Salary from Bituah Leumi for caring for a relative: a guide
Salary from Bituah Leumi for caring for a relative: a guide
Find out if you can receive payments from Bituah Leumi for caring for a loved one. We break down the "Nursing Benefit" (Gimla Le-Siud) program, the rights of re
Yes, a relative can officially care for an elderly person and receive payment for it from Bituah Leumi, provided the conditions of the "Nursing Benefit" (Gimla Le-Siud) program are met. It is important to understand that this is not a "salary" in the traditional sense, but payment for care services provided within the framework of a state benefit. The process requires official registration through a licensed agency, which acts as an intermediary between the state and the family. In this article, we will break down the steps you need to take, who is eligible for this type of care, and what restrictions exist under Israeli law.
Nursing Benefit (Gimla Le-Siud) is a monthly payment from the National Insurance Institute of Israel (Bituah Leumi) intended to help elderly people who cannot manage daily tasks on their own. In certain cases, the law allows a close relative to be registered as an official caregiver so that they receive payment for their services instead of an outside worker.
How the care system through a relative works
Many families in Israel face the need to organize professional care for elderly parents or loved ones. When the question arises of who will provide daily assistance, many consider involving a family member. Bituah Leumi provides for this possibility, but the process requires strict adherence to administrative procedures. It is important to realize that Bituah Leumi does not hire the relative directly. The state allocates "care hours," which are converted into financial support. For these hours to be paid, the relative must be officially employed through a licensed care agency. This agency assumes legal responsibility, handles documentation, and reports to government authorities.Basic conditions for registration
For a relative to receive payment for care, the following criteria must be met:- The elderly person has passed an assessment of dependency on outside help (functional assessment).
- Bituah Leumi has approved the number of care hours per week.
- The relative is not the spouse of the elderly person.
- The relative is officially registered with a licensed care agency.
- The relative actually lives with the elderly person or has the ability to devote sufficient time to perform their duties.
Comparison of care options: professional vs. relative
The choice between inviting an outside specialist and registering a relative depends on the needs of the elderly person and the family's capabilities. Below is a comparison table that will help you better understand the differences.| Criterion | Professional Caregiver | Relative as Caregiver |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Through an agency | Through an agency |
| Payment | Bituah Leumi (via agency) | Bituah Leumi (via agency) |
| Schedule flexibility | According to contract | High (within the hours) |
| Qualification requirements | Professional training | Basic care skills |
Registration procedure: step-by-step guide
To start the process, you must act consistently. Errors at the document submission stage can lead to delays in receiving the benefit.Step 1: Obtaining the right to the benefit
First, the elderly person must submit an application to Bituah Leumi. The institute's specialists conduct a health assessment (ADL — Activities of Daily Living) to determine the level of dependency and the number of care hours required.Step 2: Choosing an agency
Even if you plan to care for your loved one yourself, you must choose a licensed care agency. The agency acts as the employer for the relative. It takes care of:- Signing an employment contract.
- Contributions to social funds.
- Monitoring the completion of care hours.
- Interaction with Bituah Leumi.
Step 3: Registering the relative
Once the agency is chosen, you inform them of your intention. The relative goes through the registration process, signs the necessary papers, and becomes an official employee of the agency, assigned to a specific care recipient.Important nuances and restrictions
There are certain legal frameworks that must be considered. For example, spouses cannot receive payment for caring for each other, as this is considered a duty arising from the marital union. It is also worth remembering that the number of paid hours is limited by the decision of the Bituah Leumi committee.Duties of the relative-caregiver
The relative receiving payment is required to perform the same functions as a professional worker:- Assistance with hygiene procedures.
- Escorting to medical appointments.
- Preparing food and assisting with meals.
- Maintaining cleanliness in the living area.
- Assistance with mobility around the house.
- Care payment is a state benefit, not a private salary.
- Registration through a licensed agency is mandatory to receive payments.
- Spouses are excluded from the program for paying for each other's care.
- The number of hours is determined solely by the Bituah Leumi committee.
- It is important to keep the elderly person's medical documentation up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the nursing benefit?
Eligible individuals are elderly people living in Israel who have reached retirement age and need the help of others to perform daily activities or require supervision due to cognitive impairments.Can a spouse receive a benefit for caring for their wife/husband?
No, the law does not provide for payment for caring for a spouse. It is assumed that mutual support is part of family obligations.Does the relative need to undergo special training?
Although formal medical education is not always required, agencies may provide instruction on safety basics and care rules to ensure the quality of services.How to register a relative through an agency?
You must contact the chosen agency with documents confirming the elderly person's right to the benefit and sign a contract where the relative is listed as the service provider.Does the relative's income affect the receipt of the benefit?
No, the nursing benefit depends on the level of functional dependency of the elderly person and their income, but not on the income of the relative providing the care.How many care hours does Bituah Leumi pay for?
The number of hours is set individually based on the results of the Bituah Leumi specialist's assessment and depends on the severity of the elderly person's condition.Need help with paperwork or finding a qualified specialist? Visit our website EzraHome to get professional advice and support at all stages of organizing care for your loved ones.
Information is current as of June 18, 2026. It is recommended to check the latest updates on the official Bituah Leumi website before submitting documents.
Additional aspects of organizing an elderly person's life
In addition to care, it is important to consider other needs of the elderly person. Often, a family needs help maintaining order in the house or caring for the surrounding area. If caring for a loved one takes all your energy, you can consider delegating household tasks to professionals. For example, services for professional cleaning or gardening will help free up time for quality interaction with your relative. Also, if there are pets in the house that require attention, it is worth paying attention to pet care services. A comprehensive approach to organizing daily life allows you to create a comfortable environment in which the elderly person feels protected and surrounded by care, even if the relative is busy with their duties. Remember that the emotional state of both the elderly person and the person caring for them plays a key role. Do not be afraid to ask for help from specialists if you feel that the burden is becoming excessive. Professional support helps avoid burnout and ensures the best quality of life for your loved one.EzraHome on Telegram
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