Convalescence pay is an annual entitlement of every salaried employee — a payment that grows with seniority at the workplace. Many people do not know exactly how much they are owed or when, so here is the clear version.
Disclosure: Educational information only. Amounts and conditions, including extension orders, are updated — verify with the Ministry of Labour or Kol Zchut. Any action you take is your own responsibility.
What convalescence pay is
Convalescence pay is an annual payment an employer must make to an employee, originally intended for recuperation and holiday expenses. Today it is a monetary entitlement in every respect, and is not conditional on actually taking a holiday. Entitlement generally begins after the first year of employment.
The 2026 daily rate
In the private sector the rate stands at 418 ₪ per day as of 2026, with a possible update to 451.5 ₪ subject to the signing of an extension order. The public sector rate differs and is usually higher.
How many days by seniority
The number of convalescence days grows with seniority at the workplace, in the private sector:
| Seniority | Convalescence days per year |
|---|---|
| First year | 5 |
| Years 2–3 | 6 |
| Years 4–10 | 7 |
| Years 11–15 | 8 |
| Years 16–19 | 9 |
| 20 years and above | 10 |
How to calculate
The formula is straightforward: number of convalescence days × daily rate × employment fraction.
For example, a full-time employee with five years of seniority: 7 days × 418 ₪ = 2,926 ₪ for the year. A part-time employee at 50% receives a proportional amount.
When it is paid
Under the extension order, payment is made in one of the summer months, June to September, and many employers pay it as a single annual sum in the summer.
Some employers spread it as a fixed monthly line across the year, which is legitimate provided the full annual amount is in fact paid.
Common mistakes
1. Not checking that payment was made. Look for the convalescence pay line on your payslip.
2. Confusing seniority with age. The days are set by seniority at the workplace, not by how old you are.
3. Forgetting the proportional amount in part-time work or partial-year employment.
Summary
Convalescence pay is an annual entitlement worth hundreds to thousands of shekels, and it grows with seniority. Confirm it appears on your payslip, and calculate the amount using the formula. See more entitlements in employee rights.
The information on this page is for educational purposes. Please consult a professional before making financial decisions.
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