to your trip overseas, you should clarify the terms to receive assistance upon your return.
Anyone who leaves the country following a short period of residence in Israel will have to fill conditions of residence of one to two years upon return before being eligible to receive assistance granted by the National Insurance (depending on the length of stay overseas). Anyone who travels overseas following a longer period in the country must make arrangements to preserve the continuation of eligibility of assistance.
It is important to check the continuity of payments to people receiving old age pensions who travel overseas.
Important! This information is general instruction only. National Insurance determines eligibility on a case-to-case basis.
Be sure to consult directly with National Insurance and check your personal eligibility with them.
Health Insurance
Delays in receiving coverage for health services may occur due to the residency check by National Insurance. One should take out traveler's insurance to cover the transition period.
Note: As of 2003, there will be changes in the National Health Insurance law regarding those who are overseas for an extended period.
Information - For Additional Information, see the National Insurance Website
Ministry of Housing - Be sure to check your eligibility for a te'udat zeka'ut, listing you as "without housing." Important information is found on the Ministry of Housing Website.
Important general information is found on the websites of the Ministry of immigrant Absorption, Customs and National Insurance. Remember that the only binding information is that information delivered in writing, or verbally, by a representative of that institution.
Where can you find out?
Overseas
Anyone who resided in Israel as an immigrant for a period of less than 7 consecutive, or cumulative, years should contact a representative of the Jewish Agency nearest to their place of residence.
You should check which documents are required by the various institutions in Israel.
Anyone who resided in Israel for over 7 consecutive years, or cumulative, years, can contact the nearest Israeli consulate and clarify whether they are eligible for assistance as a returning citizen.
In Israel
In the bureaus of Ministry of Immigrant Absorption
National Insurance branches
Local Customs bureaus.
Personal Documents
The granting of any kind of benefits or assistance by any government body is dependent upon proper registration of citizenship and status with the Population Registry of the Ministry of the Interior.
For example, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption extends assistance only to those who hold new immigrant status.
Anyone who previously resided in Israel as a temporary resident and returns to the country may receive new immigrant status from the Israeli embassy or consulate overseas. Registration of your family status will be certified by the Ministry of the Interior upon return to the country. Until such certification is received, it is not possible to receive any assistance from the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption.
Changes in Personal Status - Anyone who resided in Israel in the past as a temporary resident or new immigrant, and whose family status has changed overseas (e.g. has gotten married, has had children, has gotten divorced or has remarried) must be sure to register these changes with the Population Registry immediately upon return to Israel.
The Documents - Make sure to bring original documents attesting to changes in your family status, as well as copies certified by the Israeli consulate or embassy where you resided.
In countries that are signatories to the Convention, apostille documents (official confirmation that the clerk signed on the document is certified to confirm said document).
Important! The information provided here is general. The determining information is in accordance with regulations and given after return to Israel.