What Is Sal Klita?
One of the most valuable benefits you receive as a new immigrant is the סל קליטה (Sal Klita) — literally the "Absorption Basket." This is a financial grant paid by the Israeli government, through the Jewish Agency and ביטוח לאומי (Bituach Leumi), to help new olim cover living expenses during their first year in Israel. Think of it as a financial runway while you settle in, learn Hebrew, and find your footing.
The Sal Klita is not a loan — it is a grant you keep regardless of your income or future employment. Every oleh and olah who made aliyah with the Jewish Agency or Nefesh B'Nefesh is entitled to it.
Who Is Eligible?
Sal Klita is available to anyone who:
- Made aliyah (immigrated as a Jew or family member under the Law of Return)
- Holds a valid Teudat Oleh (immigration certificate)
- Is a new immigrant, not a returning resident or tourist
Children under 18 are included in the family payment and do not receive a separate basket. Spouses who are not Jewish but immigrated together are also covered.
The Payment Schedule
Sal Klita is paid in installments over six months, with an optional six-month extension:
- Airport payment — A lump sum paid immediately upon landing, while you are still at the airport. This covers your first days: a hotel, initial groceries, and getting a SIM card.
- Monthly payments (months 1–6) — Six monthly installments deposited directly into your Israeli bank account, starting from your first full month of residency. This is why opening a bank account on day one is so important.
- Extended payments (months 7–12) — An optional additional six months, available to olim who enroll in an ulpan (Hebrew language school) and maintain at least 75–80% attendance. These are somewhat lower than the first-year payments.
How Much Will You Receive?
Amounts are set by the Absorption Ministry and updated periodically. As of 2025–2026, the approximate totals over the standard 6-month period are:
- Single adult: approximately 25,000–27,000 NIS total
- Couple (married): approximately 35,000–38,000 NIS total
- Each child under 18: approximately 3,000–3,500 NIS additional
These figures include the airport payment plus all six monthly installments. The airport lump sum is roughly 20–25% of the total. Exact amounts vary slightly based on the date of aliyah and any mid-year government adjustments.
How to Receive Your Payments
The process is largely automatic once you land:
- At the airport: The Absorption Ministry representative will hand you a check or arrange a direct transfer for the airport payment. Keep your Teudat Oleh accessible — this is your entry document for everything.
- Monthly payments: You must register with the local Absorption Ministry office (Misrad HaKlita) in your city within the first few weeks. They will set up your ongoing payment schedule to your Israeli bank account.
- Bank account required: Payments after the airport go directly to your bank account via bank transfer. Open your account as quickly as possible — ideally within your first week.
The Absorption Ministry has English-speaking staff in most major cities and can walk you through the full process. Offices are located in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, and other absorption centers.
What Can You Use It For?
Sal Klita is completely unrestricted. Use it for rent, groceries, ulpan tuition, public transport, setting up your apartment — anything you need. There is no reporting requirement and no accounting to anyone for how you spend it.
Next Steps
Now that you understand the basics, the next article covers how to maximize your Sal Klita payments — including the extended months 7–12, timing strategies, and what to do with the airport payment the moment you land.