This study examines the attitudes of 91 undergraduate social work students toward clients with basic needs in Israel. The results indicate that only about 1/3 of the students consider the treatment of clients with basic needs to be a part of the profession. In addition, a positive correlation was found between willingness to help clients with basic needs and: (a) the student having been in a state of self-need; (b) the level of clients' distress; and (c) the availability of means to supply basic necessities. The results are discussed in relation to the social work curriculum. (Contains 1 table.)