Rental Assistance: How to Obtain a Subsidy from the Ministry of Construction

The Essence

This is a monthly state subsidy for housing rental intended for new immigrants. The assistance is provided by the Ministry of Construction and Housing (Misrad HaBinui VeHaShikun) after the eligibility period for the "absorption basket" (Sal Klita) payments ends, which is typically at the end of the first year in the country. The objective is to ease the financial burden of rent payments during the subsequent stages of integration.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for the subsidy is determined based on several criteria. You must meet all of the following conditions.

• Status: New immigrants (Olim Chadashim) after the completion of their "absorption basket" payment period.
• Timeframe: Eligibility is typically granted from the second to the fifth year of residence in Israel. The exact timeframes are subject to change.
• Income: Families or individuals whose income does not exceed the threshold set by the Ministry of Construction and Housing.
• Housing: You must have an official rental agreement (chozeh schirut) and must not own an apartment in Israel.

Who is NOT eligible:

• Immigrants still receiving "absorption basket" payments.
• Property owners in Israel.
• Individuals residing in state-run absorption centers or dormitories.

Your Rights

The primary right is the receipt of a monthly monetary payment to your bank account. The amount of assistance is not fixed and depends on several factors.

Important: The assistance amounts are reviewed annually. The table below is an example of the payment structure. Current figures must be verified on the official website of the Ministry of Construction and Housing.

Step-by-Step Guide

The process of obtaining assistance requires registration with one of the authorized companies. It is not possible to apply directly to the ministry.

1. Eligibility Check. Ensure that your "absorption basket" period has ended. This typically occurs 12 months after your Aliyah.
2. Company Selection. Select one of the three companies that process applications for assistance: Amidar, Madar, or Alonim. You may approach any of them. Find the branch nearest to you.
3. Document Collection. Prepare a complete set of documents as per the list below. The absence of even a single document will result in the rejection of your application.
4. Application Submission. Visit the office of the selected company with the complete set of documents. An employee will review your papers and register you in the system.
5. Awaiting a Decision. The application review process typically takes from several weeks to a month.
6. Receiving Payment. Upon approval, the first payment will be deposited into your bank account the following month. Assistance is calculated from the month of application, not retroactively.

List of Documents

Collect this set of documents before visiting the company. Both originals and copies are required.

• Identity Card (Teudat Zehut) for all adult family members, including the appendix (sefach).
• Immigrant Certificate (Teudat Oleh).
• A valid apartment rental agreement (chozeh schirut), signed by you and the landlord.
• Confirmation of bank account ownership (ishur nihul cheshbon) or a voided check (check mevutal) for the subsidy deposit.
• For salaried employees: payslips (tlush maskoret) for the last 3 months.
• For families with children: children's birth certificates.

Key Considerations

Pay attention to these details to avoid rejection or delays.

• Rental Agreement: The agreement must be of a standard format and registered with the tax authority. Ensure that the landlord's details and your details are stated correctly.
• Application Deadlines: You must apply immediately after your "absorption basket" payments end. If you apply several months later, you will forfeit the assistance for the missed period.
• Renewal: Assistance is granted for one year. Eligibility must be renewed annually by resubmitting updated documents (a new rental agreement, proof of income).
• Change of Address: If you move, you are required to immediately notify your servicing company and provide a new rental agreement. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of payments.
• Non-Automatic Process: The subsidy is not granted automatically. It is your personal responsibility to gather the documents and submit the application.

Contacts and Links

As official links and phone numbers are subject to change, the most reliable method is to find them through the official government portal.

• Ministry of Construction and Housing: To find current information and tables with assistance amounts, search Google for משרד הבינוי והשיכון or "Ministry of Construction and Housing" on the gov.il portal.
• Servicing Companies: Find the official websites and addresses of the nearest branches by their names:
  • Amidar (עמידר)
  • Madar (מגער)
  • Alonim (אלונים)
• Ministry of Construction and Housing Call Center: Verify the current number on their official website.

Dictionary

These terms will assist you in communicating with officials.