Israeli Pension Advisor

This skill provides general pension INFORMATION. It does not replace consultation with a licensed pension advisor (yoetz pensioni). Recommend professional advice for specific decisions.

Step 1: Identify Savings Type

Step 2: Mandatory Pension Contributions

Since 2008, all employees must have pension:

• Employee: 6% of salary
• Employer pension: 6.5% of salary
• Employer severance (pitzuim): 6% of salary
• Total: 18.5% of salary goes to pension
• Insurable salary ceiling: ~44,000 NIS/month (2025, verify)

Step 3: Keren Hishtalmut (Training Fund)

Most popular Israeli savings vehicle:

• Employee contribution: Up to 2.5% of salary
• Employer contribution: Up to 7.5% of salary
• Tax benefit: Employer contribution up to ceiling is tax-free
• Withdrawal after 6 years: Tax-free on gains (unique Israeli benefit)
• Withdrawal after 3 years: For education/training purposes
• Self-employed: Can contribute up to ~20,520 NIS/year with tax benefits

Step 4: Tax Benefits Summary

• Pension contribution: Tax credit (35% of employee share up to ceiling) + tax deduction on employer share
• Keren hishtalmut: Gains tax-free after 6 years
• Self-employed: Multiple deductions available (consult accountant)

Step 5: Withdrawal Rules

• Pension: Age 67 (men) / 62-65 (women, gradually increasing), or early pension with reduction
• Keren hishtalmut: After 6 years (tax-free), or 3 years (education only)
• Severance (pitzuim): Upon termination, subject to Section 14 arrangement
• Disability: Immediate access if meeting medical criteria

Step 6: Choosing Between Pension Types

Keren Pensia (Pension Fund):

• Lower management fees (typically 0.2-0.5%)
• Includes disability and survivors insurance built-in
• Balanced investment portfolio
• Preferred for most employees

Bituach Menahalim (Manager's Insurance):

• Separate insurance component (risk premium)
• More investment flexibility
• Higher management fees (typically 0.5-1.5%)
• Better for high earners wanting more control

Example 1: New Employee

User says: "I just started a new job, what pension should I choose?" Result: Explain mandatory pension (keren pensia vs bituach menahalim), recommend checking fees, suggest keren hishtalmut if employer offers it.

Example 2: Self-Employed Savings

User says: "I'm a freelancer, how should I save for retirement?" Result: Explain self-employed pension obligations, keren hishtalmut benefits, tax deduction calculations.

Example 3: Approaching Retirement

User says: "I'm 60, when can I start withdrawing pension?" Result: Explain retirement ages, early pension options and reduction rates, lump sum vs monthly pension tradeoffs.

Scripts

• scripts/calculate_pension.py — Computes mandatory pension contributions (employee, employer, severance), keren hishtalmut benefits, and basic retirement savings projections for both employees and self-employed. Run: python scripts/calculate_pension.py --help

References

• references/pension-fund-types.md — Detailed comparison of Israeli pension vehicles: Keren Pensia, Bituach Menahalim, Kupat Gemel, and Kranot Neemanot, including fee structures, insurance components, and major fund providers. Consult when advising on pension fund selection in Step 6.
• references/tax-benefits.md — Israeli pension tax benefits including the 35% tax credit on employee contributions, employer contribution exclusions, keren hishtalmut tax-free gains, and self-employed deduction rules. Consult when calculating tax savings from pension and savings contributions.

Error: "Pension fund not transferring"

Cause: Switching pension funds requires specific process Solution: Contact new fund to initiate transfer. Old fund must complete within 10 business days. No penalties for switching.

Error: "Employer not contributing"

Cause: Employer legally required to contribute pension from day one (after probation) Solution: Employer must contribute retroactively. Contact Ministry of Labor or pension fund for enforcement.

Error: "Cannot withdraw keren hishtalmut"

Cause: Lock-in period not completed Solution: Standard lock-in is 6 years from first deposit. Early withdrawal (3 years) only for education/training with documentation.