Birth Grant
The birth grant is one of the first payments a young family receives — a one-off payment from Bituach Leumi covering the initial costs of the birth. The good news: it is paid automatically, without you needing to do anything.
Disclosure: Educational information only. This is not advice. Amounts are updated annually according to the index — verify with Bituach Leumi. Any action you take is your own responsibility.
What the birth grant is
The birth grant is a one-off payment from the National Insurance Institute, intended to help with the initial expenses around a birth, such as baby equipment and basic supplies.
It is entirely separate from maternity allowance, which compensates for lost income, and from child allowance, which is an ongoing monthly payment.
The 2026 amounts
The amount depends on the birth order of the child in the family:
| Child | Grant amount |
|---|---|
| First child | 2,103 ₪ |
| Second child | 946 ₪ |
| Third child onward | 631 ₪ |
| Twins | 10,514 ₪ |
| Triplets or more | A higher amount accordingly |
Amounts are correct for 2026 and are updated according to the index. The higher figure for a multiple birth recognises its greater cost.
Who qualifies and how it is paid
Almost every mother is entitled to the birth grant, subject to basic residency and insurance conditions.
Payment is automatic — no application is needed — and is transferred within about a month of the birth to the bank account where child allowance will be paid. If you gave birth in a hospital in Israel, the reporting happens automatically.
In addition to the birth grant, a hospitalisation grant is paid directly to the hospital. You never see it; it covers the cost of the birth itself.
Common mistakes
1. Thinking you need to apply. The grant is automatic for a birth in an Israeli hospital.
2. Confusing the birth grant with maternity allowance — a one-off payment versus compensation during leave.
3. Out-of-date bank details, which can delay the payment.
Summary
The birth grant is a modest payment but it reaches every mother automatically — just confirm your bank details are up to date with Bituach Leumi. It forms part of a whole package of entitlements around birth.
See the full picture in the parental rights guide, and in particular maternity allowance and child allowance. We provide the knowledge — the claiming is in your hands.