Channel 9Politics10:44

Israel's National Insurance Begins Heating Allowance Payments of 664 Shekels

Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba

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Israel's National Insurance Institute is disbursing a 664 shekel heating allowance to eligible low-income elderly Israelis by the end of October. The payment is automatic for those receiving specific pension supplements and meeting income criteria. In October 2025, over 304,000 individuals received a similar allowance. The payment aims to help vulnerable populations cope with heating costs, which are linked to significant health risks in colder indoor environments.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Israel's National Insurance Institute is paying a 664 shekel heating allowance to eligible low-income elderly Israelis.
The payment is automatically included with the October pension, scheduled for October 28, 2026.
Eligibility is based on receiving specific pension supplements and meeting income criteria, not just age.
In October 2025, over 304,000 elderly Israelis received a similar allowance of 649 shekels.
The allowance is crucial for health, as low indoor temperatures are linked to adverse health outcomes for the elderly.

Israelis eligible for the annual heating allowance will receive 664 shekels from the National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi) by the end of October. This payment is primarily intended for low-income elderly individuals and is automatically disbursed with the October pension payment. However, not all pensioners qualify for this assistance, as it is targeted towards those meeting specific criteria.

The 2026 heating allowance is set at 664 shekels per family, an increase from 649 shekels the previous year. Eligibility extends to individuals of retirement age receiving a pension supplement up to the minimum living wage. Certain recipients of survivor benefits and special pensions for new immigrants or returning residents may also qualify if they meet program conditions. To be eligible, recipients must have received a relevant pension supplement in October, November, or December of the current year. Those receiving a pension supplement linked to disability, or elderly individuals entitled to the minimum living wage without receiving a standard pension, may also be eligible under specific circumstances.

Generally, no separate application is required, as Bituah Leumi automatically includes the allowance with the October pension payment, scheduled for October 28, 2026. Those who believe they are eligible but do not receive the payment should check their personal account online or contact Bituah Leumi. The allowance is specifically for individuals with limited incomes who receive certain social benefits; age, a standard pension, or living in a cold region alone do not guarantee eligibility. Previously, location was a factor, but now the type of benefit and income/supplement criteria are decisive.

In October 2025, Bituah Leumi distributed over 190 million shekels to approximately 304,000 elderly Israelis, with the allowance then set at 649 shekels per family or 325 shekels for single recipients. This indicates the program's significant reach, though it does not cover all elderly citizens. The 664-shekel amount for 2026 is per family, not per individual, meaning couples may not receive double the full amount.

The heating allowance is crucial for the health of the elderly, as poor indoor heating can exacerbate health issues, particularly for those with chronic conditions. A 2023 study in Public Health found that low indoor temperatures were linked to adverse health outcomes in 17 out of 20 analyzed studies, including cardiovascular and respiratory problems, sleep disturbances, and reduced physical well-being, especially affecting the elderly and chronically ill. While the allowance does not solve the heating problem entirely, it underscores the importance of access to adequate heating for low-income individuals.