New Rules Allow Debtors to Structure Fines and Fees Up to 15,000 Shekels
Israel's Enforcement and Collection Authority has launched new regulations allowing debtors with liabilities under 15,000 shekels to independently structure payment plans online or via phone.
The Enforcement and Collection Authority has published new regulations governing the structuring or deferral of debt payments through the Center for Fines, Fees, and Expenses. These rules introduce standardized payment arrangements for debtors whose total liabilities do not exceed 15,000 shekels, allowing them to spread their balances across structured monthly installments.
Payment Tiers and Digital Access
Under the new guidelines, debtors with total liabilities up to 15,000 shekels can independently arrange payment plans online via their personal portal on the authority's website or by contacting the service hotline at *35592. The repayment tiers are categorized by debt size: debts up to 1,000 shekels carry a monthly installment of 250 shekels; debts between 1,000 and 5,000 shekels require a 500-shekel monthly payment; debts ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 shekels are set at 750 shekels per month; and liabilities between 10,000 and 15,000 shekels require a monthly payment of 1,000 shekels.
This self-service structuring option is available to debtors once for their initial arrangement. The automated process allows individuals to select their preferred monthly debit date and installment count, followed by SMS payment reminders. However, the rules exclude compensation debts owed to crime victims and fines subject to pending imprisonment orders. Furthermore, structuring debt under these new rules does not automatically halt collection proceedings, meaning debtors must file a separate formal request for a stay of proceedings, though they retain the right to petition for reductions in late-fee surcharges.
Deferrals and Official Statements
Another regulatory update addresses pre-collection files where payment deadlines occur after the issuance of an opening of proceedings order or a stay of proceedings under the Insolvency and Economic Rehabilitation Law. In such cases, payment deadlines are automatically deferred by 60 days following the granting of a discharge, the termination of the stay of proceedings, or the cancellation of the insolvency procedure.
Enforcement and Collection Authority Director Uri Wallerstein emphasized the significance of the updated framework:
"This is a very important service milestone for the public. Providing the ability to independently structure fine and fee payments allows debtors to conveniently settle their liabilities through a streamlined process that is a first of its kind in enforcement and collection."
Wallerstein added that the automated online procedures and uniform permissions granted to hotline representatives eliminate the need for lengthy application reviews, ensuring a structured approach while the authority continues developing advanced collection solutions for the public benefit.
