A Guide to Aliyah benefits for Katinim Chozrim November 2016
Please note! This information is only relevant to you if you are a straightforward Katin Chozer. If you have previously declined or cancelled Israeli citizenship, or if you are married to a person who has previously held an Aliyah status, please refer to the Aliyah office for clarification Throughout this document references to Oleh or Olim include Katin Chozer status Eligibility for benefits can be affected by previous status in Israel and by the length of time spent in Israel prior to attaining Oleh status In all cases, it is recommended to consult with a Shaliach or the Global Center regarding your individual case The Government Ministries which give benefits to Olim reserve the right to change those benefits at any time
Assistance from Jewish Agency for Israel staff Our staff, both in our state-of-the-art call center in Jerusalem and our offices in major cities around the world are here to assist and advise you in making the decision to make Aliyah, gathering appropriate information, opening your Aliyah file and arranging all necessary documents. When the file is completed and you ve had your personal Aliyah interview, we will send the file for approval and coordinate the issuance of your Aliyah visa.
Aliyah flight and baggage allowance Your Aliyah flight with additional baggage allowance is paid for by the Jewish Agency.
Initial financial assistance You ll receive the Sal Klita financial assistance in monthly payments for the 6 months following your arrival. Payments are directly to your bank account. Amounts depend on family size and structure (see separate table for details). Once 6 months have passed, if you are unemployed you may be able to claim income support payments until the end of the first year from the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption (restrictions apply)
Also at the airport In addition to the Sal Klita payment, the airport branch of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption will issue you with your Teudat Zehut (National Identity card) and Teudat Zakaut (Aliyah benefits booklet) and will also give you a SIM card with 200 local minutes for your cell phone you should make sure to have an unlocked phone You are entitled to bring up to NIS 1,125,000 in cash or cash equivalents (such as travelers checks) undeclared Having retrieved your bags and completed all processes at the airport you will have a free taxi to your first destination
Medical Insurance Free for up to 12 months following Aliyah if you are not employed Registration is arranged through the local office of the Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption. We recommend travel insurance for up to a month whilst this is arranged Choose between 4 funds (research before arrival) Additional top-up coverage packages available from each of the funds
Ulpan Hebrew Studies 500 hours of free Hebrew studies generally 5 hours per day, 5 days per week for 5 months morning hours at locations around the country In locations with large numbers of Olim part time and / or evening options may be available Jewish Agency for Israel residential Ulpans are available for young Olim who meet acceptance criteria ask your Aliyah office for details Begin studies within 10 years of Aliyah
University Tuition Olim Students are entitled to have their tuition paid, provided that they meet all criteria including that: 1) They hold a high-school diploma 2) They begin studies within 3 years of Aliyah 3) They study standard Hebrew language courses at recognized institutions (private institutions may qualify for partial reimbursement) 4) They fit defined age criteria
Employment The Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption assists in the field of employment in a number of ways including: Information and pre-approval of professional licensing Preparatory courses for professional licensing exams Participation in the costs of professional retraining courses Counselling, training and guidance in finding employment Assistance in setting up a business
Taxation The 2008 Tax Reform allows a 10 year exemption on reporting income and assets from abroad It is highly recommended to discuss your finances with a finance professional in order to fully understand and maximize this benefit
Housing assistance Rental assistance paid from the 13th month after Aliyah to non-home owners Single Olim: NIS 400 per month during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th and NIS 89 in the 5th years Couples / Families: NIS 800 per month in the 2nd, NIS 600 in the 3rd, NIS 400 in the 4th and NIS 99 in the 5th years
Housing assistance First time homebuyers are eligible for assistance in the form of a mortgage for a limited sum with a subsidized interest rate within 15 years of Aliyah date. Olim are entitled to a tax break on the purchase tax upon purchasing one property within 7 years of Aliyah date. This also applies if the property was purchased in the year prior to Aliyah.
Shipping and customs Olim are entitled to tax free import of up to 3 shipments of household goods in reasonable quantities within 3 years of date of Aliyah Olim pay the cost of shipping In addition, Olim can purchase an extremely limited number of Israeli made appliances in Israel, tax free
Car benefits Olim can obtain an Israeli drivers license by converting their existing license within 3 years of their Aliyah. Olim may use a foreign license for 1 year following Aliyah other than when they have spent an extended period of time in Israel prior to Aliyah. See website for details Olim may purchase / import a car with a tax reduction within 3 years of their Aliyah, provided that they hold a drivers license from their country of origin prior to Aliyah and get an Israeli license within a year of their Aliyah The car cannot be sold at all for 1 year and not for 4 years without repaying taxes (except to another Oleh) Only the Oleh and their spouse may drive the car
Useful contact information Global Center The Jewish Agency for Israel 1-800-228-055 Misrad Hapnim www.moin.gov.il *3450 Misrad Haklita www.moia.gov.il 03-973-3333 Bituach Leumi www.btl.gov.il *6050 Customs / Income Tax http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il Driving Licenses www.mot.gov.il *5678 Army www.aka.idf.il/main/giyus
www.jewishagency.org/aliyah Gci-en@jafi.org Global Aliyah Center toll free From the USA 1-866-835-0430 From Canada 1-866-421-8912 From the UK 0800-0852-105 From Australia 1800-445-781 From South Africa0800-996-886 From Israel 1-800-228-055 For other locations see: www.jewishagency.org/global