One of the most important financial benefits awaiting new immigrants to Israel is the sal klitah: the absorption basket. This government-funded package of grants, subsidies, and services is designed to help new Olim cover their costs during the critical first months of settling in Israel, when they are learning Hebrew, looking for work, and establishing themselves in their new home. Understanding exactly what the sal klitah includes, how much you will receive, when payments are made, and how to access each component is essential financial planning for anyone making Aliyah. This guide covers the sal klitah in full detail.
What Is the Sal Klitah?
The sal klitah (literally “absorption basket” in Hebrew, סל קליטה) is a package of financial benefits provided by Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (Misrad HaKlita) to new immigrants (Olim Chadashim) upon their arrival in Israel. The basket is not a single lump-sum payment: it is a structured package of monthly cash grants, housing subsidies, Ulpan language study rights, healthcare coverage, and various other benefits distributed over the first year of Aliyah and in some cases beyond.
The sal klitah is a right, not a discretionary benefit. Every person who arrives in Israel with Oleh Chadash status under the Law of Return is entitled to the sal klitah automatically. You do not need to apply for the basket: it is initiated as part of your registration process with Misrad HaKlita, which you should complete within your first week of arrival.
The Cash Grant Component: Meenach Klitah
The core cash component of the sal klitah is the meenach klitah (absorption grant), paid monthly for the first twelve months of Aliyah. The exact amounts vary based on family size, age, and whether you are a single adult, couple, or family with children. As a general illustration: a single adult Oleh typically receives approximately NIS 1,500-2,000 per month for the first six months, reducing to a lower amount for months seven through twelve. Couples receive more, and families with children receive proportionally higher amounts. Payments are made directly to your Israeli bank account on a monthly basis: one reason it is important to open an Israeli bank account as early as possible after Aliyah.
The Housing Grant Component
The sal klitah includes a significant housing assistance component. New Olim receive a rental subsidy (meenach dira) for up to four years from the date of Aliyah: though the amount decreases over time. The housing grant is calculated based on family size and the region of Israel where you settle. Olim who choose to settle in Israel’s geographic periphery (the Galilee, the Negev, and designated development areas) receive a higher housing subsidy than those settling in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. This differential is designed to encourage population dispersal and support development of Israel’s outlying regions. The housing grant is paid quarterly directly to the Oleh: it is a subsidy toward rent, not a full coverage of housing costs.
Ulpan: Hebrew Language Study Rights
Every new Oleh is entitled to attend a government-subsidised Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language school) as part of the sal klitah. The standard entitlement is approximately 500 hours of Hebrew instruction, taking students from zero Hebrew knowledge through to conversational competency. This Ulpan entitlement is available at government-accredited institutions across the country and is subsidised to the point where the cost to the Oleh is minimal or, in many absorption centres, entirely free. Ulpan can be studied in intensive day programmes, morning programmes, or evening programmes for Olim who are already working. The Ulpan entitlement must typically be used within three years of Aliyah.
Healthcare Coverage
New Olim are entitled to immediate healthcare coverage through one of Israel’s four Kupot Cholim (health funds) from their first day in Israel. For the first six months of Aliyah, new Olim are exempt from the health tax (mas briut) ordinarily deducted from wages: meaning your Kupat Cholim membership is effectively provided at no cost during this period. After six months, standard health tax deductions apply as for all Israeli residents. Register with your chosen Kupat Cholim within your first two days in Israel to activate your healthcare coverage immediately.
Tax Benefits Included in the Sal Klitah Framework
The most significant financial benefit available to new Olim is the ten-year exemption from Israeli income tax on all foreign-sourced income and capital gains. New Olim also receive income tax credits (nekudot zikui) at a higher rate than regular Israeli residents for the first three and a half years, reducing their Israeli income tax liability. New Olim are also exempt from customs duty on one shipment of personal belongings and household goods imported from abroad, and on the import of one private vehicle. These exemptions can represent significant savings on shipping and vehicle import costs.
Absorption Centre (Merkaz Klitah) as an Alternative
New Olim who do not have family or friends in Israel, or who prefer a structured initial environment, can opt to spend their first months in an absorption centre (Merkaz Klitah). These government-run residential facilities provide furnished accommodation, communal facilities, Ulpan classes, and absorption counselling in one location. Olim who choose the absorption centre route receive a reduced cash grant since housing is provided directly, but gain the significant advantage of immediate community, structured language study, and guided support. The absorption centre option is increasingly less common among Olim from Western countries who prefer to rent private apartments, but for single Olim or those arriving without an Israeli social network, it can provide an invaluable soft landing.
How Long Do Sal Klitah Benefits Last?
The core cash absorption grant runs for twelve months from the date of Aliyah. The housing grant continues for up to four years with a reducing amount each year. Ulpan rights are available for three years. The ten-year income tax exemption on foreign income runs for ten years. Import duty exemptions on personal belongings apply in the first year, and on a vehicle within three years. The sal klitah is not a one-time payment: it is a multi-year package of support that phases down over time as the Oleh becomes more established in Israeli life.
How much money do I receive from the sal klitah?
The sal klitah cash grant (meenach klitah) amounts vary based on family size and are updated periodically by Misrad HaKlita. A single adult Oleh typically receives approximately NIS 1,500-2,000 per month for the first six months, reducing over the following six months. Couples and families with children receive proportionally more. In addition to cash, the sal klitah includes housing grants (paid quarterly for up to four years), Ulpan rights (500+ hours of subsidised Hebrew study), immediate Kupat Cholim healthcare coverage, and tax benefits. Check directly with Misrad HaKlita or the Nefesh B’Nefesh website for current figures, as amounts are adjusted over time.
When does the sal klitah start and how do I register?
The sal klitah begins from your date of Aliyah: the date you land in Israel with your Teudat Oleh. To activate your benefits, register with Misrad HaKlita (Ministry of Aliyah and Integration) within your first week in Israel. Bring your Teudat Oleh, Teudat Zehut, and Israeli bank account details. Misrad HaKlita has offices in major cities across Israel, and many absorption-related registrations can also be initiated through Nefesh B’Nefesh if you are an NBN Oleh. The sooner you register, the sooner your monthly payments begin.
Do I need to pay tax on my sal klitah payments?
No. Sal klitah cash grants (meenach klitah and meenach dira) are government absorption transfers and are not subject to Israeli income tax. Similarly, Nefesh B’Nefesh financial grants are not taxable in Israel. The grants do not need to be declared on your Israeli tax return. The full amount you receive is yours to use for living costs without any tax deduction.
Can I receive sal klitah if I already have Israeli citizenship or have lived in Israel before?
The sal klitah is available to Olim Chadashim: those making Aliyah for the first time. Returning residents (Toshav Chozer) who have lived in Israel before and are returning after a period abroad may be entitled to a different, usually reduced, set of absorption benefits depending on how long they were abroad and their circumstances. If you have previously lived in Israel or hold Israeli citizenship from birth, speak with Misrad HaKlita to understand which benefits you are entitled to.
Does the sal klitah cover all my living costs in Israel?
No: the sal klitah is designed to supplement your living costs during the absorption period, not to cover them entirely. Monthly cash grants are meaningful but do not equal a full Israeli salary. Housing grants cover a portion of rental costs but not all, particularly in expensive cities like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Most Olim also bring savings from their home country, receive family support, or begin working relatively quickly after Aliyah to supplement their sal klitah income. Careful financial planning before Aliyah: ideally with 6-12 months of liquid savings as a buffer: will make your absorption period significantly more comfortable.
What happens if I leave Israel during my first year: do I lose my sal klitah?
Short trips abroad during your first year of Aliyah generally do not affect your sal klitah entitlement. Monthly grant payments continue during brief absences. However, if you spend extended periods outside Israel: particularly if it appears that you are not genuinely settling in Israel. Misrad HaKlita may review your Oleh status and entitlements. If you are planning to spend significant time abroad in your first year, speak with Misrad HaKlita about how this may affect your benefits.