What Is the Nursing Care Allowance?
The nursing care allowance (Gimla'at Siud) is a benefit paid by Israel's National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) to elderly people who cannot perform essential daily activities independently. It is not means-tested — entitlement is based on functional limitation, not income. The benefit is paid in cash or services and is designed to fund home-based care.
Who Is Eligible?
- Israeli residents aged 65 and over (women) or 68 and over (men).
- Must demonstrate inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — such as personal hygiene, mobility, eating — without assistance.
- The degree of limitation determines the benefit level (levels 1–6, with higher levels for greater dependency).
How to Apply
An application is filed with Bituach Leumi, which sends a nurse assessor to evaluate the applicant at home. The assessor scores the ability to perform each ADL. Based on the score, a benefit level is assigned. The first payment typically begins 2–3 months after assessment. Applicants who believe the assessment was too low may request a re-evaluation or appeal.
How is the nursing care allowance level determined in Israel?
The benefit level is determined by a Bituach Leumi nurse assessor who visits the applicant's home and evaluates ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Each ADL is scored, and the total score determines the benefit level on a scale from 1 to 6. Higher levels receive greater monthly benefit. The assessment can be challenged — a significant number of appeals result in a higher benefit level being awarded.
