How to get care hours (shaot siud) from Bituach Leumi 2026

Main criteria for eligibility for care hours

To be eligible for care hours from Bituach Leumi in 2026, an elderly person must meet a number of established criteria. The process of assessing health and social status is conducted comprehensively. The main conditions include:

• Reaching the statutory retirement age.
• Residing in Israel.
• Not receiving other care benefits (e.g., from the Ministry of Defense or the Ministry of Social Affairs).
• Passing the functional dependency test (ADL).
• Meeting the income criteria established for receiving the benefit.
• Not residing in an institution that provides full care (nursing home or specialized medical facility).

Functional assessment process (ADL test)

The functional assessment, known as the ADL (Activities of Daily Living) test, is a key stage in determining the amount of assistance. A social worker or a qualified nurse visits the applicant at home to assess their ability to perform basic actions without outside help. The following skills are assessed:

1. Ability to get in and out of bed independently.
2. Ability to dress and undress independently.
3. Ability to maintain personal hygiene.
4. Ability to eat and drink independently.
5. Ability to move around the house.
6. Control of physiological functions.

Levels of care benefits

Bituach Leumi distributes assistance across several levels depending on the degree of the elderly person's dependency. Each level determines the number of hours the state pays for a caregiver's work.

Distribution of care benefit levels

Level	Degree of dependency	Description of need
1	Minimal	Partial assistance with daily tasks is required.
2	Low	Regular support with several household tasks is required.
3	Medium	Significant dependency on assistance throughout the day.
4	High	Constant need for supervision and assistance.
5	Very high	Critical dependency requiring intensive care.
6	Maximum	Total dependency on outside assistance 24/7.

Required documents for application

For a successful review of your application in 2026, you need to prepare a package of documents. The more complete the information about the health status, the more accurate the assessment will be.

• Medical certificate from the attending physician (family doctor) containing the current diagnosis and a list of current health problems.
• Results of recent examinations, hospital discharge summaries, or reports from specialists (neurologists, orthopedists, etc.).
• Proof of income for the applicant and spouse (bank statements, pension statements).
• Copy of identity card (teudat zehut).
• Completed application form for the care benefit.

What to do if state hours are not enough?

It often happens that the number of hours allocated by Bituach Leumi does not cover all the real needs of the elderly person. In such cases, families decide to hire additional help. A professional approach to choosing a caregiver ensures the comfort and safety of a loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for care hours in 2026?

Eligible individuals are elderly people who have reached retirement age, reside in Israel, experience difficulties performing daily activities, and meet the income criteria established by Bituach Leumi.

What documents are needed to apply?

You will need a medical certificate from your family doctor, hospital discharge summaries, proof of income, and a completed application form. It is recommended to attach all documents confirming the need for outside assistance.

How does the home functional assessment work?

A specialist (social worker or nurse) visits the applicant at home and observes how the person manages basic actions: getting up, dressing, eating, and hygiene. A report is compiled based on this visit.

Does a spouse's income affect the benefit amount?

Yes, Bituach Leumi considers the total household income when determining eligibility for the benefit and its amount. There are specific income thresholds above which the benefit amount may be adjusted.

Can I hire a caregiver through EzraHome if state hours are not enough?

Absolutely. Many families come to us for additional help when state hours are insufficient to provide full care. We select specialists who meet your individual requirements.

What to do if the benefit is denied?

If you do not agree with Bituach Leumi's decision, you have the right to file an appeal. In it, you must state the reasons for your disagreement and attach additional medical documents if the health condition has worsened or was not fully taken into account.