What is the minimum Bituach Leumi contribution period to qualify for maternity pay in Israel?

To qualify for maternity (dmei leidah) payments from Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute), the mother must have been insured and contributed to National Insurance for at least 10 of the 14 months immediately preceding the birth. Alternatively, contributions for 15 of the 22 months before birth also qualify. Under Section 49 of the National Insurance Law (Consolidated Version) 5755-1995, "contributing" means being employed or self-employed with active NII payments during those months — tourist visa holders and undocumented workers generally cannot accumulate this history. The payment rate is the employee's average daily income over the 3 months before leave commenced.

For foreign workers on valid work permits, National Insurance contributions are deducted from wages by the employer automatically, meaning qualifying months accumulate with each month of legal employment. A worker who was employed in Israel for at least 10 of the 14 months preceding birth may still qualify even if no longer employed at the time of birth. Applications must be submitted to Bituach Leumi within 12 months of birth; retroactive claims filed after that deadline are generally rejected. For more detail, see Maternity and Paternity Leave in Israel: Entitlements, Pay and Procedures.