Getting More Than 6 Months: The Extended Payments
Most olim know they receive סל קליטה (Sal Klita) for six months. What many miss is that you can extend this to a full 12 months by enrolling in an ulpan and maintaining solid attendance.
The extended payments (months 7 through 12) are granted by the Absorption Ministry to olim who:
- Enroll in a recognized government-subsidized ulpan program
- Maintain at least 75–80% attendance throughout the course
- Apply through your local Misrad HaKlita office before month 6 ends
The extended payments are somewhat lower than the first-year amounts — roughly 60–70% of the monthly rate — but they add up to a meaningful additional 8,000–12,000 NIS for a single person or couple. Do not leave this on the table.
Does Ulpan Actually Count?
Yes, but only government-subsidized ulpanim count toward the extension. Private Hebrew classes, apps, or tutoring do not qualify. The main options are:
- Ulpan Alef through Vav — the standard 5-level progression offered through Misrad HaKlita and the Jewish Agency
- Absorption center (merkaz klita) ulpanim — if you live in an absorption center, ulpan is built into the program
- Municipality ulpanim — many cities run their own subsidized programs that also qualify
Attendance is tracked. Missing too many classes — even for legitimate reasons like illness — can disqualify you. If you know in advance that you will miss sessions, speak to the ulpan coordinator early.
Timing Your Aliyah for Maximum Benefit
The calendar month in which you land affects your total Sal Klita. Payments are typically calculated from the first day of the month following your arrival — or from your arrival date itself if you land on the 1st.
Landing early in a calendar month gives you the most days in that first month counted as a full payment period. Landing on the 2nd or 3rd of a month is often better than landing on the 28th, as the late arrival may push your first full monthly payment to the following month.
For the extended ulpan payments, aliyah timing relative to ulpan intake dates also matters. Ulpan classes typically start in September, January, and April (aligned with school terms). Arriving a week before an intake means you can enroll immediately rather than waiting weeks for the next cycle.
What Happens If You Leave Israel?
Sal Klita payments stop if you leave Israel for an extended period. The rules are:
- Short trips (under 3 months): Payments are typically paused but resume when you return. Notify your local ביטוח לאומי (Bituach Leumi) and Misrad HaKlita office before you travel.
- Extended absences (over 3 months): You may lose eligibility for remaining payments. The clock on your 12-month window does not pause for time spent abroad.
- Leaving permanently: Any payments received are not clawed back, but future payments stop immediately.
If you need to travel for family reasons during your first year, speak to Misrad HaKlita before leaving. They have discretion in certain hardship situations.
The Airport Payment: What to Do on Day One
The airport payment is your immediate cash on arrival. Here is how to handle it well:
- Open a bank account within 1–3 days. Until you have an account, you cannot receive subsequent monthly payments. Most banks in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa have English-speaking staff and can fast-track account opening for new olim.
- Keep the airport payment liquid. You will need cash for a hotel or first-month rent deposit, a local SIM card, and groceries. Do not lock it into any long-term account immediately.
- Register with Misrad HaKlita within 30 days. Bring your Teudat Oleh, passport, and bank account details to set up your monthly payment schedule.
A Note on Taxes
Sal Klita payments are not considered taxable income in Israel. You do not need to report them on a tax return and they do not affect your income tax bracket. They are treated as government welfare/absorption support — similar to how relocation stipends work in some corporate contexts.