המשרד לקליטת העלייה. Ministry of Immigrant Absorption פנסיונרים. Pensioners. 8 th Edition

Transcription

1 המשרד לקליטת העלייה Ministry of Immigrant Absorption פנסיונרים 8 th Edition

2 Produced by The Publications Department Ministry of Immigrant Absorption 15 Rehov Hillel, Jerusalem All Rights Reserved Jerusalem 2013 Ida Ben Shetreet - Director, Publications Department Laura L. Woolf - Chief Editor, English Language Publications Catalogue Number: הופק על ידי אגף מידע ופרסום המשרד לקליטת העלייה רח' הלל 15, ירושלים כל הזכויות שמורות ירושלים 2013 Telephone Information Center (03) info@moia.gov.il הודפס על ידי המדפיס הממשלתי

3 Table of Contents Introduction in Israel מבוא - פנסיונרים בישראל 5 פעילות לפנסיונרים Staying Active 6 Assistance to Immigrant סיוע לפנסיונרים עולים 8 Housing 10 דיור Driver s Licenses 15 רישיון נהיגה National Insurance 18 ביטוח לאומי Overseas Pensions 27 פנסיה מחו''ל Health Care 29 שירותי בריאות Employment 35 תעסוקה Social Services 38 שירותי רווחה Useful Addresses and Telephone Numbers כתובות וטלפונים 41 3

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5 Introduction in Israel Whether you have come to Israel as a retired immigrant, or whether you have already been in the country for several years prior to retirement, living in Israel as a pensioner will naturally mean many changes in your life. This booklet outlines rights and benefits for retirees, as well as brings to your attention some important points, in order to help you to make the most of your leisure years. Note: this is the eighth edition of this booklet, and hereby nullifies any previous editions. The information contained in this booklet is based on data provided by various official sources. Details are subject to change. In case of any discrepancy, the regulations of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, the National Insurance Institute, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services, and other official bodies will prevail. 5

6 Staying Active Once you are retired, you will discover that there is a wealth of activities to tempt you. The following are just a few examples: z Many retirees contribute greatly to the country by volunteering their time and efforts to a myriad of causes. Some tutor Israelis in English or raise funds for important causes, while others assist at various service organizations, community centers, and institutions for persons with disabilities. Many choose to work with their immigrant organizations, participating in absorption activities on behalf of new immigrants or lone soldiers, as well as social action and communityoriented projects. There are also Israeli branches of almost all of the overseas Jewish organizations. z Tourist attractions often welcome anyone who can give a few hours to greet visitors, show them around, and help make their visit more enjoyable. z Hospitals need volunteers to assist with patient care and public relations work, to staff gift shops and snack bars, and serve in various other support capacities. z There is a wide range of social activities. Newspapers carry weekly listings of events including tours, lectures, concerts, plays, and social gatherings. There are Jewish-study options for men and women, exercise and yoga classes for all ages, Israeli, folk, Salsa, and ballroom dancing lessons, sports, and a Scrabble club with branches in many parts of the country. z The immigrant organizations have seniors' groups and plan a large number of events for members, including lectures, trips, classes, 6

7 study retreats, and social activities. They also offer guidance and counseling as well as other services. New members are warmly welcomed. In some cases, the organizations sponsor "adoption" programs, which put together veteran immigrants and newcomers, as well as reach-out programs to members who are sick or unable to leave their homes. z Some of the universities and regional colleges allow non-degree candidates to audit regular courses designed for continuing education. Students can also study a wide range of subjects through the Open University. In short, anyone who wishes to lead an active life in Israel can do so. 7

8 Assistance to New Immigrants New immigrants from all countries are entitled to receive financial assistance from the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption in the form of the Absorption Basket (sal klita). This includes immigrants of retirement and pre-retirement age. It should be noted, however, that the level of some forms of assistance to immigrants of pre-retirement and retirement age is not the same as that to immigrants in other categories. New immigrants receive the first installment of the Absorption Basket upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport. It is partly in cash, and partly in the form of a bank transfer, which means that it is necessary to open a bank account. For more information about the Absorption Basket, consult the publications entitled Guide for the New Immigrant, and The Absorption Basket, available from the Publications Department. See the order form at the back of this booklet. You can also visit the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption website: Hebrew Ulpan Following aliyah, many new immigrants spend their days learning Hebrew in an ulpan, an intensive Hebrew course. There are special ulpan aleph (first level) classes for immigrants of pension age, although the classes are also open to younger students. Ulpan for pensioners differs from standard ulpan aleph in the following respects: z The length of the period of study, which is 10 months (instead of 6 months). z The more relaxed pace of study (about 12 hours of class time a week, compared to 25 hours in the regular classes). 8

9 z The relative homogeneity, in terms of age, of the course participants (about 90% of the students are between the ages of 59 and 72). z The greater amount of attention paid by instructors to the needs of older students. Beyond equipping pension-age immigrants with essential Hebrew language skills, the ulpanim tend to offer a warm and supportive social setting for the participants. Note that ulpan for retirees may not always be available at every location, or at all times. It is important to register at a Hebrew ulpan as soon as possible after obtaining new-immigrant status in Israel. This is not only because of the necessity of speaking the language in order to integrate into the country, but because subsidies for Hebrew ulpan study are given for the first 18 months years following aliyah only. In order to find out about ulpan options, consult with a personal absorption counselor at a local branch office of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. Tuition subsidies for ulpan are on a one-time basis. For more information, consult the Guide to Ulpan Study, available from the Publications Department (see the order form at the back of the booklet). 9

10 Housing A variety of housing options is available, including renting or purchasing an apartment or home, or residence in a building designed especially for older residents. Renting an Apartment Those who prefer not having to spend much time and money on maintenance and upkeep of a new home may find it more convenient to rent an apartment. On the other hand, apartment rentals tend to be on a short-term basis, and it may be necessary to move every few years. Most apartments for rent are those that are temporarily not in use by their owners. Rent controlled housing is scarce, and costs can rise frequently. You may find that purchasing an apartment provides long-term security. Government rental subsidies are available to most new immigrants for their first five years following aliyah, following the conclusion of the period of Absorption Basket payments. The level of the subsidy depends on a number of factors, including family status, age, and receipt of any assistance from the National Insurance Institute. Purchasing an Apartment Mortgages are available for those wishing to purchase an apartment, according to criteria including age and number of years in the country. Those not eligible for special mortgage terms may take a loan from a mortgage bank at the bank s own discretion and according to the bank s criteria. For more details about rental subsidies and mortgages, contact one of the housing assistance companies (Amidar, Matan-Chen, or 10

11 M.A.G.A.R.; see Useful Addresses). Refer also to the booklet entitled Housing, available from the Publications Department. See the order form at the back of this booklet. Retirement Housing There are three forms of housing in Israel designed especially for seniors: z Nursing homes (batei avot) that provide round-the-clock care. Nursing homes should receive certification from the Ministry of Health. z Partial-support homes (diur mugan) that may offer medical services, a communal dining room, social activities, etc. Residents live in private apartments and are almost completely independent. Note that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services should license all facilities. z Senior-citizens' apartment buildings, also known as retirement buildings. In many cases, it is possible to receive information and referrals to nursing and partial-support homes through the social services department of the local municipality. In most locations, you can reach your municipality information line (moked ironi) by dialing 105/6/7. Make sure that the appropriate governmental ministry approves any residence you may consider. Keep in mind, however, that merely because facilities are on the approved list does not mean that standards do not vary widely among them. Be sure to investigate each residence carefully. In recent years, retirement buildings have become increasingly popular. In this type of building most housing units are sold individually, and the builder may sometimes offer additional mortgages. Each building has its own purchase arrangement, and it is worth investigating each one individually. It is important to note that purchasers are not 11

12 able to receive special immigrant terms for a mortgage for a unit in a retirement building. Further, in most cases, the banks will not provide mortgages for such a purchase. This is largely due to the impossibility of using a retirement unit as collateral against the mortgage. Included among the services that retirement buildings may offer are cafeterias or dining rooms, a library, cultural programs, cleaning and maintenance, a synagogue, and nursing services. Retirement housing varies in quality and price, as well as availability. Waiting periods can range from several months to a year or two. If you are interested in retirement housing, it is advisable to consult with one of the immigrant societies for up-to-date information. What to Look For When Renting or Purchasing an Apartment z Find out if the building has an elevator. z Check the direction of exposures, amount of sun, vulnerability to cold, wind, and rain. z Investigate the neighborhood. What is the general nature of the population? Are there many English-speakers? What are the typical ages of the residents? Are neighborhood services, such as supermarkets, health-fund clinics, and banks within a convenient distance? Are there bus stops nearby? z If you are considering retirement housing or nursing-home care, be sure to check out the level and types of health facilities on the premises, as well as the day-to-day services. The general social atmosphere is important to investigate as well. Ascertain whether there are other English-speakers in residence, and the types of activities and social events that you can expect. The Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI) has an information page about choosing a retirement facility on their website, as well as a list of facilities ( 12

13 In some parts of the country, new buildings are often equipped with central heating. However, the building may only be heated for several hours each day and you may wish to supplement this with room heaters. Built-in central air conditioning is still relatively rare in Israel, except in luxury buildings. However, a wide variety of air conditioners is available for purchase. Most models feature heating functions as well, making it possible to heat or cool your apartment with the same unit. In some parts of the country, you may find that regular fans or "desert coolers," which add coolness and moisture to the air, are sufficient. If you buy or rent an apartment, you may be lucky enough to find one that already has an air conditioner installed. However, if you rent an apartment and wish to install an air conditioner, make sure to get the landlord s consent. Be aware that you may not be able to remove the unit once you have installed it. Be aware also that when installing an air conditioner you must obtain all necessary authorizations from your local municipality; if you are in an apartment building you may also have to obtain your neighbors permission as well. Contact your local municipality for details. Finding an Apartment to Rent or Purchase In most cases, the procedure for finding an apartment to rent or purchase in Israel is much the same as anywhere else. The Friday newspapers usually carry extensive real-estate listings. While the English-language press carries many advertisements, the Hebrew papers generally have listings that are more complete. You can also search for listings online. Try using such keywords as apartments in Israel, rentals in Israel, real estate in Israel, or narrowing your search to specific cities or towns. It is also possible to rent or purchase through an agent. Many real estate agencies employ English-speaking agents. A good agent can help you to find the kind of apartment that will best suit your needs. Agents generally take a set percentage of the rental or purchase cost. It is recommended to ascertain the agent s fee in advance. 13

14 Note: for detailed information on renting or purchasing a home, consult the booklet entitled "Housing." See the order form at the back of this booklet. 14

15 Driver s Licenses New immigrants can convert their foreign driving license within three years of aliyah, however it is only permissible to drive on the overseas license for one year. Returning residents may convert their overseas licenses within one year of return, on condition that they reside abroad for at least one year, and that the license was issued at least six months prior to return. The Licensing Procedure: 1. Go to the nearest licensing photograpy center (Femi-Premium or Taldor) in order to be photographed for the license. See Useful Addresses. The center will issue a form with your personal information and the photographs, and addresses of optometrists authorized to administer the optical examination. You must supply the following documents: Valid overseas driver s license issued at least six months prior to receipt of new-immigrant status and photocopies of the license. Passport that verifies entrance into Israel and residence overseas at the time of the issuance of the foreign passport. Te udat zehut Te udat oleh 2. Take the form to an authorized optometrist or eye doctor for an optical examination. Drivers who wear glasses or contact lenses must wear them during the examination. 3. Take the form to your family doctor for a physical examination. 15

16 4. Submit the form you received at Femi-Premium or Taldor, together with the optometrist s and doctor s authorizations to the nearest Licensing Bureau. You will also need the following documents: Valid overseas driver s license issued at least six months prior to receipt of new-immigrant status and photocopies of the license Passport that documents entrance into Israel and residence overseas at the time of the issuance of the foreign passport. Te udat zehut Te udat oleh The Licensing Bureau will then refer you to a driving school. Set a time with an authorized driving instructor for the practical driving test. In most cases, it is recommended to take a number of driving lessons before the exam. Upon successful completion of the practical driving test, your overseas license will be converted to an Israeli one. Applicants who held an Israeli license in the past must present the following: z Valid original overseas license. z Passport with authorization of overseas residence at the time of receipt of the foreign license, and that confirms the date of entry into Israel. It is also necessary to undergo the optical examination and the general physical examination. If the overseas license is a lower level than that of the requested Israeli license, the applicant may have to meet additional requirements including tests. 16

17 For more information about licensing and renewal procedures, consult the booklet entitled Transportation Services in Israel, available from the Publications Department. Public Transportation Eligible seniors are usually entitled to a discount on public transportation upon presentation of a veteran citizen certificate (te udat ezrach vatik). See the chapter entitled Social Services for details. 17

18 National Insurance The National Insurance Institute (HaMosad LeBituach Leumi) is the government body responsible for social security. Every resident of Israel above the age of 18 is required to pay premiums, with the exception of housewives who do not work outside their home. However, new immigrants who arrive in Israel at age 60 or over do not pay premiums, and in most cases are not entitled to old-age or survivors pensions (see below). Note: the information contained here is correct at the time of publication. However, conditions and categories of eligibility are subject to change. Be sure to consult with a personal absorption counselor or the National Insurance Institute for up-to-date information and in order to check eligibility for any form of benefit. You can also obtain information from the National Insurance Institute website: Old-Age Pensions The National Insurance Institute pays a standard old-age pension (kitzbat zikna) to all insured residents of Israel. Pension Age Note that retirement age is not the same as pension age. Retirement age is the age at which one may be eligible for certain specific National Insurance Institute benefits (see first table below) as well as various benefits from other official bodies. Pension age, according to National Insurance Institute guidelines, is the age at which one can receive an old-age pension regardless of income. According to National Insurance Institute regulations, pension age is 70 for men, and between for women, depending on the month and year of birth, as illustrated in the table below. 18

19 Table I- Retirement Age According to Date of Birth Men Date of birth (month and year) Retirement age From To - 6/ /1939 8/ and 4 months 9/1939 4/ and 8 months 5/ / /1941 8/ and 4 months 9/1941 4/ and 8 months 5/1942 and thereafter 67 Retirement Age For Women Date of birth (month and year) Retirement age From To - 6/ /1944 8/ and 4 months 9/1944 4/ and 8 months 5/ / /1946 8/ and 4 months 9/1946 4/ and 8 months 5/1947 and thereafter 62 Table II- Pension Age According to Date of Birth- Women Date of birth (month and year) Age of entitlement From To to old-age pension - 6/ /1939 8/ and 4 months 9/1939 4/ and 8 months 19

20 Table II- Pension Age According to Date of Birth- Women Date of birth (month and year) Age of entitlement From To to old-age pension 5/ / /1941 8/ and 4 months 9/1941 4/ and 8 months 5/ / /1945 8/ and 4 months 9/1945 4/ and 8 months 5/ / /1947 8/ and 4 months 9/1947 4/ and 8 months 5/ / nine 1/1949 8/ and 4 months 9/1949 4/ and 8 months 5/1950 and thereafter 70 Who is Covered? z New immigrants (men and unmarried women) who come on aliyah before age 60 to 62, depending on date of birth. z A married woman who comes on aliyah before age 60 to 62, depending on date of birth, is insured in any of the following circumstances: 1. Her husband is over age 60 to 62 (depending on date of birth) when they come on aliyah. 2. She is employed, and married to an insured man. 20

21 3. She is not employed, and her husband is not insured, either because of his age at the time of aliyah, or because he is not a resident of Israel. 4. She receives a general disability pension. z A housewife (i.e., married woman who does not work outside her home) or a widow who is not employed. z An unmarried woman (single, divorced, widow, or an aguna with the exception of widows who receive other benefits.) The National Insurance Institute defines an aguna for assistance purposes as a woman whose husband refuses to grant her a Jewish divorce (get,) whose husband has not been located for 2 years, or whose husband resides overseas without her consent and does not pay her alimony. Conditions for Receiving a Standard Old-Age Pension Insured persons who have reached retirement age are eligible for the old age pension if their income does not exceed a certain sum, on condition that they have accrued a qualifying period. Immigrants with no other source of income may be eligible for a special old-age benefit. See below. The Qualifying Period The qualifying period for an old-age pension is one of the following: z 60 insurance months within the 10 years preceding pension age. z 144 insurance months, even if not consecutive. z At least 60 insurance months, on condition that the number of months that the beneficiary is insured from the date upon becoming a resident of Israel for the first time is greater than the number of months in which they are not insured. 21

22 z A returning resident who has not completed the qualifying period may be eligible fo a special old-age benefit until they accumulate a qualifying period. z An unmarried woman is exempt from the qualifying period on condition that she first immigrates following age 55-59, according to her date of birth. Consult with the National Insurance Institute for details, or view their website, The National Insurance Institute periodically adjusts pension rates. You can get updated information from the National Insurance Institute (see Useful Addresses) or from their website: Supplements Recipients of old-age pensions may be eligible for one of the following supplements: z Dependents Increment paid for a spouse and first two children, on condition that they do not receive their own pension. z Seniority Increment recipients may be eligible to receive a supplement for every year in excess of ten years insurance, up to a ceiling of 50% of the pension. z Pension Deferral Increment a person who continues to work following retirement age, and who does not receive a pension due to their earned income, may be eligible to receive a supplement for each year that they do not collect the pension. Note: Housewives and new immigrants who receive special benefits are not entitled to any of these supplements. Grant Following Decease of Beneficiary This grant is a one-time payment to the widow/widower or child of a deceased person who received an old-age pension while alive. 22

23 Special Old Age Benefits for New Immigrants Immigrants who arrive in Israel after age 60 to 62 (depending on date of birth) are not insured, and are therefore not eligible for the standard old-age pension. However, if one s income does not exceed a set amount, they may be eligible to receive a special benefit from the National Insurance Institute. In most cases, eligible immigrants receive the special old-age benefit directly into the same bank account as Absorption Basket payments. It is not necessary to file a claim. An immigrant who believes they are eligible for a special old-age benefit, and does not receive one, should submit a claim at the nearest local National Insurance Institute branch office. The benefit is on a monthly basis beginning from the month of submission of the claim. For more information, consult with the National Insurance Institute, or with a personal absorption counselor at the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. You can also find information on the National Insurance Institute website: Income Supplement A recipient of an old-age pension or a special benefit for new immigrants whose other sources of income do not exceed a set amount may be entitled to an income supplement (hashlamat hachnasa) in addition to the pension. Persons receiving both an old-age pension and an income supplement may also be eligible for additional benefits including increased rental subsidies and discounts on municipal taxes. Travel Overseas A recipient of an old-age pension who travels abroad can continue to receive the pension for up to 3 months following departure. The beneficiary receives the pension in their bank account in Israel. 23

24 One who intends to stay abroad for more than 3 months should notify the National Insurance Institute in advance, in writing. Under special circumstances, it may be possible to receive the pension while abroad, even beyond the 3-month period. One who receives the old-age pension and an income supplement, and travels overseas for more than one month, is not entitled to a benefit for that month. One who goes abroad up to three times in a calendar year, during which the total number of days abroad in the calendar year is no more than 72 days, can continue to receive the income supplement. These restrictions do not apply to persons who travel overseas in order to obtain medical treatment unavailable in Israel. It is necessary to supply the National Insurance Institute with all relevant medical authorizations. Special Assistance for Daily Needs (Long-Term Care Benefit) Individuals of pension age who are in need of assistance with daily activities such as dressing, eating, and washing, or who are in need of supervision, may be eligible to receive aid (gimlat siud) from the National Insurance Institute. Those living in a nursing home are not eligible for this benefit, but persons in a general hospital can be entitled to a benefit for the first 14 days of hospitalization. The right to the benefit, and the level of the benefit, is contingent on a means test. Assistance is in the form of services that include home-help for daily activities, care in a day-center, laundry services, provision of disposable undergarments, and emergency call buttons. Eligibility Requirements z Persons who have reached pension age, who reside in their own home, and need assistance in carrying out daily activities such as washing, dressing, and eating, or are in need of constant supervision in order to ensure their safety or that of others. 24

25 z Services are provided to persons whose income does not exceed a level determined by the National Insurance Institute, and who do not receive an Attendance Allowance, a General Disability Allowance, or Work Injury Disabled benefits. Once the National Insurance Institute receives a claim for a longterm care benefit, and determines that the applicant meets all the conditions specified above, a professional (a nurse, physiotherapist, etc.) examines the claimant to determine the extent of dependence on others, or the extent of the supervision that is required. Services include: z Assistance from a home caretaker in carrying out daily activities and household management, and supervising individuals in need of monitoring. z Disposable undergarments. z Services in day centers. z Laundry services. z Emergency call buttons. Requesting Assistance In order to receive special assistance, submit a claim to a branch office of the National Insurance Institute. Include all relevant medical authorizations and certification of income. Another person may also file the claim on behalf of the individual (family member, guardian, social worker, or nurse). National Insurance Institute Counseling Center for Senior Citizens Counseling Centers for Senior Citizens (Mercaz Yiutz LeKashish) staffed by retired volunteers, provide guidance and information about benefits and services from the National Insurance Institute and other 25

26 government agencies. They also offer legal advice and information about sheltered residential options, employment possibilities, and health care. A professional staff supervises the volunteers. Volunteers also offer counseling on issues related to retirement and aging. They conduct home visits to single and housebound persons, and to those requiring social support. Often the volunteer assists with important activities such as visits to the doctor, and contacting social welfare officials. Retired individuals with appropriate skills can volunteer as counselors. See Useful Addresses. 26

27 Overseas Pensions Retired new immigrants may be eligible to receive a pension from their country of origin. Eligibility depends on many factors. The guidelines presented below are extremely general. In order to ascertain specific rights to a pension from a particular country of origin, consult with one of the English-speaking immigrant associations, or contact that country s embassy or consulate in Israel (see Useful Addresses). Pensions from the United States United States citizens may be entitled to a variety of Social Security benefits. Eligibility is generally determined by age at the time of aliyah, the number of years of employment in the US, and many other criteria. To determine eligibility for any kind of pension, contact the Social Security and Federal Benefits Unit of the United States Embassy. Information and claims forms are available on the website of the United States Embassy in Israel (see Useful Addresses). It is also possible to contact AACI for more information. Pensions from Great Britain In general, British citizens may be eligible to receive pensions, depending on the number of years they work in Britain prior to aliyah, and other criteria. Contact the British Embassy or UJIA Israel for more information (see Useful Addresses). See also the information on the British Embassy International Social Security Benefits website: gov. uk/ international/ benefits/. Pensions from Australia In order for an Australian citizen to receive a pension from Australia, it is necessary to file the request in Australia, and be resident in Australia for at least ten years. One who is receiving a pension at the time of aliyah 27