Government Announces Cash Grants for Evacuees Ahead of Passover

In a gesture aimed at easing the burden on evacuees unable to return to their homes in the north and south of Israel, the government has approved a generous cash grant ahead of the Passover holiday. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich spearheaded the initiative, which seeks to provide financial relief to those affected by ongoing displacement.

Each evacuee will receive a cash grant of 1,000 shekels per person, with families eligible for up to 5,000 shekels. This decision follows a previous grant issued four months ago to aid evacuees in preparing for winter. Now, in anticipation of the heavy expenses associated with Passover, the government has extended further assistance to those displaced from their homes.

The application process for the grant opened today, with funds promised to be transferred within three business days of submission, and efforts made by the Tax Authority to expedite the process even before the holiday begins. Eligibility for the grant is reserved for residents whose return to their settlements has been postponed until July 7, 2024. Those evacuated since October 7, 2023, and who have not yet returned home, qualify for assistance.

However, residents in localities deemed safe for return by government decisions 1193 and 1478 are exempt from the grant. The application process has been streamlined to ensure simplicity, with one spouse required to fill out an online form for the entire family unit. Additionally, children over the age of 18, even if residing with their parents, must submit separate applications.

The deadline for applications is May 7, 2024, with processing assured within three business days after submission, following verification of applicants' bank accounts by the Tax Authority. Importantly, this grant does not serve as compensation for damages eligible under property tax laws and compensation funds, ensuring that recipients receive additional support without impacting existing entitlements.

The government estimates the total cost of Passover grants at approximately 66 million shekels, supplementing previous assistance efforts. According to the Tax Authority, around 88,000 applications were submitted for previous grants, with a total disbursement of approximately 181 million shekels, underscoring the significant impact of these initiatives on affected communities.