Education, between the ages of 5 and 15, is compulsory and free and is usually provided by state schools. The state subsidizes housing for low income and immigrant families. Of the expenditure devoted to direct services, education is the major source of expenditure. Health expenditure was a second major focus of government expenditure for social protection. Despite the comprehensive nature of the Israeli welfare state and its level of social expenditure, poverty levels and inequality in Israel are higher than those in most other developed welfare states.
Child poverty is also high in Israel and has remained stable over the last decade.
Israel has a 12 week maternity leave program, six of which can be taken before the expected birth. She is also eligible for another nine months of unpaid leave following the 12 week paid leave period. Since 1995, fathers may take parental leave instead of the mother, from the seventh week following the birth, and they are also eligible for a parental allowance for a period of up to 42 days. By law, full time working mothers are eligible to work an hour less per day during the four months following the completion of their maternity leave. Parents are also granted up to six days a year fully paid sick leave in order to care for sick children under the age of 16.