Israelis Paid $180 Million for Welfare Services in 2022
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
In 2022, 179,000 Israelis paid NIS 678 million for welfare services, according to a Taub Center study. Researchers warn that these payment requirements may prevent the most vulnerable from accessing aid, citing a lack of evidence that co-payments improve outcomes. The study recommends reducing direct co-payments and streamlining bureaucracy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 179,000 Israelis paid NIS 678 million for welfare services in 2022.
- A Taub Center study warns payment requirements may deny aid to the most vulnerable.
- Researchers found no empirical basis for co-payments improving treatment outcomes.
- An internal report noted at-risk populations often cannot afford minimum participation fees.
- The study recommends reducing direct co-payments and simplifying bureaucracy.
In 2022, approximately 179,000 recipients of welfare services in Israel were required to contribute to the cost of their services, totaling NIS 678 million (approximately $180 million USD). A new study by the Taub Center revealed this figure, warning that such payment requirements could prevent the most vulnerable individuals from receiving necessary aid.
The study found that among recipients with addiction issues, bereaved families, and senior citizens, nearly all participants contributed to the cost, funding between 5% and 22% of their service expenses on average. In contrast, minimal co-payments were collected from at-risk youth and victims of sexual assault.
Researchers stated there is no empirical basis for the claim that co-payments improve treatment outcomes. Instead, a 2024 internal report from the Ministry of Welfare indicated that at-risk populations often do not receive services due to an inability to pay even the minimum participation fee, suggesting the potential cost of conditioning aid on payment.
While recipients can apply for discounts or exemptions through an exceptions committee, the process is lengthy, requires extensive documentation, and places an additional burden on social workers. This mechanism reportedly assists only about 1% of service recipients.
Prof. Johnny Gal, head of the Welfare Policy Program at the Taub Center, emphasized that individuals seeking welfare assistance should not have to prove their commitment through financial contributions. He questioned the true cost of these fees on families, noting that a system designed to help can inadvertently create financial barriers for those in poverty, potentially undermining its purpose.
The researchers recommend gradually reducing the scope of services requiring direct co-payment, primarily retaining participation through benefit offsets while carefully examining the impact on recipients and the welfare budget, and streamlining bureaucratic procedures.
