National Insurance Begins Paying 2026 Annual Heating Grant to Seniors
The National Insurance Institute is issuing the annual heating grant for senior citizens in October 2026, set at 664 NIS per family. The automatic payment helps cover winter electricity and heating expenses for eligible retirees.
The National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) is paying the annual heating grant to eligible senior citizens in October 2026. This year, the grant amount stands at 664 NIS per family, marking an increase from the 649 NIS paid last year. The payment is designed to help eligible citizens cope with heating and electricity expenses ahead of the winter season.
The grant is disbursed once a year, and in the relevant eligibility tracks, it is transferred automatically to bank accounts without requiring any special application. Beneficiaries are expected to receive the funds according to the National Insurance payment mechanism and bank processing times.
Eligibility Criteria for Seniors
According to National Insurance regulations, the grant is intended for individuals who have reached retirement age and receive an old-age pension, a special old-age pension, or a survivor's pension, provided they meet at least one of two defined criteria.
The first criterion is receiving an income supplement to the pension in October, November, or December of that year. The second criterion is receiving an old-age pension with a disability supplement. This includes individuals who previously received a general disability pension and transitioned upon reaching retirement age to an old-age pension that includes a preservation supplement.
The heating grant for 2026 is set at 664 NIS per family, distributed as a household payment rather than an individual allowance.
Separate Grants for Terror Victims
A separate heating grant exists for victims of hostilities, subject to different eligibility conditions. Individuals with a disability rating of 50% or higher may qualify for a grant ranging from 993 NIS to 8,984 NIS, depending on the severity level, place of residence, and type of injury. This payment is transferred automatically with the November benefit.
