Assured Income (Dmei Kiyum): The Safety Net Most Olim Miss

The Gap After Sal Klita

Your סל קליטה (Sal Klita) (absorption basket) payments typically last 6 months, with the final installments arriving around months 7-12 depending on your family status. But what happens if you haven't found employment by then? Many olim don't realize there's a critical safety net called דמי קיום (Dmei Kiyum) that can bridge this gap.

Dmei Kiyum, also known as Havtachat Hachnasa (assured income / income guarantee), is a monthly payment designed to ensure that new immigrants who haven't yet integrated into the workforce can cover basic living expenses. It is one of the most underutilized benefits available to olim.

What Exactly Is Dmei Kiyum?

Dmei Kiyum is a subsistence allowance administered jointly by ביטוח לאומי (Bituach Leumi) (National Insurance) and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (Misrad HaKlita). It functions like an income guarantee: if your household income falls below a defined threshold, the government tops you up to a minimum level.

This is not a loan. It does not need to be repaid. It is a benefit that olim are legally entitled to if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for Dmei Kiyum, you generally must meet all of the following conditions:

• Oleh status: You made aliyah and hold a valid Teudat Oleh.
• Timing: You are in your first year after aliyah, typically months 7-12 (after the main Sal Klita payments have ended or reduced significantly).
• Income below threshold: Your total household income from all sources is below the established minimum. The thresholds are updated periodically.
• Active job search: You are registered at the Employment Service (Sherut HaTaasuka) and actively seeking work, or enrolled in a Hebrew ulpan or professional training program.
• No significant assets: You do not own a vehicle above a certain value (exceptions for essential medical needs) and your total liquid assets are below the threshold.

Payment Amounts (2026)

The exact payment depends on your family composition and any partial income you may have. Approximate monthly amounts:

These amounts are adjusted annually. If you earn partial income, the payment is reduced accordingly but not eliminated entirely until your income exceeds the threshold.

Special Extension for Single Parents

Single parents may qualify for an extended Dmei Kiyum period beyond the standard 12-month window. If you are a single parent who made aliyah alone with children and are still struggling to find adequate employment, you can apply for an extension through Misrad HaKlita. Extensions are typically granted for 6-12 additional months and require demonstrating continued job-search efforts or participation in training programs.

How to Apply

1. Register at the Employment Service (Sherut HaTaasuka) in your area. This is a prerequisite.
2. Visit your local Misrad HaKlita office and request a Dmei Kiyum application. Bring your Teudat Oleh, bank details, proof of address, and any income documentation.
3. Submit the application along with required supporting documents. You may also need to provide Bituach Leumi confirmation of your status.
4. Attend any required meetings at the Employment Service. Regular check-ins are part of the ongoing eligibility.

Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Payments are retroactive to the date of application, so apply as soon as you believe you qualify. Do not wait.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Appeal

Applications are sometimes denied for reasons that can be corrected:

• Incomplete documentation: Missing a payslip, bank statement, or Employment Service registration. Solution: gather all documents before applying.
• Vehicle ownership: Owning a car above the value threshold can disqualify you (see warning below). If you need the vehicle for medical reasons or it was part of your olim shipment, request an exemption in writing.
• Income miscalculation: Sometimes remaining Sal Klita payments or spousal income push you over the threshold. Request a detailed breakdown and challenge any errors.
• Not registered with Employment Service: This is a hard requirement. Register first, then apply.

If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal. Submit a written appeal (in Hebrew, ask for help at a klita center) within 30 days of the rejection letter. Many initially rejected applications are approved on appeal once missing documentation is provided.