Have you arranged for your AACI membership?

All new olim from North America are entitled to a year free upon payment of one year's membership. (2 years for the price of one)
 

Have you made an appointment with an AACI counselor?

AACI is an organization for former Americans and Canadians. We are ready to help and guide you. AACI's aliyah counselors can assist you with general aliyah issues, employment questions and your individual concerns.
 

Have you received your teudat oleh?

Every newcomer must have a teudat oleh (immigrant certificate) to facilitate all absorption processes. This document is usually issued upon arrival at the airport if you process your aliyah abroad through an Israel Aliyah Center in North America.
 

For all official transactions, it is advisable to carry with you: passport photos, teudat oleh, passports of all family members and teudat zehut (identity card) and application form where required.

 

Have you received Sal Klitah?

Sal Klitah (Absorption Basket). The first payment is made at the airport. This payment is made partly in cash and part by a bank deposited payment followed by 7 monthly payments deposited directly into the bank. Olim will need to open a bank account shortly after arrival and give bank details to HaMisrad LaKlitat HaAliyah.
 

Are you living at a Mercaz Klitah (Absorption Center)?

If you have registered to stay at a Mercaz Klitah, please be aware that there is a subsidized monthly rental fee. Arrangements for payment will be made through the Mercaz Klitah. Your shaliach should review this with you before you arrive.
 

Have you opened bank accounts as an oleh or temporary resident?

Bank accounts should be opened promptly in order to begin receiving subsequent payments of Sal Klitah, as well as National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) payments, which are deposited directly into your shekel account.
 

Have you received your teudat zehut?

Every Israeli carries a teudat zehut (identity card), which is your I.D. for many daily transactions. Olim who receive their teudat oleh at the airport, generally go to your nearest branch of Misrad Hapnim (in some areas, you need to make an appointment for this service)with the following documents: *Teudat Oleh. *Document received with teudat oleh at the airport. *Proof of Jewishness. *2 passport photos (4.5cm X 3.5cm). *Foreign passport. Olim who arrive with Nefesh B’Nefesh should check with NBN about teudat zehut pickup and delivery. 
 

Those who change status in Israel for an Oleh visa at Misrad HaPnim will receive a Teudat Zehut about 3 – 6 weeks later.
 

Have you registered with a health fund (kupat cholim)?

During the first 12 months after aliyah, olim are exempt from paying health tax if they are unemployed or retired. Olim should register for the kupah of their choice, at any branch of a postal bank, and then at the chosen kupat cholim itself. 
 

Have you arranged for your Israeli driver's license?

An Israeli driver's license is needed to drive legally in Israel (after the first year) and to clear your car from customs. AACI recommends you apply for your Israeli license soon after arrival. Go to your local Marmanet or Teldor office (depending on which area you live) with your valid foreign license and photocopy of both sides of the license, your teudat oleh and teudat zehut or passport. For office hours for both offices: www.mot.gov.il/wps/portal/HOME/Spokesman or www.mot.gov.il Moked: Marmanet- 1 559 50 20 30. Teldor: 03 929 85877.

 

You will have your photograph taken and computerized forms will be printed with your photo on them for both an eye test and medical test. These forms must be filled out and stamped by the appropriate medical professionals. Take the completed forms to the Ministry of Transportation (Misrad HaRishui) with your Teudat Zehut and Teudat Oleh, foreign license with a photocopy and your foreign passport. Once the forms are stamped, you will be issued with a referral (hafnaya) to a driving school. Ask your AACI counselor for further information.
 

Have you registered at Bituach Leumi?

If you have any dependent children under 18 living with you, you may be entitled to monthly payments from National Insurance (Bituach Leumi). Bring your bank account number, teudat oleh and teudat zehut.
 

Have you registered your children in school or kindergarten?

You can register your children for school and kindergarten at the local municipality or school registration office. Bring birth certificates, teudot zehut of both parents, teudat oleh and proof of residence. You must also know your children's Hebrew dates of birth. You may be asked for other documents as well.
 

Have you received your rent subsidy?

Most newcomers are entitled to a rent subsidy after the 13th month from date of aliyah. Rental subsidies are paid directly into the same bank account where you received your sal klitah.  If you encounter a problem with your payments, then you must go to a housing company. See your AACI counselor for details.  
 

Have you taken advantage of your rights to buy locally made goods without tax?

Newcomers can buy some Israeli made electrical appliances, tax-free. Before paying, bring your teudat oleh and purchase order from the retailer to the local customs office in order to receive a tax exemption slip. Contact your AACI counselor for further information.
 

Have you arranged for your income tax reduction?

As a newcomer you are entitled to a reduction on your income tax. To receive it, bring a letter from your employer to your local tax authority. Most employers take care of this for you.
 

Have you taken advantage of discounts and exemptions on municipal taxes (arnona)?

Check with your local municipality about benefits for olim in your area. Your nearest AACI branch counselor can advise.
 

Have you asked about special discounts and loans for olim?

Ask AACI about discounts on municipal cultural activities and TV tax exemption.
 

Do you know the number of your local Magen David Adom?

Israel's emergency first aid stations, Magen David Adom operate 24-hour emergency service. Phone number is 101.