Maternity Leave: Dmei Leidah
Israeli maternity leave is called דמי לידה (Dmei Leidah) and it is one of the more generous systems in the developed world. The benefit is administered and paid by ביטוח לאומי (Bituach Leumi) rather than your employer, which means it applies to all working women, not just those at large companies.
Duration and Payment
As of 2025, employed mothers are entitled to 15 weeks (105 days) of paid maternity leave. The payment is based on your average daily wage for the three months preceding the birth, up to a maximum cap set by Bituach Leumi (approximately NIS 1,550 per day as of 2025).
You are entitled to take an additional 11 weeks of unpaid leave after the paid period, for a total of 26 weeks of job-protected leave. Your employer must hold your position for the entire 26-week period and cannot terminate your employment during this time or for 60 days after your return.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive Dmei Leidah, you must have paid Bituach Leumi contributions for:
- At least 10 of the 14 months immediately before the birth, OR
- At least 15 of the 22 months before the birth
If you made aliyah recently and have not yet accumulated enough qualifying months, you may receive a reduced benefit or need to supplement with prior contribution periods from abroad under certain bilateral agreements. Check with Bituach Leumi about your specific situation.
How to Claim
File your claim with Bituach Leumi within 12 months of giving birth. You can submit online through the Bituach Leumi website or at a local branch. You will need your Teudat Zehut, a birth certificate, and wage documentation from your employer (Form 100). Bituach Leumi typically processes claims within 14-21 days.
Paternity Leave
Fathers in Israel are entitled to paternity leave, though the system has evolved in recent years. As of 2025:
- First week: Fathers receive one week of paid leave starting from the day of birth. This is paid by the employer and is a legal right.
- Transfer from mother: If the mother agrees, she can transfer up to 7 weeks of her maternity leave to the father. In this case, the father receives Dmei Leidah from Bituach Leumi for those transferred weeks. The mother must take a minimum of 6 weeks of leave before transferring.
- Unpaid leave: Fathers can take unpaid parental leave as well, though the eligibility criteria and duration differ from mothers.
The system is gradually expanding fathers' rights. Recent court rulings and proposed legislation may further extend paid paternity leave. Check current regulations at the time of your child's birth.
Daycare Options and Costs
Once maternity leave ends, childcare becomes one of the largest monthly expenses for Israeli families. Understanding the different types of facilities and their costs is essential for budgeting.
Types of Childcare (Ages 0-3)
- Maon (Institutional daycare): A licensed daycare center, usually run by an organization or the municipality. Typical group sizes of 20-30 children with multiple caregivers. Hours are generally 7:00-16:00 or 7:00-17:00. Costs range from NIS 2,500 to NIS 4,000/month without subsidy.
- Mishpachton (Family daycare): A licensed home-based childcare provider who cares for 5-7 children in their home. More personal atmosphere, smaller groups, and sometimes more flexible hours. Costs are similar to institutional daycares, NIS 2,500 to NIS 4,500/month.
- Private (Non-licensed) care: Private babysitters, nannies, or unlicensed home daycares. More expensive (NIS 3,500-6,000/month) and not eligible for government subsidies, but offers maximum flexibility in hours and approach.
Costs by City
Daycare costs vary significantly by location. Major metropolitan areas charge premium rates:
- Tel Aviv: NIS 3,500-4,500/month (highest in the country)
- Jerusalem: NIS 2,800-3,800/month
- Haifa: NIS 2,500-3,500/month
- Beer Sheva / periphery: NIS 2,000-3,000/month
These are pre-subsidy costs. The actual amount you pay depends on your eligibility for the various discounts described below.
Daycare Subsidy Eligibility
The Ministry of Economy offers subsidies for childcare at recognized facilities (facilities with Tamat recognition). The subsidy is income-based and calculated as a discount percentage on the monthly fee. Key eligibility factors:
- Both parents must be working, studying, or in a recognized program. If one parent is not employed, the subsidy is significantly reduced or unavailable.
- The facility must have Tamat recognition. Always verify this before enrolling your child.
- Household income determines discount level. Lower-income families receive discounts of 50-80%, while middle-income families receive 25-50%.
- Olim priority: New immigrants receive enhanced eligibility for 24 months from their aliyah date, which can increase the discount by one or two tiers.
Single parents receive higher subsidies at every income level. Families with multiple children in daycare simultaneously also qualify for enhanced discounts.
How to Apply for the Subsidy
- Choose a Tamat-recognized facility and secure a spot for your child.
- Gather required documents: Teudat Zehut, Teudat Oleh (for the olim priority), income documentation (payslips for employees, tax assessment for self-employed), and proof of enrollment at the facility.
- Apply through the Ministry of Economy website during the open application period (typically March-May for the following school year starting in September).
- Wait for approval: Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Once approved, the discount is applied directly to your monthly daycare bill.
If you miss the regular application window, mid-year applications are sometimes possible but may result in placement at a less convenient facility.
Free Kindergarten from Age 3
Starting at age 3, every child in Israel is entitled to free municipal kindergarten (Gan) under the Compulsory Education Law. The municipality assigns children based on their registered address. While the education itself is free, families may pay NIS 500-1,200/month for extended hours programs (Tzmeret / Aruchot) that keep children until 16:00-17:00 instead of the standard 14:00 pickup.
Olim families may qualify for discounts on the extended hours fees as well. Check with your local municipality after enrollment.
Budgeting Tips for New Parents
- Plan before the birth: Start researching daycare options and applying for subsidies during pregnancy. Waiting until after maternity leave to find care creates unnecessary stress.
- Calculate the true cost: Factor in the maternity leave period at reduced pay, the transition to daycare costs, and any gap between when leave ends and when a daycare spot becomes available.
- Use the child allowance strategically: The קצבת ילדים (Kitzvat Yeladim) (child allowance) can help offset daycare costs or be directed to Gemel Yeladim savings.
- Network with other olim parents: Local klita centers and Facebook groups are invaluable for finding recommended facilities, navigating the subsidy application, and sharing childcare arrangements.