Who is eligible for a free state-funded caregiver in Israel?

Criteria for receiving state assistance

To be eligible for state-funded care hours, an elderly person must meet a number of strict criteria. It is important to understand that age alone does not guarantee the receipt of benefits. The main focus of Bituach Leumi is on assessing a person's ability to function in daily life.

Basic conditions for submitting an application:

• Reaching retirement age (according to Israeli law).
• Residing within the country (the benefit is not paid to those who are abroad).
• Having an income that does not exceed the thresholds set by the state (an income check is conducted to determine eligibility for the benefit and its amount).
• The need for assistance with daily activities (ADL).
• Not being entitled to similar long-term care benefits from other agencies (e.g., the Ministry of Defense or the Ministry of Finance).
• Living in one's own home or in the community, but not in a specialized facility (nursing home) where care is provided by the administration.

ADL test: how the need for assistance is assessed

A key stage of the application process is the functional dependency assessment, known as the ADL (Activities of Daily Living) test. A Bituach Leumi specialist (usually a nurse or social worker) visits the applicant at home to assess how well the person manages basic tasks independently.

The assessment is conducted based on the following parameters:

1. Ability to get in and out of bed.
2. Ability to dress and undress independently.
3. Ability to eat and drink.
4. Ability to maintain personal hygiene (washing, bathing).
5. Ability to control physiological functions.
6. Ability to move around inside the home.

Additionally, the need for constant supervision due to cognitive impairments or other medical conditions that may threaten the safety of the elderly person is assessed.

Levels of long-term care benefits

Depending on the test results and the degree of dependency on others, Bituach Leumi assigns the applicant one of six benefit levels. Each level determines the number of care hours that will be paid for by the state.

How the application process works

The application process requires attention to detail. It is recommended to prepare all medical documents in advance, including reports from attending physicians, hospital discharge summaries, and a list of medications being taken.

Steps for submitting an application:

1. Filling out the application form for Bituach Leumi (can be done online or in person at a branch).
2. Attaching medical documentation confirming the state of health.
3. Scheduling a visit by a specialist to conduct the ADL assessment.
4. Receiving a decision from the agency regarding the assigned benefit level.
5. Choosing a care agency to implement the received hours.

If you feel that the state-provided volume of hours is insufficient to ensure quality care, you can always consider additional support options. Explore our professional elderly care services to ensure comfort and safety for your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are needed to apply to Bituach Leumi?

To submit an application, you must provide an ID card, medical certificates from an attending physician, current medical history summaries, a list of medications being taken, and documents confirming the income of all family members living together.

What is the ADL test and how is it conducted?

The ADL test is an assessment of a person's ability to perform daily activities. An agency specialist comes to the elderly person's home and observes how they manage basic tasks: moving around, hygiene, eating, and dressing.

Does having a pension affect receiving a caregiver?

Yes, family income is taken into account when calculating eligibility for the benefit. However, having a pension does not exclude the possibility of receiving assistance if the person's functional state meets the dependency criteria.

Can you receive the benefit if the elderly person lives with relatives?

Yes, living with relatives is not an obstacle to receiving the benefit. The state assesses the person's need for assistance, regardless of who is with them during the day.

How do I change the care agency if I am not satisfied with the current one?

You have the right to change your care agency at any time. To do this, you need to contact the new chosen agency, which will help process the transfer by notifying Bituach Leumi of the change in service provider.

What should I do if health conditions worsen after receiving the benefit?

If the elderly person's health condition has worsened, you can submit a request for a review of the benefit level (a re-assessment). To do this, you will need to provide new medical documents confirming the changes in health status.