National Insurance to Distribute October Benefits and Heating Grants

The National Insurance Institute is set to distribute October benefits to eligible recipients in Israel. Following September's holiday-adjusted schedule, payment dates for October 2026 have returned to their regular timing. Early recipients included those eligible for unemployment benefits and income support, whose accounts were credited on October 12. On October 20, child benefit payments, amounting to approximately 169 shekels for the first child, will be disbursed. The main payment date for long-term benefit recipients, including general disability, old age, survivors, long-term care, and disabled child benefits, is scheduled for October 28. In 2026, the full general disability pension for an individual is set at 4,711 shekels, and the basic old age pension is 1,838 shekels, potentially reaching 2,757 shekels with maximum seniority additions.

Additionally, the National Insurance Institute will issue the annual heating grant to eligible seniors in October. For 2026, this grant is 664 shekels per family, an increase from the 649 shekels paid last year. This payment aims to help recipients with heating and electricity costs as winter approaches. The grant is paid once annually and is automatically deposited into bank accounts for those who meet the eligibility criteria, without requiring a special application. Eligibility for the grant is generally for those who have reached retirement age and receive an old age pension, a special old age benefit, or a survivors' pension, provided they meet specific income support or disability supplement criteria. Those who do not meet these conditions are not eligible for this grant. The grant is a family payment, and if both spouses are eligible, the amount is divided according to payment rules. Recipients who meet the conditions but do not see the payment in their account should contact the National Insurance Institute for clarification.