Home / Rights & Programs / Income Support (Havtaat Hakhnasa) — Guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community
Income Support (Havtaat Hakhnasa) — Guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community in Ashkelon
Income support is a monthly benefit for people with income below the minimum. The amount depends on age and family composition: a single person aged 25-54 gets ILS 2,076; from age 55, ILS 2,596 (1 Jan 2026).
About Ashkelon
Ashkelon absorbed significant waves of Israeli-Ethiopian community members from the 1990s onward and is today a major southern community hub. Community members are spread across multiple neighbourhoods in the city, alongside a growing presence of local businesses, educational institutions and community-led initiatives.
What is Income Support?
Income support (havtaat hakhnasa) guarantees everyone a minimum income. The NII tops up income to the legally-set threshold.
Eligibility Conditions
- Israeli resident living in Israel
- Age 25+ (single without children); 20+ (parent or married)
- Monthly income below the threshold
- Assets (apartment, savings) below the permitted limit
- Not working full-time; registered as job-seeker at Employment Service
2026 Monthly Amounts (ILS)
| Household | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single, aged 25-54 | 2,076 |
| Single + child | 3,615 |
| Couple + 2 children, aged 25-54 | 3,478 |
| Couple + child | 4,737 |
How to Apply
- Visit your nearest NII branch (bring ID)
- Fill in claim form (also available at btl.gov.il)
- Provide income documents: pay slips, bank statements
- Decision within 30 days
📞 NII: 08-6709709
Ethiopian community in Ashkelon
- Community population
- ~9,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Ashkelon
This right in other cities
FAQ — Ashkelon
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Ashkelon?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ashkelon numbers approximately ~9,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר.
- How do I claim Income Support (Havtaat Hakhnasa) — Guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community in Ashkelon?
- Apply via the relevant government body in Ashkelon. For support: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Ashkelon for this right?
- In Ashkelon, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
Related rights
Child Allowance — Full Rights 2026
Every child up to age 18 is entitled to child allowance. 2026: 162 ILS/month for the first child, increasing with each additional child.
High-Risk Pregnancy Benefit — Rights for Working Women
A woman ordered to bed rest by a doctor is entitled to 100% of her salary from NII directly. No employer approval needed.
NII Benefits for Discharged Soldiers — All Allowances
A discharged soldier is entitled to NII benefits: health insurance, 30-day unemployment buffer and more depending on circumstances. Contact NII on day one.
Right to Public Housing — Waiting List and How to Apply
Low-income families with long residency can apply for public housing. Average wait: 8-15 years, but special eligible groups receive priority.