Long-Term Care Benefit: Functional Assessment, Income Test, and Benefit Levels

The five eligibility requirements

• Age and residency: an Israeli resident who has reached retirement age. Special residency rules published on the National Insurance Institute website apply to a person who became an Israeli resident after retirement age.
• Income: under the amounts effective April 1, 2026, a single person qualifies for a full benefit with gross monthly income up to NIS 13,769, for half a benefit above that amount and up to NIS 20,654, and is not eligible above NIS 20,654. For a couple, a full benefit is available up to NIS 20,654, half a benefit above that amount and up to NIS 30,980, and no benefit above NIS 30,980.
• Dependence or supervision: a need for another person's help with daily activities at home, or supervision because of danger.
• Residence: generally at home or in assisted living. Eligibility in an institution depends on the type of ward and how the stay is funded.
• No duplication with another government long-term-care benefit that cannot be combined. In some cases, the person must choose between benefits.

How is income calculated?

The National Insurance Institute reviews the income of the applicant and spouse during the three months before the claim was filed. The types of income included are detailed on the official eligibility page.

If both spouses need long-term care, their joint income is divided by two and each is assessed as a single person. Because the amounts are updated, the official table should be checked again before filing.

What does the functional assessment examine?

The assessor examines the ability to dress, bathe, eat, manage bodily functions, and move about inside the home, as well as the need for supervision. The assessment concerns actual performance: whether the person is independent, whether and to what extent help is required, and whether the activity is performed safely.

The person's actual daily routine should be described, including use of assistive devices, falls, confusion, risks, and help provided by family members. Difficulties should not be minimized, but an exceptional condition should not be presented as if it occurs every day.

What does the benefit provide?

The National Insurance Institute assigns one of six levels based on dependency points. Depending on the level, personal care at home may be combined with services such as an adult day center, emergency call button, absorbent products, laundry, or a supportive community; under certain conditions, some or all services may be converted to cash.

The number of hours, conversion value, and income limits are updated. The appropriate choice depends on the benefit level, the existing caregiver, and household needs, so current options should be checked using the official calculator.

A person age 90 or older may choose, under the official track, to have the functional assessment performed by a geriatrician. At any age, it may be appropriate to check whether eligibility can be determined from documents or whether a home visit can be requested.

How the process works

1. 01

   Map the daily routine, dependence in each activity, and need for supervision.

2. 02

   File the claim with medical, functional, and income documents.

3. 03

   The National Insurance Institute reviews the threshold requirements and income.

4. 04

   A qualified assessor performs the functional assessment under the assigned assessment track.

5. 05

   After the level is determined, choose the appropriate combination of services and cash.

Documents you may need

• A current medical summary, diagnoses, medication list, and hospitalization or rehabilitation summaries.
• Records from a geriatrician, neurologist, ophthalmologist, occupational therapist, or other treating professional, according to the limitation.
• Income certificates for the applicant and spouse, as required by the Institute.
• A functional description, information about falls or supervision, and details of the residential setting.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Listing diseases without translating them into the help required with daily activities.
• Failing to report help already provided because family members regard it as routine.
• Relying on outdated income limits or service-hour figures.
• Failing to disclose institutional residence or another government benefit that may affect eligibility.