Long-term care benefit calculator 2026: hours and cash by level
Choose your benefit level, or enter the points from the dependency assessment, and the calculator shows your weekly care hours and what you can take as cash. Enter your income and it also runs the income test.
Calculator
Both of you together if you are a couple. Without income the calculator assumes the full benefit.
Choose a level or enter your points.
Levels and hours
| Level | Points | Hours | With a foreign caregiver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5–3 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 2 | 3.5–4.5 | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | 5–6 | 17 | 14 |
| 4 | 6.5–7.5 | 21 | 18 |
| 5 | 8–9 | 26 | 22 |
| 6 | 9.5–10.5 | 30 | 26 |
From age 90, 6 points give level 4 instead of 3.
Cash instead of services
- At level 1 you can take ₪1,708 a month instead of services, or swap part of the hours.
- At levels 2–6 you can swap up to 4 weekly hours for cash — ₪994 a month. With a social worker's approval, a third of the hours.
- The whole benefit in cash goes to people who employ a live-in caregiver: at least 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, not a relative, under a written contract. A foreign caregiver needs a permit.
| Level | Israeli caregiver | Foreign caregiver |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,708 | 1,708 |
| 2 | 2,484 | 2,484 |
| 3 | 4,223 | 3,478 |
| 4 | 5,217 | 4,471 |
| 5 | 6,458 | 5,465 |
| 6 | 7,452 | 6,458 |
The income test
| Full benefit | Half | Not eligible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | up to ₪13,769 | up to ₪20,654 | over ₪20,654 |
| Couple | up to ₪20,654 | up to ₪30,980 | over ₪30,980 |
Income is checked over the three months before the claim. With half the benefit, hours and amounts are halved too.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the long-term care benefit at level 3?
17 care hours a week (14 with a foreign caregiver), or 13 hours plus ₪994 a month. With a live-in caregiver, up to ₪4,223 for an Israeli caregiver or ₪3,478 for a foreign one.
Can I get the long-term care benefit in cash?
At level 1, yes: ₪1,708 a month. At levels 2–6 you can swap 4 hours for cash, and take the whole benefit in cash only with a live-in caregiver.
What is the income limit for the long-term care benefit?
A single person gets the full benefit with income up to ₪13,769 a month and half up to ₪20,654. For a couple: ₪20,654 and ₪30,980.
How do I know my level?
A Bituach Leumi assessor checks how you manage and gives points. The level and points are in the decision letter. If you disagree, you can appeal within 60 days.
Related guides
Long-Term Care Benefit
For people of retirement age who need help bathing, dressing, eating or moving around at home. Care hours or cash, in 6 levels.
Attendance Allowance
For people aged 18 to retirement age who need a lot of help from another person with daily activities, or supervision. ₪1,943–₪9,126 a month.
Old-age pension
A monthly Bituach Leumi pension from retirement age. ₪1,838 single, ₪2,762 for a couple, plus increments. No income test from age 70.
Appealing a Bituach Leumi decision
Where to file and how fast: appeals committee, advisory committee, claims committee or Labour Court — depending on the decision.
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. Amounts are correct as of the review date and change every January.