Bituah Leumi begins verification of grant recipients - what you need to do

Bituah Leumi has begun verifying recipients of the annual back-to-school grant: some families must confirm their eligibility by filling out a declaration. In 2026, the grant amount is 1,204 shekels per child, with payments starting on August 11.

Bituah Leumi has started sending letters and SMS messages to some Israeli residents requiring them to confirm their eligibility for the annual grant for the start of the school year. Those who received the notification must fill out a special declaration, otherwise the payment may not be granted. The agency emphasizes that only those who received an official message need to undergo the check; others do not need to take any action. In 2026, the payment amount is 1,204 shekels per child, which is more than the previous year. Funds are scheduled to be transferred on August 11. In most cases, the grant is automatically credited to the same bank account where child allowances are deposited, but some recipients need to confirm their eligibility or submit an application. Eligible for the grant are single parents, divorced parents, widows and widowers, certain recipients of income support benefits, large families, and other categories. The payment applies to children born between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020, with exceptions for first-graders and graduates. Applications can be submitted within 18 months from the time eligibility arises, after which the benefit is only paid for the last 18 months. The agency recommends not delaying the completion of the declaration.