Home / Rights & Programs / Income Support (Havtaat Hakhnasa) — Guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community
Income Support (Havtaat Hakhnasa) — Guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community in Jerusalem
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 Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel's capital, hosts a large Israeli-Ethiopian community concentrated historically in the Gondar neighbourhood in the north and with significant presence in Kiryat HaYovel and other areas. The city is home to the Centre for Ethiopian Jewish Heritage and several traditional synagogues led by kessim, alongside a broad housing market.
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 Jerusalem
- Community population
- ~30,000
- Share of city
- ~4%
- Main neighbourhoods
- גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב
- Community services
- מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP
More rights in Jerusalem
This right in other cities
FAQ — Jerusalem
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Jerusalem?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Jerusalem numbers approximately ~30,000 residents — around ~4% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב.
- How do I claim Income Support (Havtaat Hakhnasa) — Guide for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community in Jerusalem?
- Apply via the relevant government body in Jerusalem. For support: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
- What community support is available in Jerusalem for this right?
- In Jerusalem, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
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.