FAQs Regarding Changes to the Rights of Bereaved Families
In accordance with Amendment 47 to the Fallen Soldiers' Families Law - here are the answers to some frequently asked questions
Following the historic amendment to the law that came into effect on February 1, 2026, the rights granted to bereaved families, particularly to IDF and security forces orphans, have been significantly expanded both in terms of eligibility definition and the scope of benefits. We have gathered answers to the most pressing questions for you, categorized by topic.
For additional questions, you can contact the call center at: 03-777-6700 or via email: 7776700@mod.gov.il
Bereaved parents
Benefits
Yes, as part of Amendment 47 to the law, an addition was made to the monthly benefit for siblings of the fallen aged 0-3 years, born up to 5 years before the loss, in the amount of 2,500 ₪.
Grants
In addition to funding for academic studies and vocational training, the amendment to the law includes one-time assistance for enrichment studies for bereaved parents.
Housing
As part of Amendment 47 to the law, the assistance amounts have been updated and expanded in relation to housing:
As part of Amendment 47 to the law, the assistance for elevator or wheelchair lift installation has been updated: instead of a one-time grant, it can now be received once every 10 years.
For more information on elevator or wheelchair lift installation
Emotional support
The assistance in the field of emotional support intervention has been expanded - additional types of emotional intervention have been added, they are now available at all ages, and can be received at the same time as emotional therapy (up to 162 sessions).
Widows and widowers
Benefits
Yes, widows and widowers with children up to age 6 (children of the fallen) are eligible for a monthly supplement to cover early childhood care expenses - nanny, daycare, kindergarten, or any other expense related to care and education. The supplement amount per orphan:
From birth to age 3 months - 6,000 ₪
From age 3 months to 3 years - 3,000 ₪
From age 3 years to 6 years - 1,500 ₪
The supplement is automatically included in the monthly benefits until the child reaches the age of 6.
Grants
As part of the amendment to the law, several grants for widows and widowers were added and updated:
Special monthly grant during the first year: Automatic additional payment of 13,566 ₪ to be paid during the first 12 months following the loss. Learn more about the special monthly grant for widows and widowers
Tutoring grant: Participation in funding tutoring for children in grades 1 to 12, up to 2,500 ₪ per year for each child. Learn more about the tutoring grant
Personal mentoring program for children up to age 21: A tailored program for each child, developed together with the social worker. The eligibility age has been extended, the grant amount updated, and the eligibility conditions expanded. Learn more about the orphan accompaniment program
As part of the amendment to the law, the accompaniment program for children has been updated:
The eligibility age has been extended to 21, the grant amount has been updated to 50,000 ₪, and eligibility conditions have been expanded. The program will be developed for each orphan together with the social worker and tailored individually for each child.
Housing
As part of Amendment 47 to the law, the assistance amounts have been updated and expanded in relation to housing:
As part of Amendment 47 to the law, the assistance for elevator or wheelchair lift installation has been updated: instead of a one-time grant, it can now be received once every 10 years.
For more information on elevator or wheelchair lift installation
Emotional support
The assistance in the field of emotional support intervention has been expanded - additional types of emotional intervention have been added, they are now available at all ages, and can be received at the same time as emotional therapy (up to 162 sessions).
Vehicle
Until now, widows were eligible for assistance in purchasing a new vehicle. The amendment to the law now allows assistance for purchasing a used vehicle as well.
For more information on assistance with purchasing a vehicle – when holding a driver's license
For more information on assistance with purchasing a new vehicle – without a driver's license
Education and employment
As part of Amendment 47 to the law, the eligibility age for assistance with career assessment has been raised to 60.
As part of the amendment to the law, the שccompaniment program for children has been updated:
The eligibility age has been extended to 21, the grant amount has been updated to 50,000 ₪, and eligibility conditions have been expanded. The program will be developed for each orphan together with the social worker and tailored individually for each child.
Medical support
Yes. The amendment to the law expands the widow's rights and allows her to receive financial assistance for fertility treatments and surrogacy.
Orphans
Definition and eligibility
Starting February 1, 2026, the definition of "orphan" under the amended law has been expanded: an orphan is now defined as someone who lost a parent before the age of 30, while the previous age limit was 21, as set formerly by the law.
Note: those who were orphaned in the past between the ages of 21 and 30 are also deemed eligible where as at the law's effective date (February 1, 2026) they have not yet reached the age of 30. They are also included in the new definition and will be able to exercise their rights.
Benefits
The amendment to the law stipulates a monthly benefit for orphans aged 21–40, divided into two tracks:
Orphans aged 21–30 are eligible for a monthly benefit of 3,651.92 ₪.
Orphans aged 30-40 are eligible for a monthly benefit of 2,000 ₪.
Eligibility for benefits also applies to special populations, such as orphans who lost both their parents where one is a fallen, or orphans who are not self-sufficient. For details regarding eligibility, it is recommended to contact the handling district.
Orphans who turned 40 exactly on May 1, 2026, is eligible for a monthly benefit for the three months that have passed since the law came into effect (February to April 2026) and until they reached the age of 40, which marks the end of eligibility for the benefit.
Additionally, they are eligible for a one-time grant of 25,000 ₪.
Grants
Yes. The amended law includes a marriage grant or housing grant or grant given at age 30 (if not married by then). Starting February 1, 2026, the grant amount is 300,000 ₪.
Orphans who, at the time the law came into effect, were under the age of 30 and unmarried will be eligible for the full grant upon marriage, purchase of a home, or when reaching the age of 30. Those who received the grant prior to the amount update will not be able to receive the difference.
An additional grant for orphans who were over the age of 30 at the time the law came into effect - a special track: one-time grant of 50,000 ₪, paid in two installments - the first at age 40 and the second at age 60. Additionally, they are eligible for a monthly benefit of 2,000 ₪ between the ages of 30–40.
Orphans who lost both parents, where one was a fallen, under the age of 50, are eligible for the monthly benefit but are not eligible for the one-time grant.
Exceptions: only orphans who will receive up to 6 months of benefits in total, will also be eligible for a grant. For precise eligibility details, it is recommended to contact the relevant district.
Education and employment
The amendment to the law significantly expanded academic opportunities: the eligibility age for tuition assistance has been extended and can now be utilized up to the age of 65.
This change allows orphans to continue studying, advancing and acquiring vocational training even later in life, without an age restriction.
Yes. Professional support is available including career assessment and vocational integration assistance up to the age of 60.
Orphans who have not worked for 18 out of the last 24 months are invited to contact the relevant district to review their eligibility for placement assistance and monthly support.
Emotional support
Certainly. Orphans are eligible for psychotherapy where needed, as well as emotional support, for up to 162 sessions in total.
To exercise eligibility, please contact the social worker in your district.
Medical support
Yes. As part of the amendment to the law, eligibility for assistance with fertility treatments and surrogacy was introduced for the first time - a new benefit that was not included formerly in the law. The amount of assistance is up to 28,562 ₪.
To exercise eligibility, please contact the social worker in your district.
Discounts and exemptions
Orphans receiving a monthly benefit can contact the Department of Families, Commemoration and Heritage to obtain the required approval, which they can then present to the local authority to apply for a property tax discount.
Please note that the discount is provided solely by local authorities and not by the Department. The amount and conditions of the discount may vary between authorities.
Bereaved siblings
Emotional support
Assistance in the field of emotional support intervention was expanded - additional types of emotional intervention have been added, they are now available at any age, and can be received at the same time as emotional support (up to 162 sessions).