Apply for the communication basket for adults with hearing loss to buy communication aids

The Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs provides a communication basket for adults with hearing loss. You can use the hearing basket to get reimbursed for communications aids on the ministry’s list.

You can get reimbursed for aids that you buy after your application is approved, and not retroactively for aids you’ve already bought.

Who can get communication pay

You can get communication pay if you meet all the conditions:

• you have hearing loss of at least 70 decibels in your good ear
• the hearing loss began before you were 3 
• you’re over 18
• you were under the pension age on 15 August 2002. Pension age is 62 for women and 67 for men
• you’re an Israeli citizen

How much can you get

• You can get reimbursed for up to ILS 4,228 over a 4 year period (as of February 2025)
• You can use the entire sum within the 4 year period. After 4 years it'll be renewed
• You’ll need to pay a minimum co-pay of at least 10 percent per item

You can be reimbursed for:

hearing aids:

• TV listening aid systems
• FM personal amplification systems
• personal hearing amplifiers
• communication accessories
• phones with an amplified ring and visual or vibrating ring alert 
• portable amplifiers that connect to a phone earpiece
• phone amplifiers and ring amplifiers
• mobile phones that include text messaging
• vibrating batteries for mobile phones
• handsfree speaker for mobile phones with amplification or streaming for T mode
• handsfree for cars with streaming for T mode
• videophones
• stationary or portable fax machines

computer, TV or car accessories

• desktop, laptop or tablet computers
• printers
• webcams
• modems

an you can get a tax refund for:

• digital subtitles converters
• teletext decoders
• TV system for trucks
• TV phones
• panoramic mirrors for inside and outside the car

How to apply

• Contact your local Department of Social Services and ask to apply for the communications basket
• After your application has been reviewed, an answer will be sent to a department social worker, update you
• If you’re application is approved, you can buy the items on the list and get reimbursed

How to get reimbursed

Reimbursements will be paid into your bank account by the supplier, if you have'nt used all the communication pay and are eligible.

After buying an item, send the following to the supplier who has been awarded the tender to provide the communication basket:

• an invoice or receipt in your name for the purchase of communication the aid
• a photocopy of your ID card
• your bank account details

You can send the documents by:

• email to [email protected]
• fax to 03-6486030
• post to
  Communication Support Center - Shmaya Association
  Beit Noach, Floor 4
  Ben Gurion 38 corner of Jabotinsky 155
  Ramat Gan
  PO Box 393, Bnei Brak