Israel Expands Surrogacy Benefits to 26 Weeks Leave, 15 Weeks Paid
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
Israel is enhancing surrogacy benefits starting in 2026, providing intended parents with up to 26 weeks of job-protected leave and 15 weeks of paid maternity allowance. The daily allowance is capped at 1,752.33 shekels. Benefits apply to various family structures and surrogacy locations, with leave duration tied to employment history and payment dependent on insurance contributions. The changes aim to offer greater support for intended parents throughout the surrogacy process.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Israel will offer intended parents up to 26 weeks of leave and 15 weeks of paid maternity allowance starting in 2026.
- The daily maternity allowance will be capped at 1,752.33 shekels.
- Benefits apply to heterosexual couples, same-sex male couples, and single parents.
- Leave duration depends on employment tenure, with 26 weeks for 12 months of work.
- Paid allowance duration is based on insurance contribution periods.
- Surrogacy abroad allows up to half of the leave to start before the due date.
- Parents are protected from dismissal during leave and for 60 days after.
Israel is set to implement significant enhancements to surrogacy benefits, offering intended parents up to 26 weeks of job-protected leave and 15 weeks of paid maternity allowance from the National Insurance Institute. These benefits, applicable from 2026, will cover heterosexual couples, same-sex male couples, and single parents, whether the surrogacy process occurs in Israel or abroad. The daily allowance will be capped at 1,752.33 shekels.
Intended parents can choose which partner takes the leave and receives the allowance, with the option to switch during the period. The duration of the leave is contingent on the parent's tenure with their employer, with 26 weeks granted to those with 12 months of continuous employment and 15 weeks for those with less. Payment of maternity allowance depends on the length of insurance contributions, with 15 weeks paid for those who contributed for 10 out of the preceding 14 months or 15 out of 22 months, and 8 weeks for those who contributed for 6 out of 14 months.
For surrogacy abroad, up to half of the leave period can commence before the estimated due date, facilitating travel and attendance at the birth. Parents can alternate during the payment period, provided each takes at least seven consecutive days and the replaced parent returns to work. Parents of multiples born on the same day will receive an additional three weeks of paid leave on the 15-week track or two weeks on the 8-week track.
The law also provides protections against dismissal during leave and for 60 days afterward, requiring employer notification about continued pension and study fund contributions. The article also details conditions for surrogate mothers in Israel, including age limits, non-kinship requirements, and prior childbirth experience, along with restrictions on compensation.