Ma'anak Avodah - What you need to know!

Maybe you've heard about this already, and maybe this is new information for you. There is a reverse-tax benefit in Israel for low-income families. It's called the "Maanak Avodah" or "Working Grant". The point of this grant is to put more money in your pocket if you earn less than a certain amount of money!

Please don't miss out on this if you qualify - apply as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment later. It won't take much of your time to apply, and you can do it now, BEFORE YOU FORGET! Right now, you can apply for the 2016 grant AND for the 2017 grant. The application deadline is supposed to be November 30 of each year, but the system is currently still accepting late applications for the 2016 fiscal year.
  
Updated information for the 2017 grant: 
Who can apply for this grant?

You can apply for this grant if: 

1. You were employed or self employed
 
2. You were 23 years of age or older, with minor children, or 55 years of age or above, without minor children
 
3. You did not own more than 50% of a property or rights to a property in the 2016 tax year, other than your primary residence
 
4. If you have one or two children, or are age 55+ without children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,060 and 6,126 you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 1-2 children (with custody of your minor children), average monthly income must fall between 1,270 and 9,400 NIS
 
5. If you have 3 or more children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,060 NIS and 6,736 NIS, you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 3 or more children (with custody), you may qualify if your income is between 1,270 and 11,474 NIS per month.

How do you apply? 

Online, if you have applied at least once in the last TWO years.

If you have not applied in the last 2 years, all you have to do is go to the post office and answer a few questions. BE SURE to bring your teudat zehut (ID card) and either your checkbook or an "ishur" from your bank that you have an account with them. Please keep any paperwork you receive at the post office and/or in the mail. 

If you have questions after you've applied, or to check the status of your application, you can call *4954 or 1-222-4954 or 02-565-6400 to speak with the Tax Authority. 

How much can you expect to receive? 

The amount you receive will vary depending on your circumstances, and if you qualify, will vary from 20 shekels/month to 720 shekels/month (240 shekels yearly to 8,640 shekels yearly). (These amounts are based upon older information, and I'll update when the exact amounts for this year are published.)

Your spouse's income may affect your eligibility, as may various other factors.

I hope this helps some of you out there! It's worth it to check if you are eligible.

Please share this information with your friends and family who may benefit from it!