National Insurance Benefits – Everything You Need to Know About Your Rights Through Bituach Leumi
For many Israelis coping with illness, disability, or trauma, Bituach Leumi—the National Insurance Institute—plays a central role in day-to-day life. Whether you’re unable to work, need assistance with personal care, or are raising a child with special needs, there are government benefits available to help.
But applying for these rights is not always simple. From detailed paperwork to strict eligibility tests, many people give up before they receive what they deserve. In this guide, we break down the major benefit programs Bituach Leumi offers—who is eligible, what the benefits include, how the process works, and why legal support can make a real difference.
General Disability Pension
What is it?
A monthly benefit paid to individuals aged 18 to retirement age who have lost their ability to earn a living due to a medical, mental, or combined condition.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if:
- You have a medical disability rating of at least 60%
- You’ve lost at least 50% of your earning capacity
- You meet income thresholds and are an Israeli resident
What does the compensation include?
A monthly allowance, adjusted based on disability level, marital status, and number of children. In addition, you may qualify for rent assistance, income supplements, municipal discounts, and tax breaks.
Long-Term Care Allowance (Siyud)
What is it?
This benefit helps elderly individuals who need help with daily functions due to physical or cognitive decline.
Who is eligible?
Israeli citizens over retirement age who need help with basic functions, like walking, bathing, dressing, etc.
What does it include?
Instead of cash, recipients receive:
- In-home caregiver hours
- Nurse visits
- Emergency call buttons
- Medical equipment
Eligibility is based on a functional assessment by a Bituach Leumi representative.
Special Services Allowance (Sharap/Shar”M)
What is it?
A monthly cash benefit for people with severe disabilities who need ongoing help with personal care.
Who is eligible?
Adults between ages 18–67 who suffer from significant limitations in activities like dressing, bathing, eating, or mobility.
What does it include?
Monthly cash payments, based on the level of dependency—ranging from partial to full care. Funds can be used to hire aides, cover transportation, or manage daily needs.
Mobility Benefits (Naydut)
What is it?
A benefit designed for individuals with significant mobility impairments—especially lower-body disabilities—that limit walking or using public transportation.
Who is eligible?
- Children and adults with mobility restrictions
- Must undergo a mobility committee examination
- Only available to Israeli citizens with residency in Israel
What does it include?
- Monthly mobility allowance
- Vehicle tax exemptions (including reduced purchase tax and license fees)
- Funding for a modified vehicle or lift
- Parking permits and fuel reimbursements
Vocational Rehabilitation (Sikum Miktzo’i)
What is it?
A program that helps individuals with disabilities return to the workforce through training, education, and support.
Who is eligible?
- Individuals who were granted disability status by Bituach Leumi
- Must be assessed as able to rehabilitate into the workforce
What does it include?
- Career assessments
- Tuition for vocational training or academic studies
- Transportation and living expenses during training
- Job placement support
Disabled Child Benefit (Yeled Nechev)
What is it?
A monthly cash benefit for families raising a child with physical, emotional, cognitive, or developmental disabilities.
Who is eligible?
Parents of children under age 18 who:
- Are diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition or developmental delay
- Require special care, supervision, or medical treatments
What does it include?
- Monthly cash benefit (amount depends on condition and severity)
- Additional rights such as:
- Property tax discounts
- Transportation reimbursement
- Tax benefits and special education support
Accident Injury Benefit (Nifgaei Te’unot)
What is it?
A short-term benefit for individuals who were injured in a non-work, non-traffic accident and are temporarily unable to work.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who:
- Was injured in a sudden and unexpected accident
- Cannot work for at least 12 days
- Was employed or self-employed at the time of the accident
What does it include?
- Up to 90 days of payments (like paid sick leave)
- Based on previous salary
- May include medical expense reimbursements
Hostile Action Casualty Compensation (Nifgaei Peulot Eivah)
What is it?
A benefit for victims of terror attacks or hostile acts, including bombings, shootings, stabbings, and rocket fire.
Who is eligible?
- Any Israeli citizen, resident, or legal visitor injured in a hostile act
- Also available to family members of those killed
What does it include?
- Monthly disability pension
- Medical treatment coverage
- Psychological counseling
- Rehabilitation and home modifications
- In fatal cases: survivor benefits and bereavement grants
What Is Involved in the Process?
The process for applying to any Bituach Leumi benefit includes:
- Submitting forms with detailed personal, employment, and medical information
- Providing supporting documentation—including test results, medical summaries, and income records
- Appearing before medical or functional committees, depending on the claim type
- In some cases, undergoing vocational or functional assessments
Decisions can take weeks to months. If the claim is rejected, appeals can be filed internally and in court.
Why Should You Contact a Lawyer?
Bituach Leumi applications are filled with technical language, bureaucracy, and strict medical evaluations. Many deserving applicants are denied benefits simply because they didn’t present their case correctly.
A skilled lawyer will:
- Collect and submit the right medical documentation
- Prepare clients for medical or functional committee interviews
- File appeals when necessary—quickly and effectively
- Identify additional benefits you may be entitled to but didn’t know existed
We Are Here to Help
At Shimoff Azoulay Law Offices, we’ve helped hundreds of clients obtain their full rights from Bituach Leumi. From first-time applications to complex appeals, we handle every stage of the process with deep knowledge, sensitivity, and determination. Whether it’s a physical disability, a long-term illness, or the challenges of raising a disabled child—we’re by your side every step of the way.
If you’re struggling with a medical or functional issue—or caring for someone who is—don’t give up on your rights. Contact us today for expert legal support. Let’s make sure you receive the benefits you deserve.