Israeli Discharged Soldier Navigator

Israeli Discharged Soldier Navigator

Problem

A 21-year-old who just finished sherut chova has access to a Pikadon (personal deposit), a separate discharge grant, three years of tax credit points, and (for Iron Swords combat veterans) full university tuition. The official information is scattered across the MoD's hachvana site, kolzchut, the Income Tax Ordinance, and the Knesset full-tuition law from December 2023. Most discharged soldiers either miss benefits entirely (especially the retroactive nekudot zikui), try to use Pikadon for non-permitted purposes (rental is the most common mistake, only purchase qualifies), or fail to claim within the 5-year statutory window. This skill walks the user through eligibility, the current indexed Pikadon rates per service tier, the 6 permitted pre-5y withdrawal purposes, the Tofes 101 claim flow for credit points, and the Iron Swords expansions, with the right form numbers and the right hachvana.mod.gov.il portal flows.

Instructions

Step 1: Establish Eligibility

The Pikadon and discharge grant are governed by Chok Klitat Chayalim Meshuchrarim, 5754-1994 (חוק קליטת חיילים משוחררים). The eligibility table:

| Service type | Minimum service | Pikadon? | Grant? | |---|---|---|---| | IDF mandatory (sherut chova) | 12 months | Yes | Yes | | MAGAV (Border Police) | 12 months | Yes | Yes | | Israel Police | 12 months | Yes | Yes | | SHABAS (Prison Service) | 12 months | Yes | Yes | | Sherut Leumi-Ezrachi (SLE) | 12 months | Yes (acher tier) | Yes | | Any of the above, Source quote (kolzchut): "מי שהשתחררו משירות חובה בצה\"ל, במג\"ב, במשטרת ישראל, בשב\"ס, או סיימו שירות לאומי-אזרחי ששירתו לפחות 12 חודשים"

Step 2: Compute the Pikadon Amount (2026 indexed rates)

The Pikadon accrues each month of paid service at a rate set by service type. Current 2026 indexed monthly rates from hachvana.mod.gov.il/GrantAndDeposit/DepositUpTo5:

| Service type (Hebrew) | English | NIS / month | |---|---|---| | לוחם | Combat | 993.46 | | תומך לחימה | Combat support | 827.89 | | שירות אחר / עורפי | Rear / regular | 662.31 | | שירות לאומי-אזרחי | National-civic service (SLE) | 662.31 |

Important caps and indexing rules:

| Rule | Detail | |---|---| | Male soldier accrual cap | 32 months of paid service | | Female soldier accrual cap | 24 months of paid service | | Beyond cap | No further Pikadon credit (unpaid extension does not accrue) | | Index | Balance updated at start of each month per CPI (madad) | | Type | Personal, cannot be transferred, pledged, or seized |

> Source quote (Chok Klitat Chayalim Meshuchrarim, Chapter ג): "הפקדון הוא אישי ואינו ניתן להעברה, לשעבוד או לעיקול בכל דרך שהיא"

Always direct the user to the official calculator for the personalized total, rates change monthly with the CPI: https://www.hachvana.mod.gov.il/GrantAndDeposit/DepositUpTo5/Pages/default.aspx (Pikadon calculator linked from the page).

Provide an order-of-magnitude estimate only when the user supplies (a) service type and (b) months served (capped at 32/24). The example below uses Feb 2026 rates and may drift by a few NIS/month over the year.

Step 3: The Discharge Grant (Manak Shichrur)

The discharge grant is separate from the Pikadon. Key facts:

| Question | Answer | |---|---| | When paid? | 20 to 60 days from end of service | | To where? | The same bank account that received salary during service | | Restrictions on use? | None, "any purpose you choose" (לכל מטרה בה תבחרו) | | Tax? | Exempt (same statute as Pikadon) | | Per-tier amounts | Indexed monthly, verify via hachvana personal area or the calculator |

> Source quote (hachvana GrantAndDeposit): "מענק שחרור, אשר יועבר לחשבונכם תוך 60 יום ממועד השחרור ובו תוכלו להשתמש לכל מטרה בה תבחרו"

Step 4: Pikadon Availability and Withdrawal Window

Two distinct timelines users routinely confuse:

| Event | Window | Notes | |---|---|---| | Pikadon visible in personal area | Day 14 after IDF / MAGAV / Police / SHABAS discharge | "כספי הפיקדון יעמדו לרשות המשתחררים החל מהיום ה-14" | | Pikadon visible (SLE) | Day 30 after SLE completion | Cross-check on hachvana.mod.gov.il | | Discharge grant landed | Day 20-60 after end of service | Automatic, no application needed | | Pre-5y window | Years 0-5, restricted to 6 statutory purposes only | See Step 5 | | Post-5y auto-transfer | Year 5+, balance auto-transfers to bank for any use | SMS notification, ~7 business days actual credit |

If the user expected money on day 1 and there's nothing in their account: this is normal, Pikadon needs 14 days, grant needs up to 60.

Step 5: The Six Permitted Pre-5-Year Withdrawal Purposes

Before the 5-year window closes, Pikadon can be withdrawn for these and ONLY these purposes (exact statutory wording from hachvana):

> "לימודים אקדמיים, הכשרה מקצועית, נישואין, הקמת עסק, לימודי נהיגה ורכישת דירה, בית או קרקע לבניית בית"

Numbered in the statute order quoted above:

| # | Purpose (Hebrew) | English | Typical evidence required | |---|---|---|---| | 1 | לימודים אקדמיים | Academic studies | Acceptance letter, tuition receipt, recognized institution (for abroad studies, verify recognition via Mishrad HaChinuch) | | 2 | הכשרה מקצועית | Professional / vocational training | Course registration + payment receipt from recognized provider | | 3 | נישואין | Marriage | Teudat Nisuin OR wedding hall contract / vendor receipts (works pre- or post-wedding within the 5y window) | | 4 | הקמת עסק | Starting / investing in a business | Osek Patur or Osek Murshe registration + business setup expenses (equipment, lease, registration fees) | | 5 | לימודי נהיגה | Driving lessons | Payment receipts from licensed instructor / driving school | | 6 | רכישת דירה / בית / קרקע לבניית בית | Purchase of apartment / house / land for building | Signed purchase agreement, NOT a rental contract |

Critical clarifications (the most common user mistakes):

| Mistake | Reality | |---|---| | "I can use Pikadon to pay rent on my first apartment" | No. Only purchase qualifies. Rental is not a permitted purpose. Tell the user to wait for the 5-year auto-transfer if they need cash for rent, or use the discharge grant (which has no restrictions). | | "I'll use it for my trip after the army (Big Trip)" | No. Travel is not a permitted purpose. The discharge grant can cover this, Pikadon cannot pre-5y. | | "It's for my degree, but I'm studying abroad" | Yes, if the institution is recognized by Mishrad HaChinuch / GHIL (Gimel Hod Israeli list). Verify before withdrawing. | | "Can my parents withdraw it for me?" | No. The Pikadon is personal and non-transferable. The user must apply via their own MY VISIT account. | | "I want to use it as collateral for a loan" | No. Statutorily non-pledgeable (לא ניתן לשעבוד). |

Step 6: Tax Credit Points (Nekudot Zikui) for Discharged Soldiers

This is the single most-missed benefit. Awarded under Pkudat Mas Hachnasa Section 39a (סעיף 39א, note: NOT Section 11) + Chok Klitat Chayalim Meshuchrarim.

| Service population + length | Points per year | Annual benefit value (2026) | Total over 36 months | |---|---|---|---| | Male IDF/MAGAV/Police/SHABAS ≥ 23 months | 2 | ~5,808 NIS | 17,424 NIS | | Male, 12-22 months | 1 | ~2,904 NIS | 8,712 NIS | | Female IDF/MAGAV/Police/SHABAS ≥ 22 months | 2 | ~5,808 NIS | 17,424 NIS | | Female, 12-21 months | 1 | ~2,904 NIS | 8,712 NIS | | SLE (any gender) ≥ 24 months | 2 | ~5,808 NIS | 17,424 NIS | | SLE (any gender) 12-23 months | 1 | ~2,904 NIS | 8,712 NIS | | Source quote (kolzchut nekudot zikui): "חיילים 23 חודשים ומעלה: 2 | חיילים בין 12 ל-23 חודשים: 1 | 36 חודשים לאחר השחרור, החל מהחודש שלאחר חודש השחרור"

If the user discharged 2-6 years ago and has been working but never claimed: route them to Tofes 135 for retroactive refund. This is real money that gets left on the table.

Step 7: Tax Exemption of Pikadon and Grant

Both the Pikadon withdrawals AND the discharge grant are exempt from income tax under Pkudat Mas Hachnasa Section 9(27) (סעיף 9(27), note: NOT Section 9(7), which covers severance pay).

> Source quote (kolzchut): "מכספי הפיקדון האישי לא מנוכה מס הכנסה (פקודת מס הכנסה, סעיף 9(27))"

This means a user withdrawing the full Pikadon balance for academic studies receives the full amount, no tax. Reassure users panicking that "such a big lump sum will hit me with mas hachnasa", it does not.

Step 8: Iron Swords (חרבות ברזל) Expanded Benefits, Mimadim 100%

Tikkun 25 to Chok Klitat Chayalim Meshuchrarim, approved by the Knesset on 8 Tevet 5784 (December 20, 2023), raised the Mimadim LiLimudim ("Uniform to Studies") scholarship coverage to 100% of annual undergraduate tuition and extended the eligibility window from 3 to 5 years after discharge. Key facts:

| Aspect | Detail | |---|---| | Who qualifies | Lochem (combat) classification on Teudat Shichrur AND "special populations", lone soldiers, new immigrants, conscripts with children, recognized minorities. Combat-support (tomech lechima) may also qualify depending on the special-populations definition for each cohort. Verify on hachvana for the current cycle. | | Coverage | 100% of annual undergraduate tuition (BA or MA scope per Mimadim rules). Tuition only, does NOT cover dorms, living costs, or non-academic expenses. | | Window | Usable up to 5 years after end of service (raised from 3 years by Tikkun 25). | | Application | Via the Education section of the personal area at hachvana.mod.gov.il (look for "ממדים ללימודים" / "Mimadim LiLimudim"). | | Statute citation | Tikkun 25 to Chok Klitat Chayalim Meshuchrarim, approved 20 Dec 2023. Bill sponsors: MKs Katz, Dallal, Nir, Biton. |

What this skill does NOT do: Match the user to a specific university scholarship beyond Mimadim. For PEREACH / Adams / Rashi / Rothschild / Mimadim deep-dive, route to israeli-academic-scholarships.

Step 8.5: Other High-Value Benefits, Mention-and-Route

These adjacent benefits are operationally distinct from the Pikadon + grant + Mimadim core of this skill. Mention them to the user and route to the appropriate skill or surface a link:

| Benefit | Who delivers it | Where to route | |---|---|---| | מענק עבודה מועדפת / נדרשת, cash grant for discharged soldiers who work 6 months full-time in defined sectors (construction, agriculture, manufacturing, hotels, gas stations, disability care) within 24 months of discharge. Single largest non-Pikadon cash benefit. | Bituach Leumi (file Tofes 1521) | israeli-bituach-leumi | | Discharged-soldier unemployment (dmei avtala), up to 70 days year-1 | Bituach Leumi | israeli-unemployment-benefits-navigator | | Arnona discount for discharged soldiers (typically 4 months, per municipal regulation) | Local authority | Check with arnona office | | 2-month Bituach Leumi + health-insurance exemption post-discharge | Bituach Leumi automatic | israeli-bituach-leumi | | Free public transport (1 year post-discharge) | Egged / Israel Rail | Apply on relevant transit operator portal | | "Bahatzda" benefits card (discounts at retailers) | Independent | hachvana.mod.gov.il | | Service-type appeal (combat vs combat-support classification) | IDF Mador Iturim | Apply via personal area or directly to Mador Iturim | | Pikadon inheritance on death in service | MoD Mador Mishpachot Shakulot | Refer to bereavement department |

Step 9: The hachvana.mod.gov.il Personal Area

Every flow above happens through the personal area at hachvana.mod.gov.il. The user logs in via the government Identifier (מזהה ממשלתי) or the MoD mobile app push (smart-card login is deprecated). Then they can:

| Action | Path | |---|---| | View Pikadon balance | Personal area > Pikadon | | Submit a withdrawal request | Personal area > Pikadon > Submit withdrawal (select purpose + upload evidence) | | Update bank account on file | Personal area > Settings | | Schedule a career counselor | Personal area > Hachvana > Schedule via MY VISIT (Zoom or phone) | | Apply for Mimadim scholarship | Personal area > Education > Mimadim | | Download Teudat Shichrur | Personal area > Documents |

If the user can't log in: there is no manual fallback for withdrawals, they must call the department directly via the contact channels on hachvana.mod.gov.il.

Step 10: Required Documents Checklist

Before any benefit application, the user needs:

1. Teudat Shichrur (discharge certificate), downloadable from MY VISIT personal area or via IDF
2. Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID), needed for login + every form
3. Israeli bank account in user's name, Pikadon will NOT pay out to a foreign account or a parent's account
4. Purpose-specific evidence (for pre-5y Pikadon withdrawal):

• Studies: acceptance letter + tuition invoice
• Vocational training: registration + receipt
• Driving: school receipts
• Business: Osek registration + setup expenses
• Marriage: Teudat Nisuin OR vendor receipts
• Apartment: signed purchase agreement

1. Form 101 + Teudat Shichrur for nekudot zikui (give to employer)

Examples

Example 1: Just discharged combat, wants Pikadon for driving lessons

User says: "I just finished my service as a lochem (32 months). Can I use my Pikadon for a driving course?"

Actions:

1. Confirm eligibility: 32 months IDF lochem → full Pikadon, capped at 32 months.
2. Estimate amount: 32 × 993.46 NIS (Feb 2026 lochem rate). Direct user to the official calculator for the personalized current total.
3. Confirm purpose: driving lessons (לימודי נהיגה) is purpose #3 of the 6 permitted pre-5y purposes, YES, eligible.
4. Note timeline: Pikadon visible day 14 after discharge.
5. Documents needed: driving school payment receipts.
6. Send to: hachvana.mod.gov.il personal area > Pikadon > Submit withdrawal.

Example 2: 3 years after discharge, wants Pikadon for rental deposit

User says: "I discharged 3 years ago, I still have money in my Pikadon, can I use it for the deposit on my first rental apartment?"

Actions:

1. Stop. Rental is not one of the 6 permitted pre-5y purposes. Only purchase qualifies.
2. Options to present:

• Option A: Wait until year 5, at the 5-year mark, the balance auto-transfers to your bank account for any use including rent.
• Option B: If user is enrolled in studies, withdraw under purpose #1 (academic studies) for tuition expenses, freeing other cash for rent.
• Option C: If user is buying (not renting), purpose #6 applies, bring the signed purchase agreement.

1. Confirm timeline: 3y post-discharge means 2 more years to the auto-transfer. Suggest setting a reminder.

Example 3: Sherut Leumi-Ezrachi completer, wants to know what she's entitled to

User says: "My daughter finished Sherut Leumi-Ezrachi 18 months ago, what is she entitled to?"

Actions:

1. Confirm eligibility: SLE 18 months ≥ 12 → eligible for Pikadon and grant.
2. Compute Pikadon: SLE tier is acher (662.31 NIS/month × 18 months). Direct user to the official calculator for the personalized current total.
3. Discharge grant: should have already landed within 60 days of completion, verify with her bank statements; if missing, contact hachvana.
4. 6 permitted purposes apply equally.
5. Nekudot zikui: 18 months falls in the 12-22 range → 1 point/year for 36 months from month after SLE completion if she has taxable income. Submit Tofes 101 to her employer.
6. If she discharged 18 months ago and never claimed credit points: file Tofes 135 retroactive for missed months.

Example 4: Combat veteran discharged 2024, asks about free university

User says: "I'm a lochem who discharged March 2024, I heard the Knesset passed free university?"

Actions:

1. Confirm eligibility: discharged March 2024 as lochem → eligible for Mimadim 100% tuition (raised by Tikkun 25, December 20, 2023).
2. Coverage: 100% of annual undergraduate tuition. Tuition only, does not cover dorms, living, or expenses beyond Mimadim scope.
3. Window: 5 years from end of service (e

…

Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: skills-il
• Source: skills-il/government-services
• License: MIT

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.