Maternity leave in Israel: What to expect and what you're entitled to
- Team Raising Sabras
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
If you're pregnant (or even just starting to plan) you’ve probably wondered how maternity leave works in Israel. What are you entitled to? How much time can you take off? How much will you actually get paid?
The answers are mostly straightforward once you understand the basics. So here’s your comprehensive guide to understanding maternity leave in Israel, in plain English.
What’s the standard maternity leave in Israel?
If you’ve met the eligibility requirements (more on that below), you’re entitled to 15 weeks (105 days) of paid maternity leave.
This is the default for most women in Israel and is funded through Bituach Leumi (National Insurance), not your employer. That means you’ll receive payment directly from the state, based on your recent income.
Who is eligible for maternity leave in Israel?
To qualify for full paid leave, you must have contributed to Bituach Leumi for:
At least 10 out of the last 14 months, or
15 out of the last 22 months before you stopped working
This applies whether you're a full-time employee, part-time, or self-employed.
🧾 If you’ve changed jobs recently or had a gap between positions, don’t stress. As long as your Bituach Leumi payments continued during that time (either via payroll or self-employment) you’re still eligible.
What if I haven’t worked that long?
If you’ve worked and paid into Bituach Leumi for a shorter time, you may still qualify for partial maternity leave.
For example, if you’ve worked:
6 out of the last 14 months, you may be entitled to 8 weeks (56 days) of paid leave.
Because there are so many edge cases (like switching jobs, parental leave, unemployment, etc.), the best way to confirm your entitlement is to use the official Maternity Leave Calculator on the Bituach Leumi website (in Hebrew):
You can also cross-check your eligibility in English on Kol Zchut, a trusted resource that simplifies rights in Israel.
Can I take more than 15 weeks of maternity leave?
Yes, and many women do. If you’ve worked at your current job for at least 12 consecutive months, you're entitled to extend your maternity leave beyond the paid 15 weeks: up to 26 weeks total, with:
15 weeks paid by Bituach Leumi
11 weeks unpaid
You’ll need to notify your employer that you plan to take the unpaid portion. It’s common to take the full 26 weeks off!
How much will I get paid?
Here’s how your maternity allowance (דמי לידה) is calculated:
Your daily rate is based on your average salary from the last 3 or 6 months before stopping work (whichever is higher).
The total is paid in a lump sum directly into your bank account shortly after giving birth.
📌 If you're self-employed, your payment is based on your reported income to Bituach Leumi. This is why it’s important to make sure your reported income is accurate before you go on leave.
💻 Want to estimate how much you’ll get? Use this calculator: Bituach Leumi Maternity Benefit Calculator
What should you do before your maternity leave in Israel?
Here’s a quick action plan to make the process smoother:
Confirm your eligibility Use the Kol Zchut guide to understand your rights.
Use the Bituach Leumi calculators Run a simulation to estimate how much you’ll be paid. This is especially helpful if you're budgeting ahead.
Speak to your employer or accountant early If you're self-employed or on a special contract, speak to a professional to ensure all contributions and paperwork are in order before your leave begins.
Gather your paperwork After the baby is born, you’ll need to submit a few documents to Bituach Leumi (like a birth certificate and your hospital discharge form) to initiate payment.
Final thoughts
Pregnancy is exciting, but it also comes with big life changes and a lot of logistics. By planning ahead, understanding your rights, and using the tools available, you can take your maternity leave with confidence and focus on what really matters: taking care of your baby!
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