Israel Details Special Services Allowance Criteria and Tiers for 2026
Bituach Leumi details eligibility criteria and payment tiers for Israel's special services allowance, scaling up to 9,126 NIS monthly starting January 2026.
The National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) has outlined the comprehensive conditions and payment scales for the special services allowance (Sharam), designed for men and women up to retirement age who require substantial assistance with daily living activities or constant supervision. Approved claims are disbursed directly to bank accounts on the 28th of every day month.
The allowance is specifically allocated for individuals needing help with daily tasks such as dressing, eating, bathing, indoor mobility, and personal hygiene, or those requiring constant supervision to prevent life-threatening situations for themselves or others. Eligibility is evaluated strictly based on the applicant's medical condition and dependency level.
Who is Eligible for the Special Services Allowance?
Israeli residents aged 18 and older who have not yet reached retirement age may qualify for the special services allowance. Individuals who were already entitled to the benefit upon reaching retirement age continue to receive it thereafter, provided they maintain compliance with eligibility criteria. Initial claims can be submitted up to six months after reaching retirement age.
Additional criteria regulate residency in Israel, medical disability percentages, employment income limits, and institutional care status. Beneficiaries staying abroad may continue receiving payments for up to three months, provided they received the allowance for at least two consecutive months prior to departure. For medical treatments abroad or work assignments on behalf of an Israeli employer, payments can extend up to 24 months.
Regarding medical disability thresholds, recipients of general disability pensions may qualify if a Bituach Leumi physician determines a weighted medical disability of 60%, or 40% disability with a single impairment clause rated at least 25%. Individuals not receiving a general disability pension must reach a weighted medical disability of at least 75%.
Income Thresholds and Payment Tiers
Employment income must not exceed five times the average national wage, which stands at 68,845 NIS effective January 1, 2026. Furthermore, insured individuals residing in institutions providing medical, nursing, or rehabilitation services are ineligible for the allowance.
As of January 1, 2026, four distinct eligibility tiers determine the monthly payment amount based on the level of dependency:
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50% tier: 1,943 NIS per month, for those requiring extensive help with most daily activities.
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112% tier: 4,501 NIS per month, for individuals needing heavy assistance with all daily activities or constant supervision.
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188% tier: 7,181 NIS per month, designated for total dependency across all daily functions around the clock.
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235% tier: 9,126 NIS per month, for individuals completely dependent on others for all daily activities alongside a constant supervision requirement.
Additional increments apply under specific conditions. Ventilator-dependent claimants classified at the 188% tier or higher receive a supplemental 10,774 NIS. Recipients with children under the age of three receive 1,215 NIS per child for up to two children. Claimants requiring two caregivers and holding the appropriate employment permits receive an additional 7,182 NIS monthly.
Fast-Track Processing for Severe Disabilities
Bituach Leumi operates an expedited track to process claims swiftly for individuals with severe disabilities. This includes cancer patients undergoing active or terminal treatments, ALS patients receiving Rilutek, severe tuberculosis sufferers, individuals in their first year post-transplant, and patients with severe infectious diseases.
Claims handled through this fast-track system receive priority, with the agency aiming to finalize decisions within 30 days of submission.
