PSA: Government Appointment System

 Do you have to make an appointment with an official entity in Israel?

I didn't know this, but sometime since the last time I had to go to Misrad Hapnim, some changes happened.

We used to make appointments for almost all government offices on MyVisit.com

But now, some appointments have moved over to another platform - Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of the Interior/Population Registry office) and Misrad Hatachburah (Ministry of Transportation) are now taking appointments via GoVisit - https://govisit.gov.il/he/home

Screenshot of the website

I was able to get the appointment I needed for less than a month from now, in my small town. However, some services (like a standalone passport appointment - as opposed to a Teudat Zehut appointment where you can do a passport at the same time) have LONG waiting times. So make an appointment for whatever you need as early as possible, so you won't get stuck!

Hope this helps someone.

Books - another free delivery option!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

 

It's quite the stressful time here in Israel. And while I feel it's important to stay in the loop, sometimes it's also good to disconnect a bit (keep your phone on so you'll still get Home Front Command alerts) and you know how much I believe in reading books.

If you're looking to get some new books, I wanted to let you know about some options you might not have heard about, with free shipping available to Israel!

Eva's Used Books is a small olim-owned business that ships books within Israel. They don't have a massive inventory, but they do constantly refresh! Definitely check it out.

And if Eva's doesn't have what you're looking for, be sure to check out Blackwell's! On their site, the cost of delivery is included in the price of the books, and they ship from the UK. (I'm hearing from some people that they aren't currently shipping orders to Israel - we'll have to get to the bottom of this!)

The same rules apply for orders from Blackwell's as all other overseas websites - personal imports to Israel under $75 are tax-free. Orders over $75 will incur VAT and possibly other fees. I recommend ordering the equivalent of less than $75 of merchandise from any given website at one time.

If you're looking for books in Hebrew, check out Prag - they have really inexpensive digital offers, too! This website is Israel-based.

Ma'anak Avodah 2022 (Reverse-Tax Benefit)

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 still apply for the 2022 grant AND some people can also apply for the 2021 grant. 
  
Updated information for the 2022 grant: 
Who can apply for this grant?

You can apply for this grant if: 

1. You were employed or self-employed
 
2. You were 21 years of age or older, and have minor children*, or 55 years of age or above, even if you have no minor children
 
3. You did not own more than 50% of a property or rights to a property (anywhere in the world) in the 2022 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 2,240 and 6,750 you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 1-2 children (with custody of your minor children), your average monthly income must fall between 1,380 and 10,230 NIS to qualifyץ
 
5. If you have 3 or more children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,240 NIS and 7,400 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 1,380 and 12,480 NIS per month.

*children who are counted are those who are under the age of 19 as of 31/12/2022

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 check the status of your request online in your "eizor ishi", or call *4954 or or 02-565-6400 to speak with the Tax Authority. 

Your payment may arrive in anywhere from 1-4 installments.

How much can you expect to receive? 

The amount you receive will vary depending on your circumstances, and if you qualify, could be up to 13,104 NIS.

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!