Living wage benefit
The right to subsistence benefits does not depend on the number of hours worked. A person may work part-time or not work at all.
❗️The decision on payment is made by Bituach Leumi based on income, family composition and other criteria. The mere fact of working does not deprive the right to benefits - what matters is how much income a person actually receives.
In most cases, the recipient of the benefit must be registered with the Employment Service. This is the standard condition for those who are recognized as able to work.
Registration is required to:
confirm readiness to work
receive suitable job offers
Refusal of eligible offers may result in suspension or cancellation of benefits.
Some categories of recipients are exempt from the requirement to register with the employment service. Most often this is:
pregnant women starting from the 13th week
parents of a child under two years old
single parents in full-time education
temporary disability after illness, injury or surgery
caring for a sick family member when living together
waiting for a decision on disability benefits
training at Ulpan Aleph as a day program for new repatriates
Typically, the exemption is granted for a period of up to six months and can be extended depending on the situation.
If a person works:
Work does not cancel benefits. Bituach Leumi takes into account income: if it is below a certain level, the benefit may be paid in part or in full.
In some cases, starting work frees you from the need to regularly report to the employment service - this depends on the volume of work and personal circumstances.
Private entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs may also be eligible for benefits. It is not the status of the business that is assessed, but the income and number of hours of employment. If income exceeds the established threshold, the right to benefits is lost. If your income is lower, the benefit may continue.