The National Insurance Institute at your service

Dear Citizens, The mission of the National Insurance Institute of Israel is to provide us a social safety net at every stage of our lives. As the Minister of Social Affairs and Social Services, responsible for the National Insurance, I promote laws and reforms intended to safeguard your well-being and which will make it easier for you to exercise your entitlements. I am pleased to inform you, that there have been positive developments in the service provided to Israel’s citizens since I assumed this post. We have separated the appeals committees in the north from the National Insurance Institute, thereby giving independence to the debates over disability percentages. We have established Yad Mechavenet branches, which provide free advice and guidance to the medical committees in Be'er Sheva and Haifa, and in 2016 we will be extending this nationwide deployment also to the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas. To prevent debts and penalties from accumulating, we have undertaken a move to write off old debts and to prevent the formation of new ones by assigning employers the duty to report online in a manner where reliable, real-time information is transmitted, regarding employee wages or early pensions. We have improved the Internet website through recognition of the importance of making information accessible and of minimizing the citizens’ exposure to bureaucratic processes. From now on many documents may be submitted without having to arrive at the branch offices or stand in line. In addition we have a telephone service, which is available to answer any question. Out of our profound commitment to the well-being of our senior citizens, we have increased the income support assistance for senior citizens and widows. We have formed a fast track at the medical committees, at the Soroka and Sheba medical centers, such that in acute medical cases, where the patient is unable to get to the meetings at which their percentage of disability is determined in the patient’s absence. We have also brought forward the date for receiving the long-term care benefit for senior citizens, to enable it to be transferred within one week from the decision on eligibility. These days we are working on easing the dependency tests for the long term care benefit, and we are also working on broadening the reach of eligibility for the benefit. The quality of the service we provide to the public is at the top of our priorities list. My goal is to turn the National Insurance Institute into an organization that will be sensitive to people’s plights, accessible to the public and measurable in its accomplishments. We will continue to cut bureaucratic processes, and the public’s waiting times for feedback, where my overriding ambition is to see to it that whoever is entitled to anything will be given what is rightfully theirs, and that this will be done as quickly as possible.

Sincerely, MK Haim Katz, Minister of Social Affairs and Social Services

Dear Citizens, The National Insurance Institute is the leading and most professional organization in Social Security in Israel, and its main function is facilitating benefits to those eligible by law. The National Insurance Institute stretches out an economic and social safety net to extensive population classes, such as families with children, seniors, widows and orphans, and for all insured persons during personal crises such as termination, disability and work injuries. Overall – some 75 billion NIS in benefits are paid out to the public annually. In addition, the National Insurance Institute also operates, through its Rehabilitation Department and its five funds, Vocational rehabilitation programs and social services to special-needs populations. We are making significant efforts to promote social legislation, to care for the welfare of those insured and for a proper existence of the weaker classes, while maintaining a continual dialogue with the public, and trying to fulfill the value of mutual responsibility, in the spirit of the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “Every one shall help his neighbor and shall say to his brother: Be of good courage” (Isaiah 41:6). Our main objectives are to initiate action to fulfill citizens’ rights at the National Insurance Institute, and to provide quality service and sensitivity to those who approach us. We are tirelessly working to improve the service given at the various branches, and are opening new service centers in the periphery. At the same time, in an attempt to bring the service closer to the public, we are developing services which reduce the need to visit the branches in order to receive service. We have established a national call center to service the public, and operate computerized stations for self-service. We have also greatly expanded the services provided on the National Insurance Institute website, to include online submission of claims and documents, making payments and receiving individual service, and we have developed an application for mobile phones, all of which enable you to receive service from your home. In this booklet you will find general explanations regarding the conditions for eligibility to receive benefits from the National Insurance Institute, the obligation to pay National Insurance contributions and Health Insurance contributions, and information on services provided at the branches and through other service channels. I hope this information assists you in fulfilling your rights at the National Insurance Institute, and in receiving speedy and efficient service. Sincerely, Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yossef Director General

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 1 Table of Contents

• Maternity Insurance – Birth Grant, Maternity Benefit, Risk Pregnancy Benefit 4 • Child Insurance 6 • Compensation for persons who serve in the reserves 7 • Grants to discharged soldiers performing priority Work 8 • Unemployment insurance 9 • Employees’ Rights Following Bankruptcy and Corporate Dissolution 10 • Rights of Volunteers 10 • Compensation for Victims of hostilities 11 • Work Injured Insurance 12 • Disability Insurance – General disability, Special Services, Disabled Child 14 • Mobility Allowance 16 • Accident Victim Insurance 18 • Benefits for a child orphaned by Domestic Violence 18 • Vocational Rehabilitation 19 • Income Support Benefits 20 • Maintenance Payments (Alimony) 22 • Compensation for Prisoners of Zion and families of Martyrs 23 • Compensation for Righteous Gentiles 23 • Survivor's Insurance 24 • Old-age Insurance 26 • Long-term Care Insurance 28 • Counseling Service for the Elderly 29 • Appealing a decision of the National Insurance Institute 30 • The National Insurance Institute Funds 31 • Payment of National Insurance Contributions and Health Insurance Contributions 32 • National Insurance Institute Service Channels 36 • International Social Security Treaties in the field of The social security 38 • National Insurance Institute branches 40

This booklet provides general information and should not be deemed to be the full and authorized text of the law. Everything stated in the male gender refers to women as well.

2 National Insurance Institute

The National Insurance Institute is a national organization for social insurance operating by mandate. Its main function is to guarantee means of living for Israeli residents who are unable to earn a living. The National Insurance Institute collects insurance contributions from all residents, based on their income and their status, and pays out benefits and pensions to those eligible by law. The National Insurance Institute is also responsible for the collection of Health Insurance contributions, in accordance with the National Health Insurance Law, and transfers the health insurance contributions to the HMOs. The National Insurance Institute pays out benefits and pensions to the unemployed, women on maternity leave, the disabled, those with restricted mobility, those injured at work or in accidents, victims of hostilities, military reservists called to serve, families with children, seniors, widows and orphans, low income families, employees of employers who have filed for bankruptcy, volunteers and more. The benefits are intended to provide economic protection to each resident and family in times of temporary or persistent loss of income. By collecting insurance contributions with one hand, and paying out benefits with the other, income from financially secure groups is transferred to weaker and more vulnerable groups. In this manner, the National Insurance Institute contributes to a more equitable distribution of national revenues and to decreasing poverty in Israel. In additional to financial benefits, the National Insurance Institute provides rehabilitation and Vocational training services to widows and the disabled, as well as Long-term care and advising services for seniors. By means of the five funds that it operates, the National Insurance Institute helps finance projects developing community and institutional services for people with special needs. These projects assist in the integration of these populations into the community and the labor market. The funds’ finances assist projects for the welfare of the disabled and handicapped, disabled seniors, disengaged youths, children in danger, and more. In order to improve the service for the insured, the National Insurance Institute has developed computerized information systems that provide access to up-to-date information, such as an Internet website through which extensive up-to-date information can be obtained, including receipt of personal information and service, self-service terminals, a call center and a variety of services available through direct dialing, an application for smart phones and other means. These developments enable delivery of services independently, such as filing claims and submitting documents online and making payments, all of which save the insured the need to visit the branch. Dear Citizen, this booklet contains general information on the benefits and services provided by the National Insurance Institute pertaining to each one of us at any given point in life. We hope this vital information will assist you in fulfilling your rights at the National Insurance Institute.

Changes are made from time to time in the laws under which the National Insurance Institute pays benefits. Therefore, before exercising your rights, please clarify those rights by contacting the call center at *6050 or log on to the National Insurance Institute website at: www.btl.gov.il, which contains comprehensive and up-to-date information. You can also obtain information at the National Insurance Institute branch closest to your place of residence.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 3 Maternity Insurance

The main purpose of maternity insurance is to insure the basic conditions for the welfare of both mother and newborn child, and to compensate working mothers for the loss of income due to pregnancy and birth.

Hospitalization grant • If insurance contributions were paid for her for 6 of than one child), or following her or her infant’s Payments made by the National Insurance Institute the 14 months preceding the “determining date” hospitalization for a period of at least 15 days. The to Hospitals for hospitalization expenses of women (the date on which she stopped working during birthing mother must notify the National Insurance giving birth. A hospitalization grant is also payable the pregnancy that ended in the birth) − she is Institute of the extension or split as soon as possible. to parents who have brought a child to the world entitled to maternity benefits for 7 weeks. More details can be found on the National Insurance Institute website. through a surrogacy procedure abroad. The following months are considered months in which insurance contributions were made, How do you obtain a maternity benefit? Birth grant Fill in the claim for Maternity Benefit NI/355 and Paid out to the new mother for participation in initial provided that they preceded the “determining deliver it to your local National Insurance Institute post-birth expenses. The grant is paid within one date”: branch. month following the date of birth to the same bank • Months in which the woman worked and received account receiving the Child Allowance, and for first a salary from her employer (including sick pay and Claim forms can be obtained at any National births to the bank account given at the hospital. vacation pay), or months in which she had income Insurance Institute branch or downloaded from from self-employment and she paid insurance the National Insurance Institute website and then Filing for Hospitalization and Birth Grants (as contributions from that income. mailed or faxed. Employed women can obtain the well as for Child Allowances) • Months for which the woman received a maternity claim form from their employer. Sent to the National Insurance Institute via the benefit (for a previous birth) from the National hospital where the birth occurred. For this reason Insurance Institute, or a work injury allowance ›› New! You can now fill in your claim on the the birthing mother must bring hers and her partner’s or unemployment benefits or accident benefits National Insurance Institute website and send ID cards to the hospital, and provide the hospital or pregnancy bed rest benefits or benefits for a all of the documents to the branch office online. with her bank account (or hers and her partner’s). 100% work disability. › • Months for which the woman received sick pay or › Self-employed women or employed women Birth Grant amounts as of January 2016: whose employer has arranged with the National For the first child in a family: 1,751 NIS pay in lieu of annual leave from a provident fund. • The first two months of unpaid leave (for which Insurance Institute to have Maternity Benefits For the second child in a family: 788 NIS be automatically paid – do not need to file For the third child and for every additional child in her employer is required to make insurance contributions). the claim. a family – 525 NIS › • Months during which the woman was undergoing › A birthing mother who has received For twins – 8,757 NIS unemployment benefits a month prior to giving For triplets – 13,136 NIS vocational training, provided that she worked for at least 30 consecutive days immediately before birth, and birthing mothers who received Risk Maternity benefit the “determining date”. Pregnancy Benefit during pregnancy a week Paid out to working women on Maternity Leave, in a • Months of service in the IDF − A female soldier prior to giving birth – will receive the Maternity lump sum payment to her bank account. Maternity who terminated her military service and started Benefit automatically and do not need to file Benefits are meant to compensate the birthing working − under certain conditions. the claim. mother for loss of income in the period in which she › The claim can be delivered to the National Insurance is unable to work following the pregnancy and birth. › Work during part of a month is considered a full month of work. Institute once work is halted, but no earlier than 9 Who is entitled to a maternity benefit? weeks prior to the estimated delivery date (if you are submitting this claim prior to giving birth, ask • A salaried employee or a self-employed woman Rates of the maternity benefit who is employed in Israel (even if she is not an 100% of taxable income after deducting income your physician to confirm the estimated delivery Israeli resident). tax, National Insurance contributions and Health date on the form). The last date on which the claim can be filed is 12 • salaried employee who is employed outside of Insurance contributions, up to the maximum Israel − under certain conditions. Maternity Benefit months from the date of giving birth. • A woman at least 18 years of age who is as of January 2016 – 1,459.50 NIS per day for ›› A birthing mother who works during her undergoing vocational training or vocational employed or self-employed women. maternity leave, may lose her eligibility for rehabilitation − under certain conditions. ›› To check your eligibility for maternity benefits Maternity Benefits. Conditions of entitlement to a maternity benefit and the maternity benefit amount due to you – • If insurance contributions were paid for the mother enter the maternity benefits calculator on the Paternity allowance for the father for 10 of the 14 months, or 15 of the 22 months National Insurance Institute website. A father is permitted to replace his partner for some preceding the “determining date” (the date on Extending the maternity leave of the maternity leave 6 weeks after birth, and for at which she stopped working during the pregnancy least 21 consecutive days, on the condition that he that ended in the birth) − she is entitled to a A birthing mother is eligible to extend or split a maternity leave following a multi-fetal birth (more and his partner have accrued an insurance period maternity benefit for 14 weeks. that makes them eligible for a Maternity Benefit.

4 Claim form NI/360 can be downloaded from the child – for 12 months. The amount of the allowance Benefit rates National Insurance Institute website. for one child as of January 2016 – 2,839 NIS a A woman’s average income in the three months A birthing mother who, for medical reasons, is month. prior to the Pregnancy bed rest, but no more than unable to care for her an infant can be replaced by 291.90 NIS per day, as of January 2016. her partner at any time during the maternity leave, Special Compensation provided he too meets the conditions for eligibility. Paid to the birthing mother’s partner if he halted Conditions of entitlement to the benefit his employment as a result of her passing for the • The expectant mother must be a resident of Israel, A biological father who is a single parent may claim purposes of caring for the child. The compensation a salaried employee or self-employed for whom Paternity Benefits under certain conditions. is 100% of the wage of the partner in the 3 insurance contributions have been paid for at least months that preceded the cessation of work. The 6 of the 14 months that preceded the “determining Vacation Pay for Adopting Parents compensation is paid for up to 14 weeks following date” (the date on which she stopped working Are paid to employed or self-employed persons the end of the seven days of mourning, and only if it due to pregnancy bed rest). who have adopted a child or who have brought a exceeds the daily rate of the Special Pension. During For months that are considered months in child to the world through a surrogacy procedure the period the compensation is paid the Special which insurance contributions were paid – see abroad, and who have halted their employment Pension is not paid. “Maternity Benefit” for the adoption or birthing process, and provided their insurance period makes them eligible for a A claim for special allowance and special • The expectant mother was confined to pregnancy Maternity Benefit. Additional details and Claims compensation bed rest as authorized by an obstetrician- Form NI/356 can be found at the National Insurance File form NI/380 at a National Insurance Institute gynecologist, for at least 30 consecutive days. Institute website. branch. The form can be downloaded from the If she required an additional period of bed rest, National Insurance Institute website. at least 14 consecutive days in each additional Vacation Pay for a Foster Family period. Are paid to employed or self-employed persons who Payments to a disabled birthing • A specialist doctor on behalf of the National have begun caring for a foster child younger than mother unable to care for her Insurance Institute has approved her claim for 10 years old for a period of over 6 months and who infant Pregnancy bed rest. have halted their employment for the purpose of • She is not receiving payment for the period of caring for the child, if their insurance period makes Special Compensation pregnancy bed rest from any other source. Is paid to the partner of the disabled mother, who is them eligible for a Maternity Benefits. Additional Filing a claim for Pregnancy bed rest Benefit unable to earn a living and is incapable of caring for details and Claims Form NI/356 can be found at the Must be filed at the local National Insurance Institute the infant, if the partner is a salaried employee or if National Insurance Institute website. branch, on Form for Enforced Bed-rest NI/330. Claim s/he is self-employed and is ceasing his/her work forms can be obtained at any National Insurance Childbirth allowance to care for the infant. The compensation amount Institute branch and on the National Insurance Paid to birthing mothers who have given birth is calculated according to the partner’s income in Institute website. Along with the form please to three or more children in a single birth, or to a the three months which preceded the cessation file a medical authorization, filled in by a doctor family in which there have been three births in close of work. To receive the benefit, form NI/361 must specializing in women’s health and births. succession of up to 98 days between births (this be filled in. The form can be downloaded from the refers to cases where the birthing mother has also Internet website. ›› The last date for submitting the claim form, brought a child to the world through a surrogacy accompanied by the medical certificate, is 12 Special allowance process), and provided that 30 days after the date months from the date of the beginning of the Is paid to a disabled birthing mother who is also of birth at least three children were alive. The mother mother’s entitlement to a maternity benefit. is entitled to a childbirth allowance if she is entitled a single parent, who is not eligible to maternity to a hospitalization grand and a birth grant. benefits and who is unable to care for the infant.The allowance amount is 2,839 NIS and it is paid to the Payment of differentials on the Childbirth Allowances are paid out for the period birthing mother for 3 months following the date of maternity benefit, pregnancy bed between the 1st of the month following the birth and giving birth (in addition to her disability allowance). To rest benefit, adoption benefit, and until 20 months following this date. For every one receive the benefit, form NI/362 must be filled in. The of these months allowances are paid out according form can be downloaded from the Internet website. foster care allowance to the number of children alive on the 1st of that Employed women who have received a Maternity month, with the amount of the benefits gradually Participation in the costs of Benefit, Pregnancy Bed Rest benefit, Adoption decreasing throughout the eligibility period. Details Allowance, or Fostering Allowance may be eligible transporting a birthing mother in to receive the differences between the benefits she on the allowance amounts can be found at the an ambulance National Insurance Institute website. has received, if within 11 months of the date of The National Insurance Institute participates in the eligibility for a Maternity Benefit, Adoption Allowance ›› Allowances are paid automatically to the bank cost of transporting a birthing mother in a Magen or Pregnancy bed rest benefit she has received an account receiving the Child allowance, and David Adom ambulance to the hospital. Details can additional payment from her employer, such as there is no need to file a claim. be found at the National Insurance Institute website. convalescence pay, a clothing benefit or a bonus which exceeds one quarter of her regular monthly Payments for a child whose Pregnancy bed rest benefit salary, or if she has received salary differences Paid to an employed woman who was forced to halt for a period prior to the maternity leave. Fathers mother has passed her work during the pregnancy because of health If a birthing mother passed away during childbirth or on paternity leaves are also eligible to receive the risks to her or the fetus – as a result of the pregnancy; differences between the benefits. within one year following the date of birth, a special or in case in which the work environment puts the benefit will be paid out for the child, provided the woman or the fetus at risk, and her employer was In order to check eligibility for differences, the birthing birthing mother was eligible for a Birth Grant and/or unable to find her a different position. The Benefit mother must file a claim for payment of differences a Childbirth Allowance and/or a Maternity Benefit. is meant to compensate the woman for a loss of at the Maternal Department at the local National Two types of payments are made for a child whose income while she is under Risk Pregnancy during Insurance Institute branch, along with the pay-check mother has passed away: her pregnancy. on which the date of the additional payment is noted. Special allowance The claim must be filed within 12 months from the Paid to a partner or legal guardian for every child eligibility date for a Maternity Benefit. born in the same birth and present in Israel. The allowance is paid for 24 months, and if Survivor’s Benefit or Dependents Allowance are paid for the

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 5 Child Insurance

The National Insurance Institute pays a monthly Child allowance to families with children below age 18.

Child allowance in cases of a Returning Resident with children, a Study grant A monthly allowance is paid on the 20th of every claim must be filed for a Child Allowance, NI/5025. Paid out by the National Insurance Institute once a month to the mother’s bank account or to the If the Insured or Allowance Receiver has outstanding year in August, for the types of families listed below joint bank account she has with her partner. The payments to the National Insurance Institute, the who receive a Child Allowance. allowance is paid according to the number of National Insurance Institute is permitted to deduct ›› Following an amendment to the law, as of children in the family. the amount owed from the Allowance until it is August 2016 (the 2017 school year), the benefit Who is entitled to a child allowance? paid in full. will be paid for children aged 6-18 years, and • An insured Israeli resident (and a person living in Child Allowance amount as of January 2016 (NIS) the amount will be the same for each child Israel under special conditions) who has one or – 1,003 NIS • for children born from June 1, 2013 onward: more children. • A child who immigrated to Israel without his Child’s placement in Allowance Up until August 2015 (the 2016 school year), the parents. family Amount grant was paid for children aged 6-14, as follows: per child aged 6-11 – 1,557 NIS, and per child aged • A person who is caring for a child that is not his First 150 NIS own child, provided that he was appointed as 11-14 – 865 NIS legal guardian or as the recipient of the allowance. Shani 188 NIS ›› To find out the benefit amount you are entitled Conditions of entitlement to the Child allowance Third 188 NIS to – go to the Child allowance Calculator on The Allowance is paid out for children under the age Fourth 188 NIS the National Insurance Institute website of 18, who are present in Israel. For a child staying Fifth and thereafter 150 NIS overseas the Allowance will be paid out for the first Eligible for the grant are families with a divorced, widowed or single parent, a parent who receives 3 months of the overseas stay. After 3 months the • For children born up to May 31, 2003: Allowance will be paid out in the following cases: Income Support benefits separate from their partner, one of the parents was sent overseas by an Israeli Child’s placement in Allowance and under certain conditions also a parent living employer or is on sabbatical or working for an Israeli family Amount apart from their partner, a “Chained” woman (Aguna), employer overseas, the family is staying overseas as First 150 NIS and a woman residing in a battered-women shelter. a result of medical treatment that cannot be received Also entitled to the study grant are families with 4 in Israel given to one of the family members. Shani 188 NIS or more children, provided that one of the parents Third 188 NIS receives one of the following benefits from the Anyone caring for a child that is not their own – the National Insurance Institute in the month of July allowance will be paid out to them, provided they Fourth 336 NIS or August of every study year: Guaranteed Income have been named legal guardians or Allowance Fifth and thereafter 354 NIS benefit, Alimony, General disability, Old age or Receivers, and only if they have been providing for Survivors. Also eligible to receive the Study Grant are the child for at least the past 12 months. • Beneficiaries of Guaranteed Income benefit, orphaned or abandoned children who are receiving The period of entitlement Alimony, Old-age with Income Support, an Income Support, children orphaned of both A child born in Israel or that immigrated to it before Survivors with Supplemental Income parents, new immigrants who immigrated without the 15th of the month, the benefit will be paid out for For the third and fourth child, an additional 98 their parents as well as new immigrants who came that month. A child born in Israel or that immigrated NIS for every child is paid out. to the country over a year ago but less than two to it on the 16th of the month and on, is eligible for ›› To find out the amount of Child Allowance you years ago, and their partner did not immigrate and a Child Allowance beginning on the 1st of the next are entitled to – go to the Child allowance is not staying in the country. month. Eligibility for the Allowance concludes at Calculator on the National Insurance Institute More details on the grant and Claims Form NI/5015 the end of the month in which the child turns 18. website. can be found on the National Insurance Institute website. Claim for a child allowance Late submission of claim Upon the first birth, the claim will be filed through the If you have not filed the claim for Child Allowance on hospital the child was born in. For this reason the time, the National Insurance Institute may approve birthing mother must bring hers and her partner’s ID your claim for a year retroactive to the day the claim cards to the hospital, and provide the hospital with was filed on. If the child was born after July 1, 2003, her bank account number. In all subsequent births, and was not registered in the Population Registry the information is automatically delivered from the within 30 days of the date of the birth, the allowance hospital. In births occurring outside a hospital or will be paid retroactively for up to 3 months only.

6 Compensation for persons who serve in the reserves

The National Insurance Institute pays reserve duty benefits to any person called for reserve duty by the National Service Law, as well as those called for training by the Work Service in time of Emergency Law.

Eligible for the Compensation are anyone called who served in active reservist duty during the ›› To find out what benefit amount you are eligible to active reservist duty in accordance with the period they were receiving unemployment benefits for, go to the Reserve military duty Calculator National Service Law, or who was called for training will receive their compensation automatically and on the National Insurance Institute’s website. exercises in accordance with the Work Service in do not need to file a claim. time of Emergency. Claim for reserve duty benefit Filing an online personal claim on To receive this benefit you must provide an IDF Claims for compensation for active reservist duty authorization for days served – form no. 3010. must be filed after completion of the service at any the website National Insurance Institute branch, along with an Reservists on active duty who are registered with the Per-day compensation amount IDF authorization – form no. 3010. National Insurance Institute as self-employed, not • Salaried employee and self-employed worker The claim form can be downloaded from the National working, students and Yeshiva students – may file – their gross income in the three months prior to Insurance Institute website and sent in by mail or fax. for Reservist’s Compensation via the Self-Service the start of their reserve military duty, divided by website as well. Salaried employees who earn a monthly wage, 90. In certain cases the active duty reservist is • The service is provided using a code and password, as well as salaried employees who do not eligible for a calculation based on different salaried which can be requested through the website or at receive a monthly wage, who worked during months. Compensation will not be lower than the the local National Insurance Institute branch. minimum or exceed the maximum (see below). the three months that proceeded the reserve duty • Maximum benefit for a salaried employee and service, at least 75 days, for one employer or in Call center for reservist-duty a self-employed worker: as of January 2016 – one place of employment, must claim the benefit related matters 02-6463010 1,441.33 NIS per day, 43,240 NIS per month. from their employers. The National Insurance Institute operates an Minimum benefit for a salaried employee and • Self-employed workers, students, the • automatic call center for reservists filing their a self-employed worker: as of January 2016 − unemployed and anyone who is not working claims personally, and for employers paying out 196.02 NIS per day, 5,881 NIS per month. should submit their claim for the benefit independently to the National Insurance Institute. the compensation for their reservist employees. • Persons receiving unemployment benefits – The call center provides general information on rights and obligations, forms for filing claims, a simulator for calculating compensation, and more.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 7 Grants for discharged soldiers working a Priority Job

Grants for discharged soldiers and for those who have completed national service, and who are working a job vital to the country’s economy

Grant for “vital work” and grant for If a 5-day work week is practiced at your workplace, Tip and if you worked 5 days a week, this shall be “priority work” regarded as if you worked 6 days per work week in If a discharged soldier has been offered a job, which According to the National Insurance Law a one the calculation of workday accrual. is not included in the list of vital jobs, or if there is time grant is paid out to soldiers discharged from any doubt that it is a vital job, we recommend s/he Start of the work − within 12 months from compulsory military service, or for those completing • check this at the National Insurance branch office the date of discharge or during the second National-Civil Service of 24 months, who have near his/her home before starting work there. year, if the discharged soldier was entitled worked at a job defined by law as a job in demand: to an unemployment benefit on the date of at industrial factories and workshops, at construction • Security guards, guards and cleaning staff commencement work. sites, at gas stations, at hotels, at agricultural sites workers are considered vital workers, only if they and packaging houses, as well as in caring and work at the following places: construction sites, › assisting people with disabilities – except for office › Since entitlement to the grant is conditional industrial plants, gas stations, agricultural fams, jobs in these fields. on entitlement to unemployment benefits, packing houses, and hotels. and since in your first year following discharge A detailed list of the jobs entitling to the grant your entitlement to unemployment benefits is • Professional worker at industrial plants can be found on the National Insurance Institute guaranteed – it is recommended that you begin (including in the high-tech industry), who has a website. working at the vital work within the first year certificate of profession, and who is employed at following your discharge. a job consistent with this professional training, ›› Discharged soldiers, Kibbutz or a cooperative will not be entitled to the grant – unless if he moshav members who have worked a “Priority worked at an unskilled job, which is not within his Job” in the Kibbutz or cooperative moshav or Benefit rates profession), or if he has worked at the professional outside of them, are also eligible for the grant. The full grant amount as of January 2016 onwards jobs listed in the “List of Entitling Jobs”. – 9,550 NIS. In all sectors and at all the job types listed – clerical Who is entitled to the grant? The partial agricultural grant amount – 6,367 NIS. work does not entitle the worker to the grant. For The Grant is paid out to anyone meeting the Anyone receiving Unemployment Benefits in the 11 example: secretaries, stenographers, bookkeeping, following criteria: months prior to beginning the in-demand job, part of archive work, hotel receptionists, telephonists or • Has worked an in-demand job for at least 6 full the payout they have received for the unemployment switchboard operators. months, not necessarily consecutively, within 24 days will be deducted from the amount they are months of the day of discharge from compulsory entitled to. military service. In certain case soldiers are eligible for a partial grant. The job must be full time, as customary at that work place.in accordance with the common Submitting the claim for the grant practices of the field in which they are employed. The claim for the grant must be filed with the National In the agricultural field it is possible to work at Insurance Institute after at least 6 full months of least 4 full months, and receive a partial grant. employment, and no later than 42 months from the date of discharge from compulsory military service. Vacation days, sick days, and reserve military duty days shall not be counted as work days, Along with the claim, authorizations regarding the even if you received payment from the employer or workplace, type of work and period of work must from the National Insurance for those days. If you be filed, together with a notation of the number of served on reserve military duty within the two years work days in every month. following your discharge from conscript service, then The claim form NI/1521 can be downloaded from the period during which you will be able to work at the National Insurance Institute website and sent a Priority Job shall be extended by the cumulative in by mail or fax. number of days you served in the reserve military duty. ›› New! You can now fill in your claim on the Internet website and send all of the documents to the branch office online.

8 Unemployment insurance

Unemployment insurance is meant to guarantee the unemployed a substitute for their salary for a limited time, to allow them to find suitable employment.

Unemployment benefits 18 years old office has sent for a professional skilling course, will receive unemployment benefits for the days s/he Who is insured for unemployment benefits? Unemployment benefit rates participates in professional skilling, until the expiry An Israeli resident or temporary resident, that has • The daily unemployment benefit is calculated of the maximum entitlement days due within the been employed, or that is a soldier in the first year as a percentage of you average daily wage in unemployment year. after being discharged. the 6-month period prior to the unemployment period. The unemployment benefit will be 70% of the Conditions of entitlement to unemployment • The daily sum of unemployment benefits for unemployment benefit to which he would have been benefits the first 125 days will not exceed the average entitled had he been unemployed and not taking 1. Age – You are at least 20 years old and not yet 67, daily salary in the economy (as of January 2016 the course. Despite the aforementioned, different and in certain conditions also those aged 18-20. – 378.56 NIS per day), and from the 126th day professional skilling courses have been specifified 2. Completing a “qualifying period” (insurance will not exceed 2/3 of the average daily salary in which the full amount of unemployment benefits period) in the economy (as of January 2016 – 252.37 will be payable and, under certain conditions, a • 12 months for which insurance contributions were NIS per day). person will be entitled to Unemployment Benefits paid, out of the 18 months that preceded the start For the first 5 days of unemployment in each 4 during his studies, including for periods longer than of the unemployment. consecutive months, no unemployment benefit the maximum unemployment days they are eligible • Discharged soldiers and those who have is paid. for, but no more than 138 days. completed 24 months of volunteer National Service or National service, need to accrue a ›› To check your entitlement to unemployment benefits and the amount you are entitled to – go ›› A person who voluntarily terminates his qualification period lime any unemployed person, employment, without justification, will begin as detailed above. However, in totaling the to the unemployment benefits calculator on the National Insurance Institute website. to receive the unemployment benefit only 90 number of qualifying months, up to 6 months of days after quitting the job. compulsory military service or National Service or Income during the unemployment period Civil-National Service will be taken into account. An unemployed individual, who had an income from If they have been referred to Vocational training salaried employee work, or from self-employed ›› A person to who refuses a suitable job by the Employment Service, they are exempt from work, or from a pension, during the unemployment offerwill begin to receive unemployment accruing a qualifying period in the first year after period, shall have these amounts deducted from the benefits only 90 days after the date of the the discharge or volunteering. unemployment benefits to which s/he is entitled. This refusal, and 30 days will be deducted from the 3. You are unemployed −You are registered with income must be reported to the National Insurance maximal number of days due to him each time the Employment Service Bureau, are prepared Institute. that he refuses to accept a job. and able to work in your profession or in any other suitable work, and the Employment Service Grant for an Unemployed Low Wage-earner Filing a claim for Unemployment Benefits Bureau has not offered you work, as stated. An unemployed person who is employed in a job To receive Unemployment Benefits for the first whose wages are lower than the unemployment The maximum period of entitlement to time you must file a claim with your local National benefits s/he is entitled to will be eligible for a Insurance Institute branch. Claim Form NI/1500 can unemployment benefits grant amounting to the difference between the For an unemployed individual, aged 45 and above, be downloaded from the National Insurance Institute • unemployment benefits they would have received website and then mailed or faxed. or aged 35 and above who has three dependents* and half the wages at the low wage job, provided living with him/her – 175 days maximum; they have worked at this job for at least 25 days at • For an unemployed individual, aged 35 and 50% position at least. The grant is paid for no more ›› New!You can now fill in your claim on the above, who does not have three dependents* than 100 working days. National Insurance Institute website and send living with him/her – 138 days maximum; all of the documents to the branch office online. • For an individual, aged 28 to 35, who does not An unemployed person who has begun work have three dependents* living with him/her – 100 at a new job Repeat claim for unemployment benefits days maximum; An unemployed person who has begun work at a Can be filed only 12 months after the commencement • For an individual, aged 25 to 28, who does not new job and who, for any reason, has ceased his/ of the previous eligibility period. Unemployed have three dependents* living with him/her – 67 her employment, will be permitted to return to the persons who have not yet turned 40 and are filing days maximum; employment office and receive unemployment more than one claim for unemployment within 4 • For an unemployed individual, aged 25 or less, benefits, until the expiry of the maximum number years will receive benefits for all their unemployment who does not have three dependents* living with of unemployment days s/he is entitled to within the claims for a maximum period of 180% of the him/her – 50 days maximum; unemployment year, without having to submit a new maximum number days (as detailed at the beginning • Discharged soldiers and those who have claim for unemployment benefits. of the chapter). completed 24 months of volunteer National Total Unemployment Benefit amounts during Service or National-Civil service – 70 days Unemployment benefits for participants in the additional period will not exceed 85% of the maximum. vocational training maximum Unemployment Benefits amount. *A partner who does not work and a child under An unemployed individual, whom the employment

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 9 Employees’ Rights Following Bankruptcy and Corporate Dissolution

Anyone whose employer has filed for bankruptcy or the company they had worked for has been dissolved is entitled to receive any salary and severance pay owed to them by their employer. Those entitled to the benefit • The details of the employee’s claim have been For provident funds • An employee whose employer has filed for approved by the trustee of the bankrupt entity Payments not transferred, from the employee’s bankruptcy or an employee whose employer is or the company’s liquidator. or employer’s provident funds, or both, up to the subject to a dissolution order (if the employer is maximum defined in the National Insurance Law –as a corporation). Benefit Amount of January 2016 – 17,296 NIS. • The employee’s survivors who are entitled to For the worker severance pay under Section 5 of the Severance Any wages and severance pay owed to the employee Pay Law. For a member of a cooperative by the employer on the date on which employment Who was a member of a cooperative moshav or a • A provident fund, if the employer is in debt to the was halted, up to the maximum amount designated provident fund in which the worker is insured. Kibbutz for at least 7 years – up to the maximum by the National Insurance Law. allowable by law: 69,184 NIS – as of January 2016. Those not entitled to the benefit Anyone whose employer has been issued a Claim forms for the various benefits can be • A self-employed worker or controlling shareholder Dissolution or Bankruptcy injunction before July downloaded from the National Insurance Institute in a company who holds the majority of the 31st, 2009, the maximum amount to be paid out website and then sent via mail or fax. company’s shares, who did not have an employer- is 86,480 NIS (as of January 2016); anyone whose employee relationship with the company. employer was issued the injunction on August 1st, • Controlling shareholders in a close corporation 2009 or later, the maximum amount to be paid out and foreign workers and workers from the is 112,424 NIS (as of January 2016). Territories who are staying in Israel illegally. For survivors Conditions of entitlement Any wages they are entitled to according to section • The court has issued a declaration of bankruptcy 7 of the Wages Protection Law, and any severance order or an order to dissolve a company, pay they are entitled to according to section 5 of the to dissolve a partnership, or to dissolve a Severance Pay Law, up to the maximum defined in cooperative, against the employer. the National Insurance Law.

Rights of Volunteers

A volunteer who was injured during and as a result of volunteering activities, including injury on the way to or from the place of volunteering, as well as the dependents of a volunteer who passed away as a result of an injury under these circumstances, will receive benefits as described in the “Work Injury Insurance” chapter and Payment Amount Total compensation for a volunteer is equal to the according to the eligibility conditions described there. amounts paid for Work Injured. However, a volunteer who had not worked prior to volunteering, or that A “volunteer” Is a person who volunteers for the a first aid organization, or an organization for the their income was low, will receive compensation benefit of others without pay, who was referred by prevention of bodily injury or property damage, or an totaling 109.47 NIS per day. a qualified public institution, whose activities are organization for the care of the sick or people who performed for national or public benefit; a person cannot care for themselves, or a burial organization, How to submit the claim who performs security obligations as mandated provided that the organization is approved by the Claims NI/211 must be filed at the local National by law, without pay and outside the framework of Minister of Welfare; volunteer fire fighters; and a Insurance Institute branch, within 12 months of the IDF service; a person who provides assistance to person who performs a service for the community date of injury. others as obligated by law or performs an act to without pay, as part of the “Mehalev” program (the Claim forms can be obtained at any National save the lives or property of others; a person who Wisconsin / Lights for Employment program); a Insurance Institute branch or downloaded from the performs community work or service under the person performing civil service as defined in the National Insurance Institute website and then sent Penal Law; a volunteer at Magen David Adom, or law that defers military service for yeshiva students. by mail or fax.

10 Benefits for Victims of Hostilities The Compensation for Hostile action casualties law grants victims and families of fatalities in acts of hostilities entitlement to compensations, rehabilitation, grants and benefits.

Who is entitled to benefits for victims of hostilities? A disabled person with 100% disability receives Non-cash benefits and special An Israeli resident, who was a victim of a hostile compensation equal to 4,466 NIS as of January action within Israel or outside of it; an Israeli citizen 2016. The compensation paid out for persons benefits Therapy, hospitalization, recuperation, medical and anyone entering Israel legally and was a victim disabled by an act of hostility is equal to the devices, Vocational rehabilitation and special of a hostility action in Israel; an Israeli resident compensation paid out to disabled IDF vets, in benefits, such as loans and grants for housing, living overseas (Toshav Hutz) who was a victim of accordance with the Disability Law (Compensation assistance in purchasing a car and its monthly a hostility action outside of Israel during and as a and Rehabilitation). upkeep, payment for personal services, and more. result of his employment with an Israeli employer For persons permanently disabled at a 10-19% (who has been approved in this matter). level, a one time disability grant will be paid out. Vocational rehabilitation and special benefits are Claiming for determining the degree of disability also given to widows, orphans and grieving parents. “Hostile action injury” – an injury due to an act of and for payment of a Monthly disability benefit hostility by enemy forces, or an accidental injury by File with the National Insurance Institute on Form For receiving benefits, contact the rehabilitation a person due to hostile action by enemy forces or NI/581, within 12 months of the date of injury. department at your local National Insurance Institute under circumstances in which there was reasonable The Claim Form can be downloaded from the branch. fear of hostile action, an injury caused by a weapon National Insurance Institute website and then sent that was intended for hostile action or against it, in by mail or fax. Vocational rehabilitation and an injury caused by an act of violence whose A victim of hostilities for which at least a 20% main objective was to injure people because they Special benefits disability level has been determined, as well as belong to a national-ethnic group, provided that Increased benefits are paid out to the “Needy widows and orphans of fatalities of hostility actions, it stems from the Israeli-Arab conflict and was Disabled” and “Income-less Disabled”. may be entitled to Vocational rehabilitation from the committed by a terrorist organization – all contingent National Insurance Institute. upon confirmation by the authority appointed by A disabled person who took early retirement from For additional details see the “Vocational the Ministry of Defense that the injury is a hostile work and is no longer fit to work, and is over 50 rehabilitation” chapter. action injury. years old and whose disability level is 35% and up, is eligible, under certain conditions, for a special Benefits for Victims of Hostilities increment. Benefits during medical treatment The benefit amounts can be found at the National A victim of hostilities who is not capable of working Insurance Institute website. due to medical treatment is eligible for a special benefit during the period of medical treatment, if Pensions for families of fatalities he/she does not receive salary or compensation Monthly dependents’ pensions for this period. Paid to widows, grieving parents and orphans The benefit amounts can be found at the National of anyone killed as a result of hostility actions. Insurance Institute website. Compensation is equal to compensation paid out according to the Families of Soldiers Killed in Battle Filing a claim for the recognition of a Hostile Injury Law. and receiving medical treatment compensation Claim for benefit for families of deceased victims must be filed on form NI/580 at the local National File Form NI/582 at the deceased’s local National Insurance Institute branch, within 12 months of the Insurance Institute branch, within 12 months of the date of injury. The Claim Form can be downloaded date of passing. from the National Insurance Institute website and then sent in by mail or fax. The Claim Form can be downloaded from the National Insurance Institute website and then sent Monthly disability benefit in by mail or fax. Paid to a person disabled by an act of hostility for which a disability degree of 20% and up has been determined. The amount of compensation is determined according to the level of disability.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 11 Work Injured Insurance

Work Injured insurance is meant to compensate an insured person for loss of income in the period following the Occupational Injury, and assist him, through Vocational rehabilitation, in returning to the employment market.

Who is insured? Injury allowance to the medical disability level pro-rated to wages Anyone employed; anyone self-employed who Payment for absence from work, for a period of earned over the three months prior to the injury as was registered at the National Insurance Institute up to 91 days from the day after the date of injury. of January 2016 the maximum monthly benefit – at the time they were injured; anyone in Vocational Injury Allowances are paid to those injured at work 32,839 NIS for the employed and self-employed. rehabilitation; undergoing Vocational training; tested or afflicted with a Work Illness and as a result cannot Anyone with a low income who receives Work- according to the Mentorship Law or the Employment perform their job or any other suitable job and related disability pensions will also receive Income Service Law (only at the time of testing); a working was not working at the time, and requires medical Support. prisoner; a foreign resident, employed in Israel by an treatment. Israeli employer; an Israeli resident while overseas – Claiming Work disability pension in certain circumstances; as well as any one whose • Injury Allowances will not be paid to anyone self- Must be filed as soon as possible on form NI/200, wages are determined by law (Knesset members employed for the first 12 days of eligibility. with the local National Insurance Institute branch. and the like). • Salaried employee – no payments are made The claim form can be downloaded from the National for the day of injury, but wages are paid by the Insurance Institute website and sent in by mail or fax. Who is entitled to a work injury benefit? employer. Insured persons who file a claim for Work-related Anyone insured who has experienced an No injury allowance is paid for the two days after the disability pensions will be invited before a medical “Occupational Injury” (occupational accident or day of the injury, unless the injured person is unable board. The Board will determine if the disability is professional illness), as well as any dependents of to work for 12 or more days. a result of an Occupational Injury, as well as the anyone insured who has passed away as a result level of disability. of an “Occupational Injury” (widows and widowers, Amount of the payment per day orphans; parents and other family members – in 75% of wages (which is subject to insurance Work disability grant special circumstances). contributions) during the three months prior to Those with a permanent work disability of at least the injury divided by 90, and up to the maximum 9%, but lower than 20% receive a one time grant An occupational accident – is an accident that Injury Allowance a day (as of January 2016 – derived by multiplying the monthly benefit by 43. If occurs during and due to work, including an accident 1,094.63 NIS). the claim is filed over 12 months late, a reduced grant en route to and from work, and an accident in the will be paid out, relative to the period of tardiness. circumstances specified in the law. Claims for payment of Injury Allowances and notification of an Occupational Injury An occupational disease – is a disease that an Must be filed within 12 months of the day of injury, ›› To find out what benefit amount you are eligible insured contracted due to his work, which appears using Form NI/211, with the local National Insurance for, go to the Work Disability Calculator on the on the list of occupational diseases specified in Institute branch, along with a first-aid document National Insurance Institute’s website the law. on the injury, which is given at the health fund or hospital. Special allowance ›› A self-employed worker who owes insurance The Claim Form can be downloaded from the Paid out to anyone disabled who requires assistance contributions will be denied the right to a National Insurance Institute website and then sent in performing basic activities, and who have a benefit, or a reduced benefit will be paid to in by mail or fax. permanent disability level of at least 75%; or anyone him (according to the amount of the debt and with a permanent disability level of 65-74%, with duration of the arrears). difficulties walking – for assisting with personal care ›› New! You can now fill in your claim on the and covering special expenses resulting from the National Insurance Institute website and send recognized disability. Work Injury Benefits all of the documents online The amount of the Special allowance is determined Medical treatment Work disability benefits according to the assistance required, according to Therapy, recuperation and medical rehabilitation 4 levels of assistance. through the health funds. Work disability pension The maximum total benefit as of January 2016 Anyone with a temporary work disability level of at – 8,210 NIS. least 9% or with a permanent work disability level of at least 20% – receives pensions according

12 To receive the allowance a claim must be filed with branch. The claim must be filed within one year of the Claims for Vocational rehabilitation must be filed on the Rehabilitation Department on form NI/266, date on which the permanently disabled designation Form NI/270 with the Rehabilitation Department at which can be downloaded from the website and was determined. the local National Insurance Institute branch. The then mailed or faxed. The process of claim approval The Claim Form can be downloaded from the Claim Form can be downloaded from the National includes an examination of level of dependence, National Insurance Institute website and then mailed Insurance Institute website and then mailed or faxed. performed by a nurse at the claimant’s home, as or faxed. For additional details see the “Vocational well as confirmation from an organizational doctor. For additional details see the “Vocational rehabilitation” chapter. rehabilitation” chapter. One-time arrangements grant Maintenance allowance for Paid to anyone with a disability degree of 75% and Benefits for family members of orphans up, as well as for anyone disabled with difficulties work fatalities Are paid to children who spend the majority of walking as a result of their recognized disability their time in high-school or in Vocational training, and their disability level is between 65-74% – for Paid to the widow or widower of anyone who has according to the parent’s Income Test. The one-time arrangements as a result of the disability: passed away as a result of an Occupational Injury. Maintenance Allowance as of January 2016 – 788 adapting the residence, purchases of aid devices, and NIS a month. purchase of a vehicle for aiding in mobility difficulties. Dependents Pensions The National Insurance Institute sends the pension Those entitled to a Dependents pension are a widow recipient a maintenance allowance claim form before The grant amount is determined according to the who has a child or who has reached the age of 40, expense amount approved by The Institute, and the start of the school year. The form must be filled or is unable to support herself, and a widower who in and sent to the branch office. shall not exceed the maximum amount. has a child or who has reached the age of 40 and To receive the grant a claim must be filed with the is unable to support himself (whose gross income Bar Mitzvah grant Rehabilitation Department on form NI/282, which is less than 5,394 NIS per month). For 13 years old male orphans and 12 years old can be downloaded from the website and then Dependents pension is calculated in percentages of female orphans. mailed or faxed. a full disability pension (40% – 100%) and from the Grant amount, as of January 2016 is 5,838 NIS. number of children the deceased had. The pension The grant is paid automatically. Income Support amount is determined according to the deceased’s Anyone receiving a Work Disability or Dependent's income during the three last months which preceded Death grant Allowance, whose income is low and passes the the day of cessation of work due to the injury. Deceased persons who were receiving a Work- means test, is eligible for a income support increase. Anyone with a low income who receives Dependent's related disability pension who have reached The Income Support is paid as of the month in Allowance will also receive Income Support. retirement age, or who had a disability level of which the claim is submitted, and as long as the Claiming Dependent's Pension 50% and over, or deceased persons receiving a pension recipient is entitled to it (if the supplement Must be filed within 12 months of the date of passing, Dependent's pension – his partner, and if they have is paid unlawfully, the National Insurance Institute is on form NI/213. The form can be downloaded from no partner, his child (as defined by law), will receive entitled to deduct it from benefits that it pays out). the National Insurance Institute website and then a one time grant. A separate claim must be filed with the Income mailed or faxed. Grant amount, as of January 2016 is 8,757 NIS. Support department. Survivors of beneficiaries of a Work-related disability Dependents’ grant pension will receive, under certain conditions, a Needy Disabled A one time grant equaling 36 monthly benefits. Anyone who has been designated as temporarily one time grant equaling 60% of the deceased’s Those eligible for the grant are ineligible for the disabled, and is unable to return to work at any Disability Pension multiplied by 36, in place of the benefit. position and has no employment income may file a aforementioned grant. Those entitled to the Dependents’ grant are a widow claim to be recognized as “Needy Disabled”. under the age of 40 who does not have a child and “Needy Disabled” receive benefits equal to 100% is able to support herself, and a widower under the for the period defined. age of 40 who does not have a child and is not able ›› File the claim on form NI/279, which can be to support himself (whose gross income is less than downloaded from the website and then mailed 5,394 NIS per month). or faxed. Marriage grant Vocational rehabilitation for those For widows or widowers who marry – a grant equaling 36 monthly benefits is paid out. The grant injured at work is paid in two installments: one after the date of the Assistance in analysis, professional guidance and marriage, and the second two years from the date acclimation at work, payment of a Rehabilitation of marriage (eligibility for Dependent's Allowance Allowance during studies (paying the difference expires). between a Work-related disability pension), as The grant is paid automatically and there is no need well as covering studies-related expenses such to file a claim. as transportation expenses, tuition and learning devices. Vocational rehabilitation for a Conditions of entitlement to vocational Widows or Widowers receiving a rehabilitation dependents pension Vocational rehabilitation is provided for anyone Assistance with analysis and professional guidance, disabled who has been designated as permanently payment of studies-related expenses and payment disabled at a level of at least 10%, and as a result of Maintenance Allowance during studies – for of the work accident are unable to fill their position anyone recognized as a widow/er of a person who or any other suitable position, and are in need of, has passed away as a result of an Occupational and meeting the criteria for, Vocational rehabilitation. Injury, and they are not skilled in any profession or Claim for vocational rehabilitation do not provide for themselves by a profession or that Must be filed on Form NI/270 with the Rehabilitation require a career change as a result of being widowed, Department at the local National Insurance Institute and meet the criteria for Vocational rehabilitation.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 13 Disability Insurance

Under General Disability Insurance a monthly benefit is paid to anyone whose earning capacity has been reduced or lost as a result of their disability. Under Disability insurance monthly benefits are also paid to a disabled child, and an Attendance allowance is paid to the severely disabled, and assistance in professional guidance is also given.

Disability pension tasks, or her capacity to perform housekeeping from the National Insurance Institute website. All tasks was reduced by more than 50% due to the required documentation must be filed along with Who is entitled to a disability pension? impairment. the claim form. “Disabled” – An Israeli resident who is not a housewife, from the age of 18 until retirement age ›› New! You can now fill in your claim on the (see the chapter on Senior Citizens), that as a result Conditions of entitlement to a disability pension National Insurance Institute website and send of physical, cerebral or mental deficiency, from birth 1. Medical Disability – Medical disability is weighted all of the documents to the branch office online or as a result of accident, are unable to provide at a rate of at least 60%, or 40% if the insured has Claims for the Pension must be filed by the claimants for themselves, and they earn no more than the several deficiencies and for a certain deficiency themselves. If they are unable to file the claim as a following amounts: has been designated as at least 25% medically result of their physical or mental state, members of Those suffering from a severe disability or who disabled. (For a disabled housewife – at least • their family or another individual on their behalf may have a prolonged entitlement to pension – if they 50%). file the claim in their name. do not earn more than 60% of the average income 2. Loss of ability to earn or function in the (as of January 2016 – 5,678 NIS) household – at a rate of at least 50%. Claims for the Pension must be filed within 12 • For all the rest – if they do not earn more than months of the cause of the claim’s occurrence. Filing 45% of the average income (as of January 2016 Start of entitlement – at the end of 90 days from the claim late may harm eligibility for the Pension. – 4,259 NIS) the date the earning disability or the household functional disability was determined. Anyone whose claim for a Disability Pension has been rejected and anyone getting a partial Disability ›› It pays to go to work Beginning March 1st, 2016, under certain conditions, it will be possible to receive a pension at the end of Pensions may appeal the decision, and may also You can work and still receive benefits. Its true 30 days from determining the disability level. file a request for reexamination, in accordance with that your benefits will be reduced by small If you are paid sick leave, then the pension will be conditions defined in legislation and regulations. amounts, but your total income from both work paid at the end of the period of time for which the and benefits will always exceed the amount sick pay was paid. ›› Exemption from payment of insurance from a benefit alone. contributions Allowance amounts as of January 2016: Want to find out how much you may earn 2,342 NIS for a single person whose incapacity • The recipient of a disability pension who has and still receive benefits? Go tothe Income level is 100% (hereinafter: A Full Single Allowance), no other income is exempt from payment of Calculation calculator at the National and relative to the level of inability for those with insurance contributions for the time that he is Insurance Institute website. inability levels of 60%-74%, or according to entitled to the pension. income. • The recipient of a disability pension for whom a Also considered Disabled are anyone who was an Recipients of a general disability pension for whom degree of earning incapacity of at least %100 Employed Minor shortly before losing the ability to a degree of earning incapacity of at least 75% and was established permanently or for a period earn an income. a medical disability of at least 50% was established, of at least one year is exempt from payment Also considered disabled are housewives, if they had who are not living in an institution, receive a pension of insurance contributions for the time that he been employed or self-employed for 12 consecutive increment of NIS 252-372 NIS according to the is entitled to the pension, even if he has other months (or 24 inconsecutive months) in the 48 percentage of their medical disability. income. However, if they are self-employed, months prior to filing a claim for a Disability Pension Dependents Increment – For a partner whose they will pay insurance contributions to the or that preceded the work halt, for anyone halting income does not exceed 57% of the average salary Work Injured branch; and if they are employed, work after filing the claim; and also if she lives apart (5,394 NIS as of January 2016) – 50% of the benefit their employer will pay insurance contributions from her partner and has not lived with him in the 24 paid to the disabled (housewives are not eligible for on their behalf to the Work Injured branch and months prior to the claim for a Disability Pension or an increase for their partner); the Workers Rights During Bankruptcy and following it; and also if she was married after March per child (for each of the two first children) Dissolution of Corporation branch. 1st, 2005 and was receiving an benefit as a Wage 40% of the monthly pension paid to a disabled Earner before her marriage. person or a disabled housewife. A dependents’ Vocational rehabilitation “Disabled housewife” − A resident of Israel from increment is contingent upon an Income Test. Assistance in analysis, professional guidance and the age of 18 to retirement age (see the section on acclimation at work for anyone insured who has been Submitting a claim for a disability pension Old Age), who is married and unemployed whose designated at least 20% disabled and is unable, as Claims for a Disability Pension (Form NI/7801) can husband is covered for old age and survivors a result of their deficiency, to fill their position or be filed at the claimant’s local National Insurance insurance and, due to an impairment, she does not any other suitable position, if they are in need of, Institute branch, or sent by mail or fax. The claim have the capacity to perform regular housekeeping and fit for, Vocational rehabilitation; payment of a form can be obtained at any branch or downloaded

14 Rehabilitation Allowance during Vocational training Special benefit for severely mobility disabled, or requires and uses a wheelchair, (for anyone not receiving a Disability Pension and or the parents have another disabled child. anyone receiving a partial Disability Pensions); as disabled immigrants – in the first Institutionalized children are eligible for benefits if well as expenses for tuition, learning devices and year after immigration their parents bear all the costs of keeping them there. transportation to and from the place of study. New immigrants who are severely disabled, To check eligibility for rehabilitation, visit the between the age of 18 and the retirement age (see How to submit the claim Rehabilitation Department at the local National the chapter on Senior Citizens), are eligible, under Claims will be filed by the parent caring for the child. Insurance Institute branch. certain conditions, for a special benefit, 90 days If the child does not live with the parents, their legal- For additional details see the “Vocational after immigrating, for up to a year after immigrating guardian or caregiver will file the claim. rehabilitation” chapter. (after the year has elapsed, they will be treated in the The claim should be submitted at the local National regular channel for general disability and attendance Insurance Institute branch closest to the child’s place Attendance allowance services). The benefit is comprised of an Attendance of residence on the appropriate NI/7821, which can Men and women over age 18 are entitled to an Benefit, which is paid starting on the 91st day of be obtained at the local branch or downloaded from attendance allowance until their retirement age, if immigration, and of a Disability Pension which is paid the National Insurance Institute website. Medical they are in need of a large amount of assistance starting on the 181st day of immigration. Details at documents must be attached to the claim form, from another person to perform the daily household National Insurance Institute branches. as well as certification of the child’s schooling or functions (dressing and undressing, eating, washing, “developmental treatment” from a qualified entity mobility within the home and personal hygiene), Death grant as specified in the regulations. or if they are in need of continual supervision to A lump-sum grant automatically paid to the partner, prevent them from endangering their lives or the and when there is no partner – to the child (as defined ›› Disabled Child benefits are also paid for up lives of others. by law), of any beneficiaries of a Disability Pension to one year retroactively – all according to The allowance is also paid, under certain conditions, or Attendance allowance who have passed away. regulations. to dialysis patients, chemotherapy patients, and to As of April 1st, 2016, the death grant is paid to the persons who have undergone an organ transplant. parents of a deceased child, for whom a disabled Compensation for radiation An increased pension is also paid to persons in need child pension was also paid. victims of a respiration machine. Grant amount, as of January 2016 is 8,757 NIS According to the Compensation for Radiation Affected Persons Law, as of January 1st, 1995 The pension is determined according to 3 levels Benefit for a disabled child victims of radiation treatment for Tinea capitis (or of dependency: 50%, 112%, and 188%, and the Paid to the parent due to the care load involved in their survivors) performed in the period between pension amount varies from 1,401 NIS per month raising a disabled child suffering from a medical January 1st, 1946 and December 31st, 1960 by a and 5,045 NIS per month (as of January 2016), disability. The benefit rate is determined according an organization authorized by law, are eligible for according to the level of entitlement that has been to three levels: 50%, 100% and 188% according to compensation. decided. the disability type and/or on the level of dependence Victims are considered to be anyone afflicted by one A person with a “respiratory disability” is also entitled on someone else’s care. of the diseases listed in the Law, such as cancer to receive an increment to the pension amounting The benefit amount varies between 1,095 NIS per in the head and neck area, cancer in the blood, to 1,817 NIS (beginning April 2015). month to 4,487 NIS per month (as of January 2016). and more. Conditions of entitlement to an attendance A child suffering from a “respiratory disability” is The claim for compensation must be filed at the local allowance also entitled to receive an increment to the pension Health Bureau. The Ministry of Health will determine • Is not hospitalized at an institution. amounting to 1,817 NIS (beginning April 2015). eligibility for compensation and will notify claimants • Is in Israel. Under certain conditions the Allowance Families with two or more disabled children will as to decisions on their claims. Payment is made by is paid out, for a limited period, also to disabled be entitled to an increased benefit for each of the the National Insurance Institute. people who are overseas. children. • Receives a Disability Pension, and medical Who is entitled to a benefit for a disabled child? Compensation for blood disability (for attendance) has been designated • A child below the age 3 who is suffering from a transfusion victims at least 60%. severe developmental delay (from 91 days of age). According to the Persons with transfusion-acquired The recipient is not entitled to a disability pension • A child from 3 to 18 years of age who is far more HIV (Aids) Law, anyone carrying the HIV virus as and a medical disability of at least 75% has been dependent on the help of others than other a result of receiving a blood transfusion or blood established for him (for an attendance allowance), children his age to perform routine functions products from a public medical service during the provided that his income from employment does (mobility within the home, dressing, washing, period between December 31st, 1981 and January not exceed the amount specified in the regulations eating, personal hygiene). 1st 1987 is eligible for compensation. and that he is not receiving payment for individual • A child up to 18 years of age who requires The law applies to partners and children as well, treatment or assistance in the home under any constant supervision to prevent danger to his if they are carrying the Virus as a result of contact law. life or to the lives of others (from 91 days of age). with the sick. • The recipient is not receiving a mobility benefit – • A child up to 18 years of age with one of the unless a 100% mobility limitation was established following disabilities: Down’s syndrome (from ›› Entitlement to payment is determined by a for him ­– or he requires and uses a wheelchair, birth); diminished hearing of at least 40 decibels committee of experts at the Ministry of Health. or he is bedridden, or he is a vehicle owner for in each ear without correction (from birth); Payment is made by the National Insurance whom an attendance allowance of at least 100% diminished vision in each eye of less than 6/60 Institute. has been determined. or field of vision and each eye of less than 20º, Submitting a claim for an attendance allowance with correction (from 91 days of age); autism, Compensation for polio victims Claims for a Attendance Allowance (Form NI/7849) psychosis or a similar psychiatric – behavioral Lump-sum compensation as well as a monthly can be filed at the claimant’s local National Insurance condition (from 91 days of age); required benefit or a grant are paid out to Israeli residents Institute branch, or sent by mail or fax. Along assistance with communication (Age 3). who became afflicted with Polio in Israel. with the claim, any medical documents and any • A child up to 18 years of age who requires special Claims for compensation must be filed on Form other documentation related to the claim must be medical treatment as specified in the regulations NI/7870, which can be obtained at any National attached. Retroactive payment for no more than the (from 91 days of age). Insurance Institute branch or downloaded from 6 months prior to filing the claim can be obtained. the National Insurance Institute website and then Conditions of entitlement to the benefit mailed or faxed. The child is living in Israel (and, under certain › › New! You can now fill in your claim on the conditions, even if he is not living in Israel); the child National Insurance Institute website and send is not living in an institution or with a foster family; all of the documents to the branch office online. the child is not receiving a mobility allowance, except for a child who has been classified as being 80%

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 15 Mobility Allowance

Mobility benefits provide a variety of benefits for anyone with deficiencies in the legs which limit their mobility, to assist them in integrating in the community and developing an independent lifestyle. Benefits are paid from State’s Treasury funds according to the Mobility Agreement reached between the Ministry of Finance and the National Insurance Institute. Who has limited mobility and who is entitled to Non-vehicle owners who are not Wage Earners license or not. a mobility allowance? are eligible for a Mobility Allowance if they receive The loan amounts are on the National Insurance “Limited Mobility” – An Israeli resident between the from the National Insurance Institute an Attendance Institute website. age of 3 and the age of retirement, who is in Israel, allowance or a Disabled Child benefit, or they are and a Ministry of Health medical board has defined hospitalized in an institution, provided they meet Conditions of entitlement to a standing loan them as a Limited Mobility person as a result of the following criteria: 1. The Limited Mobility person owns a driver’s deficiencies in their legs, according to a defined license and a Limited Mobility level has been set list of deficiencies, and a Mobility Claims officer has A recipient of an attendance allowance at least at 40%. checked that eligibility for benefits exists according Are eligible for a Limited Mobility benefit for non- 2. A Limited Mobility person who does not own to the Mobility Agreement. Under certain conditions owners of a vehicle if they meet all of the following a driver’s license and whose Limited Mobility individuals who have reached the age of retirement criteria: level has been set at least at 60% and has an are eligible for continued benefits. 1. Is at least 18 years old; “Authorized Driver” living with them in the same 2. Limited Mobility level has been set at 100%, or a building or a nearby building no more than 1,500 medical board has determined that they require meters directly from the residence of the Limited ›› The limited mobility is determined by a Ministry and use a wheelchair. Mobility person, or that live in the nearest building of Health medical committee, therefore before to each other in the same town. submitting a request to the National Insurance A recipient of a disabled child benefit to receive the mobility benefits, you must Is eligible for a Limited Mobility benefit for non- “Authorized Driver” first undergo an examination at that medical owners of a vehicle if Limited Mobility level has A family member or caregiver according to the committee. been set at least at 80%, or a medical board has following definitions: determined that they require and use a wheelchair. 1. A “Family Member” is considered one of the Benefit types in the mobility pension following: a partner, children and their partners, A person living in an institution father and mother – including step-parents Is eligible for a Limited Mobility benefit for non- and adopting parents, brothers and sisters, Mobility allowance owners of a vehicle if they meet all of the following A monthly benefit paid out the persons with limited brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandparents, criteria: mobility for their mobility expenses. The benefits grandchildren, and that they and the Limited 1. Limited Mobility level has been set at 100% are updated according to the rate of price increase Mobility persons are living in the same building (for a child -at least 80%), or they require and in vehicle-related expenses. or a nearby building no more than 1,500 meters use a wheelchair. directly from the residence of the Limited Mobility Conditions of entitlement to the allowance for 2. Do not receive an Attendance allowance or a person, or that live in the nearest building to each vehicle owners Disabled Child benefit from the National Insurance other in the same town. Limited Mobility persons are eligible for a Mobility Institute only because they are hospitalized in an 2. “Caregiver” is anyone who is not a family Allowance as an owner of a vehicle if they own a institution. member, provided a National Insurance Institute vehicle and are eligible for a Standing loan. 3. He leaves the institution in a motorized vehicle at Rehabilitation Clerk has determined that they least 6 times a month. Those entitled to an allowance increment are an nurse the Limited Mobility person for most of 4. No public organization bears the cost of their exits the hours of the day, and are at their disposal. “earner” (whose income from employment exceeds from the institution. NIS 2,189 as of January 2016), who travels at least Likewise, they and the Limited Mobility person 40 km to and from his workplaces, and who uses Standing loan to pay for vehicle must reside in the same building or in buildings his vehicle on a regular basis to travel to work, is that are no further from each other than the entitled to an allowance increment. taxes distance detailed in the definition of a Family A loan given to Limited Mobility persons for full or The allowance amounts are on the National Member. partial coverage of any vehicle taxes enforced by Insurance Institute website. The loan must be paid back according to the law, in accordance with the vehicle approved for instructions in the Mobility Agreement. Conditions of entitlement to the allowance for use by Limited Mobility persons by the Mobility a person without a vehicle Agreement. In cases in which the Committee on Loans from a Loans Foundation “Limited Mobility” persons are entitled to a Mobility Vehicle Size at the Medical Institute for Road Safety for purchasing special accessories Allowance of 2,364 NIS per month, for non-owners determines that the Limited Mobility person requires of a vehicle if they are considered “Wage Earners” a larger vehicle than the one approved for them in for the vehicle (income from employment exceeds 2,189 NIS, the Mobility Agreement, a Standing loan will be given (this in addition to the standing loan to pay for as of January 2016), are over 18 years old and for purchasing a vehicle according to the Institute’s vehicle taxes) their Limited Mobility level has been set at least at recommendation or the purchased vehicle – the A vehicle for special devices is a vehicle which can 80%, and they do not receive Mobility Allowances lower of the two. The loan amount is determined be entered while sitting on a wheelchair or driven for vehicle owners, and do not receive a General according to the Limited Mobility level, and on while seated in a wheelchair. Disability Pension. whether the Limited Mobility person owns a driver’s

16 For anyone purchasing their first vehicle – a loan • They own and have at their possession a vehicle • ›› A person who is entitled to receive special of 80% of the value of the new vehicle, before suitable for the installation of a lift device and have accessories or a grant to purchase and install taxes or of the value of the Determining Vehicle, purchased a lift device that fits their needs and them under another law or arrangement, is before taxes – the cheaper of the two. can be installed in their vehicle. entitled to choose under which law to receive Anyone replacing a vehicle – the entire difference Loans for the purchase of a lift device will be given • the assistance. between the price of the new vehicle, before taxes once every five years, if the Limited Mobility person and the Determining Vehicle, before taxes, and continues to meet the criteria. no more than 80% of the new vehicle’s price. Reimbursement of expenses In cases in which the Limited Mobility person is for purchasing and installing ›› A person who is entitled to a wheelchair obligated to pay back a Standing loan, they will accessories in a private vehicle lift mechanism or to a grant to purchase or receive the amount paid back. A refund of expenses for the purchase and installation install the mechanism under another law or Loans from the Loans Foundation can be obtained of devices in a private vehicle will be given in an arrangement, is entitled to choose under which for any replacement, according to eligibility defined amount equal to the lowest of the following: law to receive the assistance. in the Mobility Agreement. 1. An amount equal to 95% of the total cost of Conditions of entitlement to the loan: special devices and their installation in the vehicle, Reimbursement of travel expenses • A medical board or a medical appeals board including all taxes on purchase and installation. Anyone called before a medical board or for any other has determined that the Limited Mobility person 2. An amount equal to 95% of the total cost of examination according to the Mobility Agreement, requires and uses a wheelchair. special devices according to a National Insurance and as a result of their medical condition and place • The Medical Institute for Road Safety has Institute price list and their installation, including of residence cannot travel by public transportation determined that they require a vehicle for special all taxes on purchase and installation. is entitled, under certain circumstances, to a refund devices. Conditions of entitlement: of expenses paid for transportation, if they are not • The Limited Mobility person has signed an A Limited Mobility person is eligible for a refund eligible for a Mobility Allowance in the month these obligating document in which they obligated of expenses for the purchase and installation of examinations took place in. themselves to: devices in a private vehicle if they meet all of the a. To purchase a vehicle which can be entered following criteria: Learning how to drive the vehicle while seated in a wheelchair, or which can be • Receives a Mobility Allowance on the day of on the National Insurance driven while sitting in a wheelchair. installation. b. Install in the vehicle all devices recommended Institute’s Special Devices • The Medical Institute for Road Safety has The National Insurance Institute operates a driving by the Medical Institute for Road Safety. determined devices for driving for them. education program for Limited Mobility persons who The loan is given to owners and non-owners of • Has a valid driver’s license. require and use a wheelchair. a driver’s license, and becomes a grant after 5 • The Determining Vehicle for them is a private Lessons are conducted in vehicles in which years, unless the National Insurance Institute has vehicle. advanced driving devices have been installed, by demanded it be paid back earlier. • Has produced, within 6 months of the date of the driving teachers skilled in driving-education for the devices’ installation, a tax invoice and original disabled. › › A person who is entitled to assistance to receipts, which list the devices installed in the The person seeking to learn driving on the vehicle purchase the vehicle without taxes (a vehicle vehicle. with the special accessories must fill in a claim for special accessories or a private vehicle) form NI/8261 under another law or arrangement, is entitled ›› A person who is entitled to receive special to choose under which law to obtain it. accessories for a private vehicle, or a grant Parking sticker for the vehicle Loans for purchasing special to purchase and install them in the vehicle The parking sticker is provided by the Ministry of under another law or arrangement, is entitled Transport. devices in a vehicle for special to choose under which law to receive the Eligible for a Disabled Parking Sticker are: devices assistance. • Anyone who has a defined Limited Mobility level. Loans for purchasing special devices will be given • Anyone not eligible for Mobility benefits, but in amounts equal to the lowest of the following: Loan for the purchase and has a medical disability level of at least 60%, 1. An amount equal to 95% of the total cost of installation of a wheelchair lift and meets the criteria defined by the Ministry of special devices and their installation in the vehicle, mechanism Transportation. including all taxes on purchase and installation. A wheelchair lift device is a device or appliance Details are on the Ministry of Transport website. 2. An amount equal to 95% of the total cost of installed in the vehicle, intended for lifting a special devices according to a National Insurance Claim for a mobility benefit wheelchair to the vehicle’s roof or trunk. Before first filing a claim for a Mobility benefit you Institute price list and their installation, including Loans for the purchase of a wheelchair lift device all taxes on purchase and installation. must send a request form NI/8220 for a medical will be given in an amount equal to the lowest of examination and determination of limited mobility, Conditions of entitlement to the loan: the following: to the Regional Health Bureau. A Limited Mobility person is eligible for a loan for 1. An amount equal to 95% of the total cost of the The form can be obtained at any Regional Health the purchase and installation of special devices if lift device and its installation, including all taxes Bureau, at any National Insurance Institute branch they meet all of the following criteria: on purchase and installation. and on the National Insurance Institute website. • Receives a Mobility Allowance on the day of 2. An amount equal to-95% of the total cost of After a Ministry of Health regional medical board installation. a representative lift device and its installation has determined limited mobility which entitle to • The medical committee or the medical appeals according to the National Insurance price list, a benefit, a claim must be filed with the National committee determined that he requires and uses including all taxes on purchase and installation. Insurance Institute to receive Mobility benefits. a wheelchair. The amount of the representative lift device Claim forms NI/8200 can be obtained at any • The Medical Institute for Road Safety has changes from time to time. National Insurance Institute branch and on the determined that an appropriate vehicle for them National Insurance Institute website. is a vehicle for special devices, and has also Conditions of entitlement to the loan: In cases in which the regional health committee’s determined what the required devices are. A Limited Mobility person is eligible for a purchase decision does not satisfy the claimant, it can be of a wheelchair lift device if they meet all of the appealed to an Board of Appeals, within 60 days The loan is given to owners and non-owners of following criteria: a driver’s license, and becomes a grant after 5 from when the regional health committee’s decision • Receives a Mobility Allowance on the day of was sent to the claimant. years, unless the National Insurance Institute has installation. demanded it be paid back earlier. • The medical committee or the medical appeals committee determined that he requires and uses a wheelchair.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 17 Accident Victim Insurance

Accident Victim insurance awards a benefit to anyone injured in an accident, at home, on holiday or free time, and as a result of the accident has lost the ability to function. The benefit is by law paid for no more than 90 days of loss of ability to function.

What is an accident? function, in accordance with the detailed above, For a salaried employee or self-employed worker An accident is a sudden occurrence in which a provided s/he has not worked at any job, and has Accident Benefits will not be paid for the first two person endures bodily harm from an outside been medically examined, within 72 hours of the days, unless they have lost the ability to function for factor, as a result of which s/he loses the capacity time of the accident. a period shorter than 12 days. to function, provided this was not an occupational Not eligible for Accident Benefits are anyone that No accident benefit is paid to a person who is accident or a traffic accident. during the period of loss of ability to function was not working or to a housewife for the first 14 days Loss of the ability to function is determined according receiving another legally enforced payment, such as after the date of the accident. to the following guidelines: an Illness benefit, Compensation for Traffic Accident • An employee or self-employed person − if he is Victims Law, etc. Submitting the claim unable to continue performing his work or any A claim for an accident benefit should be submitted other work. Daily rate of the accident benefit to the local National Insurance Institute branch • A person who is neither employed nor self- • For a salaried employee or a self-employed near the place of residence, together with medical employed − if he is hospitalized or confined to worker – 75% of the salary in the three months certification for accident from the HMO,within 90 his home. preceding the date of the accident, divided by days of the accident date. Claims filed after this • A housewife − if she is not capable of performing 90 (up to a daily maximum of 1,094.63 NIS as date may be rejected. housekeeping tasks. of January 2016). • A person who is not working or a housewife The claim form NI/2201 can be obtained at any Who is entitled to an accident –72.98 NIS per day as of January 2016). National Insurance Institute branch, or downloaded from the website. The form can be mailed or faxed, benefit? Period of payment or dropped off at the Branch’s service box. An Israeli resident between the ages of 18 and the An accident benefit is paid for a maximumof 90 retirement age (see the chapter on Senior Citizens), consecutive days, commencing on the date after who was involved in an accident in Israel or outside the date of the accident. of it, is eligible for Accident Benefits provided the beneficiary is in Israel and has lost the ability to Compensation for children orphaned as a result of domestic violence The National Insurance Institute pays out special compensation for children whose parent has been murdered as a result of a violent act by their partner.

Compensation is paid to orphans in addition to any • The State’s Attorney has confirmed that the matter recommendation by the Welfare services. other benefits they are eligible for, such as Child is an event entitling compensation. A child who has turned 18 will submit his request Benefits, Survivor's Benefits or any other benefit. • The murder occurred after March 1st, 1994. on his own. Claims must be filed at the local National Insurance Conditions of entitlement Rates of benefit Institute branch. The Claim Form (NI/235) can be Any child meeting the following criteria is eligible 60%-100% of a full benefit – 7,098 NIS as of downloaded from the National Insurance for compensation: January 2016, according to number of children. • The parent who died was an Israeli resident. Institute website and then mailed or faxed, • The parent’s life was taken by his or her partner Requesting the benefit or dropped off at the branch’s service box. (for this purpose, partners who are not married Will be filed by the child’s caregiver, even will also be considered partners). without a legal guardian injunction, along with a

18 Vocational rehabilitation

The vocational rehabilitation is intended to guide and train disabled persons and widows for integration in employment on the open market through vocational training and placement in employment. Also provided are welfare services for Work Injured and Hostile action casualties.

Who is eligible for vocational The Rehabilitation Clerk at the branch, a trained Victims of hostilities and grieving families of social worker, advises the rehabilitation beneficiary Hostile action casualties rehabilitation? with everything related to selecting a suitable Receive, in addition to the guaranteeing welfare and A person injured at work for whom a permanent • profession and integrating in a job, after making subsistence means, supporting accompaniment. disability of at least 10%, was determined or a personal acquaintance with them and analyzing Social workers from the Rehabilitation Department whose injury was recognized as an occupational their aspirations, skills and limitations. provide individual and group psychological disease. support to help them cope with the trauma and the A person for whom a weighted calculation of • If needed, the Rehabilitation Clerk consults with bereavement. Also, volunteers assist the families medical disability of at least 20% was established, experts in Medicine, Psychology, Employment and with various problems that come up over the years. whose disability is not the result of a work injury other fields. In selecting a profession the demands or a hostile action, even if he is not receiving a of the market and the investment required to acquire Claim for vocational rehabilitation disability pension from the National Insurance the professional ability or skill required are taken Must be filed on Form NI/270 with the Rehabilitation Institute. into consideration. Department at the local National Insurance Institute • A victim of hostilities for whom a disability of at branch. The form can be downloaded from the least 20% was established, as well as the widow The duration, nature and location of the training are National Insurance Institute’s website and then and orphans of a victim of hostile action who died determined by the medical limitations, percentage mailed or faxed, or dropped off at the branch’s as a result of the hostile action. of disability, skills and the selected vocation. service mail-box. Professions can be studied at various training and • Widows or Widowers who have been recognized education institutions, which give out a professional by the Survivors Department or the Dependents ›› You are welcome to contact the rehabilitation certificate or academic degree upon completion of of Work Injured Department. department in the branch nearest your home the studies. At the end of the training process, a to check your entitlement to vocational placement program can assist in integrating in the All the above are eligible for vocational rehabilitation rehabilitation. For further details please call labor market. if, due to their disabilities, they are incapable of 02-6463488 working in their previous occupations or any other Rehabilitation services are provided in various ways suitable occupation, and it has been determined which include individual treatment, workshops, that they require and are suitable for vocational support groups for the rehabilitation process and rehabilitation. community activities. Widows or Widowers are eligible for Vocational rehabilitation if they are of working age and without Assistance provided by the social a profession, or that they do not make a living from services for victims of work their profession, or that they require a career change injuries and victims of hostilities as a result of their partner’s passing. In addition to compensation and assistance in rehabilitation, Work Injured and victims of hostilities What are vocational rehabilitation services? are entitled to welfare service assistance as Assistance in diagnosis and professional • determined by legislation and regulations: counsel. • Payment of a Rehabilitation Allowance for the Work Injury duration of the training or studies (for a disabled Work injury victims whose degree of disability is at person who does not receive a Disability Pension least 75%, or who have difficulty in walking and have or receives a partial benefit). a disability of 65%-74%, are entitled, under certain • Maintenance allowance (for widows or widowers). conditions, to a special allowance for individual • Payment of studies-related expenses such as treatment, and to a special grant for lump-sum tuition fees, transportation expenses, study- expenses, such as assistance in purchasing a books and learning devices. vehicle (for people with limited mobility), modification All in accordance with regulations and guidelines of housing, purchasing accessories, etc. and according to number of study hours.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 19 Income Support Benefits

The Income Support benefit is paid to every individual and family who are unable to provide for themselves the minimal income required for subsistence.

Who is entitled to an income calculated according to their age and income, • Children whose one parent is an Israeli resident as well as according to the value of the vehicle. detained or arrested, and the other parent is not support benefit? Anyone who owns a vehicle for medical needs, a resident. Eligible for an Income Support benefit are Israeli even if the value of the vehicle exceeds 40,760 Supervisors of a child or partner under house residents without guaranteed income to provide • NIS, will not have any amount deducted from the arrest. for themselves. An Israeli resident whose income is benefit as result of the vehicle. Paid to a person disabled by a hostile action below the minimum wage required for subsistence • injury, for whom a disability of- 75% or more has is entitled to an income support benefit (income • Employment test −The benefit applicant and his been established. support, unemployment benefit, alimony, etc.). spouse must be one of the following: According to their familial situation and the number • Unemployed • A woman in a battered women shelter. of persons in the family. • Low wage-earner • In Vocational training Recipient of an income support The benefit is paid from the month in which the benefit who travels abroad claim is submitted. Exemptions from the employment test: Beneficiaries of Income Support benefits are advised • A person who is too sick to work more than 30 to check their eligibility for the benefit before going Conditions of entitlement to the consecutive days. overseas. income support benefit • A person undergoing vocational rehabilitation. • A person who is not in Israel for a full month is not The eligibility conditions must also be present with • A man and woman who have reached retirement entitled to the benefit for that month. the benefit claimant’s partner: age (See Old age chapter) • After two or more departures in the same calendar • A self-employed parent (single-parent family) who year (from January 1st to December 31st), the • Age − At least 20 years of age. Under certain has custody of a child under two years of age. circumstances (such as illness, pregnancy, drug recipient is not entitled to the benefit for the month • A married father whose children are in his sole of departure and the month of return. abuse, etc.) the benefit may also be available at care, and his youngest child has yet to turn 7. 18 years of age. • A person who is required to report to the • Caregivers of a sick family member (child, partner, employment bureau, but due to traveling abroad • Continuity of residency − An Israeli resident for parent). did not do so, is not entitled to the benefit. at least 24 consecutive months. • Benefit for a disabled child. This condition does not apply to: a new immigrant • A released prisoner after imprisonment of at least ›› Anyone departing overseas in order to receive who has been in Israel for at least 12 months and 6 consecutive months (only for the duration of two medical treatment which cannot be provided that 5 years from the date of immigration have months after his release). in the country, or anyone accompanying a sick not passed; an orphaned child; an abandoned • A prisoner serving a Community Service. family member for the purposes of receiving child; persons whose partner has been an Israeli • Detained persons under full house arrest. such treatment, and has obtained approval resident for at least 24 consecutive months; if • A pregnant woman entitled to a pension from for the departure from the Ministry of Health, they or their partner receive, from the National the 13th week of pregnancy to the end of the will continue receiving the benefits during their Insurance Institute, an Old-age pension or pregnancy). overseas stay, but no longer than 6 months. Survivor's Benefit or benefits in the area of Work • A person addicted to drugs or alcohol. • A homeless person. Low wage-earner Injured and Volunteer Rights. A salaried employee or a self-employed worker • A person learning in an ulpan. whose income from work is less than the amounts • Means and Vehicle Test – Income by the • A person who is in a rehabilitational framework claimant and partner is lower than the minimum sponsored by the National Insurance Institute or in the table below, may be entitled to income level determined by legislation. There are types of the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority, or in another support, provided he is employed full-time, or income not taken into consideration. Anyone who rehabilitational framework under the supervision that he is working part-time due to the state of his owns or uses a vehicle (including a motorcycle) of a government ministry. health or due to other reasons. A worker in a protected factory is entitled to income for which the value does not exceed 40,760 NIS, • A person in dire straits due to a tragedy or a certain amount will be deducted which will be unexpected occurrence. support, if his employment partiality is the normally practiced partiality at that factory.

20 The following are not eligible for Submitting a claim for an income the benefit: support benefit • A person residing in an institution whose entire Claims for the Benefit must be filed at the local maintenance is paid by the State, the Jewish National Insurance Institute branch. Benefits are paid Agency, a local authority or a religious institution. starting the month in which the claim was filed in. • A person serving compulsory military service in There is no retroactive payment for Income Support, the IDF, and his spouse. so it is therefore vital not to delay in filing the claim. • A member of a Kibbutz or cooperative Moshav. The Claim Form can be downloaded from the • A student attending an institution of higher National Insurance Institute website and then mailed education, an institution of post-secondary or faxed. studies, a yeshiva or a Torah institute and an institution for training religious clerics. Death grant Despite the above, under certain circumstances, A one time grant to the partner, and if there is no those undergoing Vocational training after a partner – to the child (as defined by law), of the referral by the Employment Service as well as deceased Income Support beneficiary. single parents may be eligible for the benefit. Grant amount, as of January 2016 is 8,757 NIS.

Full benefit amounts as of January 2016, in NIS*

Family Composition Aged 20-25 who are exempt from the Employment Test, or that Anyone aged 55 and over have children, as well as anyone aged 20-55, for any eligibility type** Full benefit amount You can earn up to this amount and Full benefit amount You can earn up to this amount still receive the benefit (full or partial) and still receive the benefit (full or partial) Single Person 1,730 2,944 2,162 3,596

Couple 2,378 4,059 3,243 5,158

Couple + Child 2,594 4,505 3,762 5,726

Couple + 2 or more children 2,897 5,297 4,281 6,434

Single parent + child 2,897 5,490 3,535 7,484

Single parent + 2 or more 3,373 6,284 4,400 8,926 children Orphaned/abandoned child 2,022

2 orphaned/abandoned children 2,963

Any additional Orphaned/ 865 abandoned child

* For a couple, one of whom is hospitalized and all his maintenance is paid by the State, the Jewish Agency or a local authority, and for those whose partner is an Israeli resident, and for a minor girl who lives with her parents – 649 NIS will be reduced from the benefit ** For 20-25 year olds without children, who are obligated by the Employment Test – 20% will be reduced from this amount. 25-55 year olds who have been receiving an increased benefit since December 2002, consecutively or with a break of no more than 6 consecutive months – are entitled to increased benefit amounts.

›› To find out what benefit amount you are eligible for, go to the “Guaranteed Income” Calculator on the National Insurance Institute’s website.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 21 Maintenance Payments (Alimony)

Maintenance Payments are meant to assist a woman and her children, Israeli residents, who possess a ruling on the payment of alimony and they are not receiving the payment from a maintenance payment delinquent.

The amount to be paid is the amount set in the court Rates of payment in the National Insurance Institute Regulations, in NIS, as of January 2016 ruling on the alimony or the amount determined in National Insurance Institute regulations – according Is not yet 55 years old Is over 55 years old to the lower amount. The National Insurance Institute Benefit Benefit Allowance Allowance pays a monthly sum to the entitled and the Collection nullification nullification Amount Amount and Enforcement Authority takes writ of execution point* point* proceedings against the debtors for the collection of the full Judgment. If the Authority is successful in A woman without children who has filed a claim 1,730 NIS 2,934 NIS 2,162 NIS 4,832 NIS collecting the full alimony amount determined in the ruling, and this sum is larger than the alimony paid by the National Insurance Institute, beneficiaries will A woman with one child 2,897 NIS 5,489 NIS 3,535 NIS 7,499 NIS receive the difference. A woman with 2 or more children 3,373 NIS 6,282 NIS 4,400 NIS 8,941 NIS ›› To check the alimony amount you are eligible A woman who has remarried or has a common- for, enter the “Alimony” Calculator on the 2,022 NIS 4,030 NIS 2,022 NIS 4,977 NIS National Insurance Institute’s website. law partner + one child A woman who has remarried or has a common- 2,963 NIS 5,599 NIS 2,963 NIS 6,546 NIS Who is entitled to maintenance law partner + 2 or more children payments? • A woman who is an Israeli resident, who has a For a child with a legal guardian 2,022 NIS 3,360 NIS court judgment for maintenance payments, and has not instituted proceedings to execute the judgment, provided that she is not living with the For 2 children with a legal guardian 2,963 NIS 4,893 NIS person obligated to pay the maintenance, and that person was a resident of Israel at the time the For every additional child with a legal guardian 865 NIS 1,236 NIS judgment was rendered or for 24 of the 48 months that preceded the rendering of the judgment. • A child who was awarded maintenance payments * If the income of the person receiving alimony, from employment or from a wage replacing benefit, is lower than these sums, she is entitled to partial alimony maintenance. and who is not in his mother’s custody. If her income is higher than these amounts, she will not be eligible for alimony benefits. Conditions of entitlement • For a woman − if she has custody of at least one child or if she is married and not capable during the course of that calendar year (January Hotzaa Lapoal that the woman does not have a of supporting herself (even if she does not have 1st to December 31st), and for no more than-72 case file with them, the 3 most recent paychecks, custody of a child); or she is age 60 or older (even days. These restrictions do not apply to trips a copy of the last 3 months of bank activity and if she does not have custody of a child). resulting from medical needs. confirmation from the Bank that the Back Account • For a child under the age of 18 who cannot is in the woman’s name only. support himself, who is not in his mother’s Claiming Maintenance Payment custody and also does not live with her − if most benefits of his maintenance is not being paid by the State Must be filed at the local National Insurance or a local authority. Institute branch, on Form for Payment According • Means test − The applicant must meet a means to the Maintenance Payment Law (NI/5400). The test as specified by law. Claim Form can be downloaded from the National • A beneficiary of a Maintenance Payment who Insurance Institute website and then mailed or faxed departs for overseas will continue receiving the to the local National Insurance Institute branch. benefit while staying overseas, provided she With the request form, please also file an original has departed the country no more than 3 times copy of the court ruling, confirmation from the

22 Compensation for Prisoners of Zion and families of Martyrs Israeli citizens and residents who the official authority has recognized them as a Prisoner of Zion or as a family member of a Prisoner of Zion under incarceration or as family members of Martyrs according to the Compensation for Prisoners of Zion and their Families Law – 1992.

Categories of eligible persons: Benefit for a Prisoner of Zion Dependents’ pensions • A Prisoner or Detainee of Zion who is disabled according to income A dependents’ pension is paid to a widow/er or due to his imprisonment, detention or exile, whose children of a Prisoner of Zion who received Prisoner degree of disability is at least 10%. Paid to disabled and abled Prisoners of Zion who pass the Means Test. The maximum benefit for an of Zion benefits from the National Insurance • A Prisoner or Detainee of Zion, even if he is not individual is NIS 2,680 (as of January 2016) and Institute. The rights to compensation of a widow or disabled, provided that he meets the criteria of widower expires upon remarriage. The amount of the means test ). for a couple it is NIS 4,020 (as of January 2016). Anyone eligible for compensation according to compensation equals 60% of the compensation the • The spouse and children of a Prisoner or Detainee Prisoner of Zion had received prior to his passing. of Zion who is imprisoned for more than 6 months, income is also eligible for a discount on Municipal Taxes (Arnona) (up to 66%). A person who is entitled to both a dependents’ and the spouse and children of a person who has benefit and a survivor’s benefit, or to benefits for disappeared in an enemy country and at least 6 Benefit for the spouse and children dependents of a person injured at work, must months have elapsed since his disappearance. choose one of these benefits. • A relative* of a Prisoner or Detainee of Zion who of an imprisoned Prisoner of Zion died in prison, in detention or in exile after the The compensation amount is dependent on the Death grant establishment of the State of Israel. partner’s income. A death grant is paid to the widow/er or children of a • A relative* of a person executed in another country Those without income – receive compensation in the Prisoner of Zion, provided that they are not entitled after the establishment of the State of Israel amount of the Income Support benefit. to a death grant under another law. due to his Zionist activity, Judaism, or links with Grant amount, as of January 2016 is 8,757 NIS. Israel, and the widow of a Prisoner or Detainee Benefit for a family member of a of Zion who died abroad, if she is not eligible for Prisoner of Zion who died in prison Benefits for a disabled Prisoner of benefits under the law. Compensation is equal to compensation paid out Zion • A Widows or Widowers or orphan of a Prisoner of according to the Families of Soldiers Killed in Battle Therapy, hospitalization, recuperation, devices, Zion who received Prisoner of Zion benefits from law (Ministry of Defense). Vocational rehabilitation, convalescence pay for 7 the National Insurance Institute. Benefits for a relative of a Martyr days, awarding benefits, as well as discounts on Municipal Taxes (up to 66%). Benefit for a disabled Prisoner of Compensation is equal to compensation paid out Zion according to the Families of Soldiers Killed in Battle law (Ministry of Defense). The amount of compensation is determined * A spouse, child, parent or sibling according to the disability level. A person with a 100% disability receives a benefit at a rate Benefit for the widow of a Prisoner determined by clause 4 a’ of the Persons Disabled of Zion who died abroad in War against the Nazis Law: Compensation equal to the Survivor's Benefit (if she In January 2016 – 4,506 NIS. is, by law, not eligible for any other benefit). Compensation for Righteous Gentiles

Anyone recognized by the Memoriam Authority Yad Va’Shem as Righteous among the Nations and is in Israel, as well as family members of the Righteous among Monetary benefits Monthly compensation at a rate equaling the average wage as of January 2016 the Nations (widows and widowers, and if – 9,464 NIS. there are none – children, as defined by Vacation grant and a discount on municipal taxes the National Insurance Law, who are in For a Righteous Gentile and their partner – convalescence pay for 8 days, according Israel), is eligible for compensation. to the Civil Servant rate; discounts on Municipal Taxes (Arnona) (up to 66%).

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 23 Survivor's Insurance

Survivors’ insurance provides a pension to the widow, widower and children of an Israel resident who died and was insured with old age and survivors’ insurance for the period of time required by law, and duly paid the insurance contributions.

For a Widows or Widowers with two children − Survivor’s Benefit ›› Only children of a married woman who did not NIS 2,967 work outside of her household (a housewife) Who is eligible for a survivor’s benefit? For each additional child − 718 NIS • Widower − The husband or common-law partner are eligible for Survivor's Benefit. of the deceased at the time of her death, who was Conditions of entitlement to a survivor’s benefit Seniority increment in addition to the basic benefit Seniority Increment: Eligible for a Seniority Increment married to her for at least one year (half a year • The deceased was an Israeli resident at the time for a man age 55 or older), if he is caring for the of his death. are widows and widowers of anyone who was insured for 11 or more years prior to their passing. child of the deceased or if he meets the criteria • The deceased completed the “qualifying period" Rate of increment: For every year after the 11th year of the means test. – 12 months of insurance immediately preceding of insurance – 2% of the benefit. The maximum • Widow − The wife or common-law partner of death; or 24 months of insurance in the 5 years increment rate is 50%. the deceased at the time of his death, if she was preceding death; or 60 months of insurance in married to him for at least one year (half a year the 10 years preceding death; or 144 months Deduction of Health Insurance contributions for a woman age 55 or older), of if she bore him of insurance; or 60 months of insurance if the Minimal Health Insurance contributions of 103 NIS a child. number of insurance months is not less than the are deducted from the Survivor's Benefit, when the • Child (orphan)− The child of the deceased at number of months without insurance. beneficiary of the Allowance has no income liable the time of his death (including a stepchild, an Exempt from a qualifying period: Insured person for insurance contributions. adopted child, or a grandchild who was supported who passed away within one year of immigration solely by the deceased, except for a married to Israel; Insured person who passed away before Income Support teenage boy or girl) if he meets one of the they had turned 19 years old; an insured woman Anyone with a low income who receives Survivor's following conditions: who passed away within one year of getting Benefit, who passes the Means Test and meets the • Not yet 18 years old. divorced or widowed; an insured person who was other conditions of eligibility such as vehicle, assets, • He is below the age of 20 and is completing the majority provider of their partner or children; Employment Test, is entitled to an Income Support his studies in a post-secondary educational an insured person who is survived by a child; an increment. The supplement increases the pension institution or is studying towards completion insured woman who received a Disability Pension. to the amount of the guaranteed minimum income. of the matriculation exams, or has learning • Payment of insurance contributions (for self- disorders and is in a framework recognized by Survivor’s Benefit pension rates with Income employed workers and women who are not Support, as of January 2016: the National Insurance Institute. housewives). • He is below the age of 20 and is studying at a For a widow/er without children 2,981 NIS legally sanctioned educational institution such For a widows or widowers with one child − NIS ›› A deceased person’s arrears in insurance as a university, college, Yeshiva or vocational 5,028 contributions deny the debtor’s survivors training, for at least 20 hours per week. For a widow/er with two or more children – 5,962 entitlement to the pension, or reduces the • Not yet 20 years old, and is a cadet in IDF pre- NIS pension rate (in accordance with the amount of military training (Kadatz or Taratz – institutions For a widow/er between the ages of 70 and 80 the debt and length of time in arrears). In such authorized for this matter). – 3,042 NIS cases, eligibility will be checked for awarding • He is below the age of 24 and is performing For a widow/er at least 80 years of age − 3,151 NIS the benefits for the sake of fairness. compulsory service in the IDF (the period of Claim for a survivor’s benefits and income support entitlement is 36 months). ›› To check your entitlement to a Survivor's Must be filed in writing, on Form NI/410, with the • He is below the age of 24 and is serving Benefit, go to the “Survivors” calculator on the local National Insurance Institute branch. According voluntarily in National Service (in frameworks National Insurance Institute of Israel website. to the National Insurance Law, claims for Survivor's recognized by the National Insurance Institute). Benefit must be filed with the National Insurance • He is below the age of 24 and is studying in an Rates of survivor’s benefits as of January 2016: Institute no later than 12 months of the date of officer candidate academic program and his Widows or Widowers aged 40-50 with no children passing. military service was deferred due to his studies. – 1,150 NIS • He is below the age of 21 and is performing For a Widows or Widowers age 50 or older with After the death of a person who received an old- volunteer service for a public cause for up to 12 no children − NIS 1,531 age pension or a disability pension, the survivor’s months, and his compulsory IDF service was For a Widows or Widowers age 80 or older − benefits is paid from the 1st of the month after deferred due to his volunteer service. NIS 1,617 the month in which the death occurred. In cases For a Widows or Widowers with one child − of deceased persons not receiving an Old-age NIS 2,249

24 pension or a Disability Pension, the Allowance will Old-age pension, their eligibility for receiving a full profession, or do not provide for themselves, or be paid as such: Old-age benefit and half the Survivor's Benefit will that require a career change as a result of their • If the survivors are entitled to an income support, be checked. partner’s passing. To receive Vocational rehabilitation the pension is paid from the 1st of the month in you must see the Rehabilitation Clerk at your local which the death occurred. While staying abroad National Insurance Institute, and fill in a claim form • If the survivors are not entitled to an income If you are receiving a Survivor's Benefit or a Survivor's for Vocational rehabilitation. support, the pension is paid from the 1st of the Benefit (Special) and are leaving the country, you month in which the death occurred if it occurred must notify the National Insurance Institute. Maintenance allowance for before the 16th of the month, and it is paid from orphans the 1st of the month after the month in which Survivors’ grant For an orphan who dedicates most of his/her time to the death occurred if it occurred after the 15th A widow or widower who have not yet reached high-school studies or vocational training, according of the month. the age of 40 and are without children, as well as to an income test of the parent. Maintenance If a claim has been filed tardily, the beneficiary may widowers who have received a Survivor's Benefit Allowance as of January 2016 – 569 NIS for children only receive the benefit for 12 retroactive months. and are no longer eligible for the Allowance because with a widow/er who is eligible for a Survivor's The Claim Form can be downloaded from the of high income – will receive a one time grant, and Benefit increase for the child;788 NIS for children National Insurance Institute website and then sent will not be eligible for a monthly benefit. or their brother for whom the widow/er is not eligible in by mail or fax. Grant amount – equal to the sum of 36 monthly to claim a Survivors Benefit increase. benefits. Claim Form NI/2910 can be downloaded from the Special benefit (survivors) Marriage grant National Insurance Institute website and then mailed Paid to a widow and orphans of an uninsured Israeli or faxed, or dropped off at the branch’s service box. resident (since he was between the ages of 60 and Widows and widowers who receive a Survivor's 62 and over on the day of immigration to Israel). The Benefit and get married – a one time grant equaling Bar/Bat Mitzvah grant Special Pension amount is equal to the Survivor's 36 monthly benefits. The grant is paid in two For 13 years old male orphans and 12 years old Benefit amount according to the National Insurance installments: the first is paid after the Marriage female orphans. Grant amount, as of January 2016 Law, but no Seniority Increment will be paid. date and the second is paid two years after the is 5,838 NIS. This Grant will be paid to beneficiaries marriage date (eligibility to a survivor’s benefit of a Special Survivor's Benefit. Conditions of entitlement to the special benefit expires, excluding cases where the widow might (survivors) still be eligible for the benefit). Heating grant Ineligibility for any benefit according to the National Widows and widowers who have received a Marriage A one-time grant is paid once a year to cover heating Insurance Law, and passage of the Means Test. A Grant, and have divorced again with 10 years of costs, to beneficiaries of a Survivor’s Benefit who Income Support increment is paid according to the the date of marriage, may return to receiving the have reached the age of retirement and meet the conditions of eligibility. Survivor's Benefit. following criteria: Recipient of a survivor’s benefits • The recipient received an income support to the Vocational rehabilitation for a old-age pension in one of the following months: who is in entitled to another Widow/er October, November or December of that year. pension Analysis, professional guidance and assistance in • The recipient lives in an area defined by the law Anyone who as a result of the same event is eligible work integration; professional studies (Vocational as “cold” for at least two months. for Survivor's Benefit as well as another benefit, training); payment of a cost-of-living-benefit during The Grant is per family. The grant amount is 553 according to the National Insurance Law or any studies and payment of studies-related expenses. NIS as of January 2016, and is paid automatically other legislation, will select one of the two benefits. Who is eligible for vocational rehabilitation? along with the October Allowance payment. Beneficiaries of an Old-age pension who become Widows or Widowers who have been recognized Death grant eligible for Survivor's Benefits, or anyone receiving by the Survivors Department or the Work Injured’ Survivor's Benefits that becomes eligible for an Upon the death of a person who received an old Dependents Department, and are without a age, survivors, general disability, special services, or work disability pension, a lump-sum grant is paid to the person who was the deceased’s spouse at the time of his death. If there is no spouse, the grant is paid to the child of the benefit recipient (see the definition of a “child” in the previous page). As of April 1st, 2016, the death grant is paid to the parents of a deceased child, for whom a disabled child pension was also paid. Grant amount, as of January 2016 is 8,757 NIS. Burial expenses Are paid directly to the Havra Kadisha to cover all expenses of the burial.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 25 Old-age Insurance

The Old-age Insurance is meant to guarantee Israeli residents monthly income as they approach old age. Low income individuals are entitled to an Income Support increment.

Old-age pension a. Retirement age (the age of entitlement, May – 48 December – 48 69 contingent on income) – The age you will January – 49 August – 49 69 and 4 months Who is eligible? be entitled to an old-age pension provided September – 49 April – 50 69 and 8 months An Old-age pension is by law paid to any Israeli that your income from employment does not May – 50 Onwards 70 resident who was born in Israel, or who first exceed NIS 5,394 per month for an individual, immigrated to Israel before the age of 62. Anyone or NIS 7,193 per month for a couple, and your first immigrating to Israel after the age of 62 will income from other sources does not exceed 2. Completing a “qualifying period” (insurance receive, under certain circumstances, a Special NIS 16,182 for an individual or NIS 21,579 for period) Old-age benefit (see below). a couple (as of January 2016). 60 months of insurance within the last 10 years An Israeli resident who has moved his residence to a preceding the age of eligibility for an Old-age treaty country, may be entitled to an old-age pension, Income from a pension is not considered pension; or 144 months of insurance or 60 months even if s/he has ceased to be a resident of Israel. income. of insurance, provided the number of months of An Israeli resident who began receiving an old-age Retirement age for men – is 67. insurance is no less than the number of months pension in Israel, and has moved his residence to a Retirement age for women – According to a of non-insurance. Knesset decision, the retirement age for women foreign country, may continue to receive the pension, 3. You have paid your insurance premiums (for even if s/he has ceased to be a resident of Israel. born between January 1950 and December 1954 is 62. insured persons who are not employed by A woman who is an Israeli resident is entitled Beginning in 2017 the retirement age for others or women who are not housewives) to the pension if, in addition to the above, she women will increase incrementally according ›› A person who owes insurance contributions is one of the following: to their date of birth, from 62 to 64 years, unless loses the right to a pension until the debt is • An unmarried woman – single, divorced or a different decision is reached. settled, or he receives a reduced pension widowed (except for a widow who is receiving a according to the debt and amount of time the b. Age of entitlement to an old-age pension − survivor’s benefit or a dependents’ pension and payment is in arrears. is not working outside her household). The age of entitlement to an old-age pension, • A married woman who works outside her irrespective of income. Rates of old-age pension as of January 2016 (NIS): household (as a salaried employee or self- The age of eligibility for Old-age pension The following increments are added onto the basic employed). for men – is 70. pension, depending on the entitlement criteria. A married woman whose spouse is not covered • The age of eligibility for an Old-age pension For an individual − 1,531 by old age and survivors’ insurance (because of for women (provided no other decision will For couple − 2,301 his age or because he is not an Israeli resident) be reached) For an individual age 80 or older – 1,617 – even if she is neither a salaried employee nor For a couple in which the pension recipient is age self-employed. 80 or older − 2,387 Date of birth Age of • An aguna (a married woman whose spouse has entitlement For a couple with one child − 2,785 been missing for two years, or has been outside to old-age For a couple with two or more children − 3,269 of Israel for two years without her consent, and From To pension For an individual with one child − 2,015 is not paying her maintenance) – even if she is - June – 39 65 For an individual with two or more children − 2,499 neither a salaried employee nor self-employed. July – 39 August – 39 65 and 4 months Health insurance fees are deducted from the • A housewife (a married woman who does not pension – 196 NIS for an individual and 283 NIS September – 39 April – 40 65 and 8 months work outside of her household, and her partner is for a couple (as of January 2016). insured) and a widow who does not work outside May – 40 December – 40 66 of her household and receives a Survivor's Benefit January – 41 Aug – 41 66 and 4 months Increment in addition to the basic pension or a Dependent's Allowance, who were born September – 41 April – 42 66 and 8 months Seniority increment − 2% of the pension for after December 31st, 1930, may be eligible for each year of insurance beyond the first 10 years May – 42 December – 44 67 an Old-age pension. of insurance. Maximum Seniority Increment – 50% January – 45 August – 45 67 and 4 months of the benefit. Conditions of entitlement September – 45 April – 46 67 and 8 months A housewife is not paid a seniority increment. May – 46 December – 46 68 1. Reaching the “age of entitlement to an old- Pension deferral increment − 5% of the pension for age pension” January – 47 August – 47 68 and 4 months each year that the pension recipient was not entitled There are two dates relevant to determining the September – 47 April – 48 68 and 8 months to the pension due to income from work, up to the age entitling you to an Old-age pension:

26 age of entitlement to an old-age pension (for men will be paid from the 1st of the month following the 62. A married woman living with her partner − 70 years of age and for women – see the table). month in which they become eligible. However, is not eligible for a Special Benefit (Old- Dependents’ increment − Paid for the spouse of if they are also eligible for an Income Support the pension recipient, provided that they are not increment, the Old-age pension will be paid from age), unless she has reached the age of receiving a pension under the National Insurance the 1st of the month in which they became eligible eligibility for an Old-age pension. Law, and for each one of the first two children of (even if they become eligible for the Allowance after the pension recipient. the 15th of the month). Conditions of entitlement to a special A housewife is not paid a dependent’s increment. If the claim is submitted later than 12 months from benefit (Old age) • Husband – The husband of the Israely resident the date of commencement of entitlement to the The age of eligibility for an Old-age pension recipient, who has been married to her pension, the National Insurance Institute may pay for at least one year, or her common-law partner the pension, retroactively, for a maximum of 12 pension is as described on the previous who lives with her and is at least 70 years old or months only. page; ineligibility for a benefit according is at least 50 years old and meets the criteria of Anyone filing a claim after reaching the age of to the National Insurance Law; passing the means test. eligibility for an Old-age pension (for men – 70 years the Means Test. • Wife − The wife of the pension recipient who old and for women – see chart on the previous page) meets the following conditions: she is an Israeli may receive retroactive payment for a longer period. A Special Pension beneficiary must make resident, she has been married to him for at least In any case between the retirement age and eligibility notification of any departure overseas. one year or is his common-law partner and lives age, eligibility is one year retroactively. with him, or she has borne him a child, she is at Rates of the special benefit (Old age) least 45 years old or has custody of his child, she ›› Recipients of old-age pensions must give has reached age 67 or she meets the criteria of notice of travel abroad for a period of over 6 The amount of the Special Pension (for a the means test. months, so that their continued entitlement to single person and for those with a partner • Child − A son or daughter (including a stepchild, the pension can be examined. and children) is equal to the rates of the an adopted child, or a grandchild who is supported solely by the pension recipient, except for a Old-age pension according to the National married teenager), who is one of the following: Income Support Insurance Law, but no Seniority and Benefit Beneficiaries of an Old-age pension, with a low • Not yet 18 years old. Deferral increases will be paid. • He is below the age of 20 and is completing income and who pass the Means Test and other his studies in a post-secondary educational conditions of eligibility, are eligible for an Income institution or is studying towards completion Support increment. The supplement increases the Submitting a claim for a special benefit of the matriculation exams, or has learning pension to the amount of the guaranteed minimum and for an income support increment income. disorders and is in a framework recognized Must be filed on Form NI/4501 at the local by the National Insurance Institute. National Insurance Institute branch. The • Not yet 20 years old, and is a cadet in IDF pre- Amounts of Old-age pensions with an Income military training (Kadatz or Taratz – institutions Support increment as of January 2016 (NIS): Special Pension (Old-age) is paid starting authorized for this matter). For an individual − 2,981 on the 1st of the month on which the claim • He is below the age of 24 and is performing A single person between the ages of 70 and 80 was filed in (no benefits will be paid for the compulsory service in the IDF (the period of – 3,042 entitlement is 36 months). For an individual age 80 or older − 3,151 period prior to the month on which the • He is below the age of 24 and is serving For couple − 4,706 claim was filed). voluntarily in National Service (in a framework For a couple in which the pension recipient is age recognized by the National Insurance Institute). 70 or older − 4,808 Heating grant • He is below the age of 24 and is studying in an For a couple in which the pension recipient is age Once a year a one-time grant is paid for heating, officer candidate academic program and his 80 or older − 4,980 to beneficiaries of an Old-age pension meeting the military service was deferred due to his studies. For a couple with one child − 5,640 following criteria: • He is below the age of 21 and is performing For a couple with two or more children − 6,574 1. Receives an Income Support increment to an Old- volunteer service for a public cause for up to 12 For an individual with one child − 5,028 age pension during one of the following months, months, and his compulsory IDF service was For an individual with two or more children − 5,962 during the same year: October, November or deferred due to his volunteer service. Health Insurance contributions are deducted from December, or receives an Old-age pension the benefit – 103 NIS. A recipient of an old-age equaling a Disability Pension. ›› To check your entitlement to an old-age pension pension with Income Support, who is about to travel 2. Lives in an area defined by law as Cold, for at and the age at which you will become entitled abroad, must check their eligibility for an Income least two months. to it – go to the “Old Age” calculators on the Support increment for the time spent overseas. The Grant is per family. The grant amount is 553 NIS National Insurance Institute website. as of January 2016, and is paid automatically along Submitting a claim for an income support with the October Allowance payment. Claim for an old-age pension Must be filed on form no. NI/430 at the time of filing Must be filed near the age of eligibility for an Old-age a claim for an Old-age pension, or after some time Death grant pension, on claim form for Old-age pension NI/480, has passed, once income has been reduced to the A one-time grant to the partner, and if there is no which will be sent by mail to anyone approaching amount entitling an Income Support increment. partner – to the child (see definition of a child above) this age, to the local National Insurance Institute The Income Support increment will be paid starting of the deceased Old-age pension beneficiary. branch. Claim forms can be obtained at any the month in which the claim was filed and for the As of January 2016, the grant is NIS 8,757 (even if National Insurance Institute branch and can also entire time the beneficiary is eligible for it (if the the pension recipient was paid an income support). be downloaded from the National Insurance Institute increase was received illegally the National Insurance If the partner of a beneficiary of an Old-age pension website and then mailed or faxed. Institute may deduct it from any other benefits it is with Income Support passes away. The death grant Anyone who became eligible for the Old-age pension paying out). will be paid automatically, and there is no need to between the 1st and 15th of the month, benefits file a claim for a Grant. will be paid from the 1st of the month in which they Special benefit (old-age) If both partners pass away within a short time of become eligible. A Special Old-age benefit is paid to anyone one another, the grant will be paid, under certain Anyone who became eligible for the Old-age pension first immigrating to Israel after the age of conditions, to whomever provided provisions to between the 16th and the end of the month, benefits the deceased.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 27 Long-term Care Insurance

The National Insurance Institute operates, together with the Ministry of Health and the Health funds, the Long-term Care Insurance Law. By law, a Long- term care benefit is granted to persons who have reached the retirement age, who live in their homes and who are in need of another person to perform their daily functions (dressing, washing, eating and moving about in the home), and to seniors in need of supervision at home for their own safety and for the safety of those around them.

Long-term care benefit What services are provided to those entitled to forms can be obtained at any National Insurance The long-term care benefit is usually a service a long-term care benefit? Institute branch and can also be downloaded from benefit. Persons eligible for a Long-term care benefit According to the Long-term Care Insurance Law, the National Insurance Institute website and then will be provided Long-term care services to assist those eligible for a Long-term Care Allowance mailed or faxed. them with their everyday functions and in maintaining will receive services that offer direct assistance in Anyone having difficulties filling the claim form their households. performing everyday functions and maintaining the will be able to receive assistance from the Claims For the option of receiving a monetary benefit, household – all as per the needs of the senior and Clerk or from the employees of the Seniors Consult please see below. according to the decision of a local professional Department at the National Insurance Institute Long-term care committee. branch. Along with the claim form, a medical Who is entitled to a long-term care benefit? Following is a list of services from which the services information summary from the medical file, signed An Israeli resident who has reached retirement age the beneficiary of a Long-term Care Benefit is eligible by a doctor, or a hospitalization summary must (see the Senior Citizen chapter) and who depends for will be chosen, so long as these services exist also be filed. The Long-term care benefit claim on assistance from others for performing everyday in his neighborhood and can be provided to him: may be submitted by another person representing activities or who is in need of supervision. • Assistance of a home caregiver in performing the claimant (a family member, legal guardian, the Conditions of entitlement to a long-term care routine functions (dressing, bathing, eating, social worker or the nurse), after the claimant has benefit personal hygiene, mobility within the home), signed the claim. • Age − as above. performing household tasks and supervising the • Residence in the community and not in an elderly person. Long-term care benefit in institution. • Provision of disposable absorbent products Treatment at day centers for the elderly monetary terms • Means test − the right to the benefit and the rate • Beginning on March 1st, 2014, anyone eligible for of the benefit are subject to a means test. • Laundry services Personal distress call transmitters a Long-term care benefit who employs a full-time • The insured is not receiving an attendance • caregiver will be able to receive the Long-term care allowance (a special allowance for a person with Benefit rates benefit in cash and not in services, if they so choose. a work injury disability or a general disability) from The Long-term care benefit is provided in three rates: Employment of a full-time caregiver who is not a the National Insurance Institute, is not receiving • A 91% benefit (9.75 weekly hours) for a person member of the family for 6 days a week throughout an allowance for personal care or supervision who is largely dependent on the help of others most of the hours of the day, in exchange for pay from the State treasury (a person who is receiving to perform most routine daily functions, and for and according to a written contract, is a prerequisite such a benefit must choose between that benefit a person who requires supervision. for receiving a monetary Long-term Care Allowance. and the benefit specified in the Long-Term Care • A 150% benefit (16 weekly hours) for a person Insurance Law). who is greatly dependent on the help of others Monetary Benefit Amounts in January 2016 • The insured is largely dependent on the help to perform most routine daily functions during (for employers of a foreign worker) of another person to perform routine functions most hours of the day. Anyone employing an Monetary amount (dressing, bathing, eating, personal hygiene, Israeli caregiver will receive an increase of 3 Determined Benefit Rate mobility in the home, etc.), or the insured requires care hours, provided they do not have a permit of the benefit supervision at home for his own safety and the to employ a foreign worker, or if that permit has 91% 1,594 NIS safety of those around him. been suspended. 45.5% 797 NIS ›› The level of dependence of the Senior Citizen • A 168% benefit (18 weekly hours) for a person on the assistance of others, and the level who is completely dependent on the help of 150% 2,627 NIS others to perform all routine daily functions of supervision needed, will be determined 75% 1,314 NIS by the National Insurance Institute following at all hours of the day, and for a person who an examination by a professional (a nurse, requires constant supervision. Anyone employing 168% 2,942 NIS physiotherapist, occupational therapist) an Israeli caregiver will receive an extra 4 care which will be done in the senior’s home. In hours, provided they do not have a permit to 84% 1,471 NIS cases where the limited ability to function is employ a foreign worker, or if that permit has temporary, a Long-term care benefit will be been suspended. Request for a monetary benefit granted on a temporary basis. Persons over Claims must be submitted on a Monetary Long-term the age of 90 will be given the possibility to be How is a claim submitted for a long-term care Care Allowance in place of services for employers examined by a geriatrist or a psycho-geriatrist. benefit? of a foreign worker form (2655). Claim forms can be To receive a Long-term Care Allowance, a Long- obtained at any National Insurance Institute branch ›› To check your entitlement to a long-term care term Care Allowance claim form must be filled out or downloaded from the National Insurance Institute benefit, go to the “Long-Term Care” calculator (NI/2600) and submitted to the claims officer at the website. The form can be mailed or faxed. on the National Insurance Institute of Israel local National Insurance Institute branch. Claim website.

28 Counseling Service for the Elderly The “Senior Citizen Counseling” services for the elderly is a professional service managed by social workers and facilitated by retired volunteers, who provide support, advice, information, and guidance to the senior citizens and members of their family. The service is provided free of charge!

The counseling service for the elderly was The service is provided through their loneliness and to provide them a sense of established in order to improve the quality of life belonging and companionship. of elderly members of the community. The service the following channels: Informational days for retirees: Informational days Office hours at branches: Consulting is provided in is managed by professionals and it mobilizes for new retirees, during which information is provided a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The volunteers serve approximately 5000 volunteers in all of the National on their rights with the National Insurance Institute as sympathetic ears for the elderly and do their best Insurance Institute branches. of Israel, services within the community and cultural to assist the elderly in realizing their rights and to The volunteers undergo an academic training course and recreational opportunities, such as studies and provide them with relevant information according to in order to be able to provide consult, guidance and volunteer work. their individual needs and personal status. support to the elderly and members of their family. Informational days for widows and widowers: Telephone conversations: The service holds Informational days for recently widowed individuals, telephone calls on a regular basis with the senior Serviced provided: during which they receive information on their rights citizens who are undergoing transitional phases Consulting and assistance in exercising rights: with the National Insurance Institute, as well as initial or crises, as well as to very old senior citizens, to The volunteer assists the elderly in exercising all support according to their state. keep track of their state and to provide them the of their rights with the National Insurance Institute, Support groups for “Overcoming Together”: For assistance they need. as well as in guiding them towards other services widows and widowers, for family members caring Approximately 160,000 phone calls are made to the within the community and in realizing the benefits for senior citizens in nursing care etc. elderly and their family members every year. to which they are entitled. Support groups assist in handling the various Initial house calls: Are made at the homes of senior Emotional support: During times of transition transitional and crisis situations. citizens, to assist them in realizing their rights, to and crisis when changes occur in the personal, The groups are administered and moderated by inform them and to identify at-risk cases and cases functional, family and social statuses. For example: professionals. going on pension, functional degradation and of neglect. widowing. Every year volunteers make about-50,000 first- Providing information on various issues – for time visits. To contact us, call: example, services within the community, study Regular social visits: Volunteers visit lonely senior *9696 National support and information options and leisure activities. citizens who are confined to their homes and center – new service!!! maintain continuous contact with them, to ease Direct response to phone calls on Sundays through Thursdays between 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. National phone call routing by language: • In Hebrew – 02-6463400 • In Arabic – 02-6463401 • In Russian – 02-6463402 • In Amharic – 02-6463403 • In English – 02-6463404

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 29 Appealing a decision of the National Insurance Institute

If the National Insurance Institute has rejected your claim, you may contact the Regional Labor Court or the regional labor court and file a claim against the decision.

Claims Committee – Regional Labor Courts Reexamination of claims rejected The claim to the labor court must be filed within 12 months from the day the Institute’s decision had been by the National Insurance Institute handed down. If the National Insurance Institute has rejected a City Address Phone claim for a benefit, it is possible to request that the Jerusalem 20 Beit Ha’Dfus Street matter be examined once more by a regional claims committee, whose members are public figures who Tel Aviv 25 Schocken Street have been appointed by the National Insurance Institute Council. The Committee’s decision are a Haifa 12 Palyam Street Heichal Hamishpat 077-2703333 recommendation for reconsideration by the Claims Natsrat Ilit Kiryat Yitshak Rabin, Heichal Hamishpat Clerk. Be’er Sheva 5 Hatikva Street, Heichal Hamishpat For this you must fill in a request form to the Claims Committee (NI/910), which can be downloaded from the National Insurance Institute website and A ruling by the Regional Court can be appealed to the National Court in Jerusalem: filed at the local branch, or mailed to: Legislation- Retirement Branch, the National Insurance Institute, The National Labor Court Appeals 13 Weizmann Blvd., Jerusalem 91909, no later than- Jerusalem 20 Keren Ha’Yesod Street 077-2703333 6 months from the date on which the Claims Clerk had made his decision. Legal aid Approaching the Claims Committee does not extend If you have decided to appeal the National Insurance Institute decision and bring it before the Labor Court the period defined by law to file a claim with the as described above, you may request free legal assistance from the Legal Assistance bureaus at the Ministry labor court, which must be filed within 12 months of Justice. You must submit the request to your local Legal Assistance Bureau, on a special form. from the date on which the Claims Clerk had made his decision. The legal aid bureaus District Address National Call Center Jerusalem* 1 Hasoreg Street, Beit Mitzpa Tel Aviv and Central 4 Henrietta Szold Street District Haifa and the north 15A Palyam Street, Government Campus 1-700-70-60-44 Be’er Sheva 4 Keren HaYesod Street, Beit Carasso Taufiq Ziad Street, Waffa Center building, Nazareth 5th floor

* The Jerusalem bureau also serves the residents of Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, Ashdod and Eilat.

30 The National Insurance Institute Funds

The funds of the National Insurance Institute help develop social services for the benefit of special needs groups within the community, such as persons with a disability, the elderly, at-risk children, distressed youths etc., in order to help them integrate into the community and include them in the workforce.

The National Insurance Institute of Israel operates The Special Enterprises The Fund for Development of five funds which assist local authorities, companies Development Fund Services for Children and Youth at and legally registered non-profit organizations to The fund helps public and private organizations Risk develop social services according to the policy of develop experimental and innovative social services The Fund helps children under the age of 18 who the National Insurance Institute. for at-risk and special needs population groups, are at risk as a result of neglect, abuse, violence, such as distressed families, disabled persons, senior The Fund for Development sexual abuse or juvenile delinquency. The Fund citizens and at-risk children and adolescents. These helps prepare them for independent life and develop of Services for People with programs are accompanied by a research evaluation occupational aptitude, in an effort to prevent them Disabilities and serve as a model for nationwide implementation. from regressing into poverty and neediness. The Fund helps public institutions build and upgrade physical infrastructures for supporting services The fund for the Development of The Manof Fund for disabled persons, in order to integrate them in Long Term Services The Fund is intended to finance activities for the society and in employment and to improve their The Fund helps develop and improve services for prevention of injuries at work and to promote well-being and quality of life. The Fund operates the elderly disabled within the community and in programs for increasing safety, such as: in a number of areas – occupational rehabilitation, institutions. The Fund’s activities include setting implementable research, guidance and training community housing, sports and leisure, special up senior citizen day centers, purchasing special activities, locating work hazards and occupational education, therapy centers, higher education and needs equipment, training personnel for helping safety hazards, improving safety means and accessibility solutions. senior citizens, improving services in Long-term development of innovative means and awareness- care facilities, developing specialized programs for raising and advertising campaigns. the elderly disabled, etc. ›› For further information: The National Insurance Institute Funds 13 Weizmann Ave. Jerusalem, 91909, Tel: 02-6709087 Fax: 02-6463081 And on the National Insurance Institute website – www.btl.gov.il

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 31 Payment of National Insurance Contributions and Health Insurance Contributions Eligibility for most National Insurance benefits is conditional on payment of National Insurance contributions. National Insurance is mandatory insurance which applies to all Israeli residents. National Health Insurance guarantees health services to all Israeli residents, and it is also mandatory insurance.

Compulsory national and health amount defined by law, and will not exceed the It can also be done at one of the Israeli Post Office maximum amount defined by law. branches, on a special form (requires a fee). insurance A person who is not working and has no income ›› For questions and enquiries regarding pays the minimum insurance contribution of NIS registration and transferal issues, contact ›› Every Israeli resident aged 18 and over is 196 per month. the National Insurance Institute from Sunday required by law to be insured with the National The obligation to pay Insurance Contributions through Thursday, between 9 am and 1 pm, Insurance Institute, and pay National Insurance applies to the insured also when they are temporarily site of the Health Registry, 13 Weizmann St., contributions, except for housewives (a married absent from Israel. woman neither employed nor self-employed Jerusalem, Tel 02-6462000, Fax 02-6462029. with an insured partner), and except for anyone Exempt from national and health insurance who first became an Israeli resident after the contributions: What is the difference between age of 62. • New immigrants, who are not working for up to a salaried employee and a self- 12 months from the day of immigration to Israel. Every Israeli resident aged 18 and over must also employed worker • Anyone enlisting in compulsory military service or • Salaried employee − His employer is required to have Health Insurance and pay Health Insurance National Service before the age of 21. contributions to the National Insurance Institute, report on his salary and to pay national and health • High-school students (up to 12th grade) – the insurance contributions for him. along with the National Insurance contributions. exemption is until the age of 19, so long as they Self-employed worker − Must register with the Housewives are exempt from payment of Health are students. • National Insurance Institute and pay the insurance Insurance contributions, except for a housewife Prisoners or detainees who have been • contributions himself. who received an Old-age pension or whose partner incarcerated or detained for over 12 months. receives an increase to the Old-age pension. Every • Salaried employee − Is also covered by insured person must be registered with one of Soldiers in compulsory service receive healthcare unemployment insurance and employees’ rights the HMOs, and is entitled to the health services services from the IDF and are not insured under following bankruptcy and corporate dissolution defined by law. the National Health Insurance Law, so they are not insurance. required to pay Health Insurance contributions. • Self-employed worker − Is not covered by ›› Definitions in this section: Career service soldiers are required to pay Health unemployment insurance and employees’ rights National Insurance contributions − payment Insurance contributions. following bankruptcy and corporate dissolution for insurance. National Insurance contributions. Students in officer candidate academic programs are required to pay national and health Health Insurance contributions− payment (“atudai”) • Salaried employee − His rights are not adversely for health services. insurance contributions during their studies. The affected by arrears in payment of the insurance National Insurance Institute will send an account Insurance contributions − includes both contributions that his employer is obligated to pay. national insurance book for payment, and they will have to pay • Self-employed worker − His rights may be and health insurance contributions. Insurance Contributions every quarterly. adversely affected if he does not register or is in Average Wage – 9,464 NIS a month, as of Students at a Yeshivat Hesder – the Ministry of arrears in payment of the insurance contributions. January Defense pays their National Insurance contributions 2016. and Health Insurance contributions from date A self-employed person Maximum income for payment of Insurance of conscription and until the date of discharge, A self-employed person is anyone who is one of Contributions – including for periods in which he is studying at the the following: 43,240 NIS, as of January 2016. Yeshiva. • A person who engages in his occupation for at least 20 hours a week on average; Payments of National Insurance contributions Registering with a health fund and • A person whose average monthly income from and Health Insurance contributions are calculated transferring from one health fund his occupation is more than 60% of the average according to the insured’s income from employment wage (NIS 5,678 as of January 2016); and not from employment, and according to the to another • A person who engages in his occupation for at status that has been determined for them (employed, Registration with an Health fund, or transferring from least 12 hours a week on average, and whose self-employed, not employed, student, and more). one Health fund to another, can be done through the average income is more than 15% of the average Payments will not be lower than the minimum National Insurance Institute website, at no charge. wage (NIS 1,420 as of January 2016).

32 Self-employed persons must register with the An insured person who is neither to increase the prepaid contributions: 52% of the National Insurance Institute immediately upon prepaid insurance contributions are recognized as beginning business activities. Injured self-employed an employee nor self-employed an income tax deduction for that fiscal year. Insured persons who are neither employed nor persons are eligible for Work Injured benefits, only self-employed must register on their own with the if at the time of injury they were registered at the › National Insurance Institute and pay the National › If a person who is self-employed or not working National Insurance Institute as self-employed and Insurance Contributions and Health Insurance is in arrears in paying insurance contributions, had paid Insurance Contributions. contributions themselves, according to their income. he will be subject to the fines and linkage If they have no income, they will pay minimal differentials prescribed by law. › › You can fill in the registration form (NI/6101) Insurance Contributions at a rate of 168 NIS a on the National Insurance Institute website month (as of January 2016). Salaried employees and send it online to the National Insurance Students in recognized educational institutions Institute. or Yeshiva students who do not work, pay the ›› Employers are required to pay national A married woman who is self-employed in her minimum rate of National Insurance contributions and health insurance contributions for their husband’s business is required to register with the and Health Insurance contributions (125 NIS a employees. National Insurance Institute and to pay insurance month) every quarter, in January, April, July and Employers must notify of all their employees and their contributions. October, using an account-book that will be sent wages, and pay National Insurance contributions to them once a year. A married couple working in a joint business and Health Insurance contributions on their behalf. can distribute income from the business among Following are the Insurance Contributions paid Employers must deduct from the employee’s them, and pay the insurance contributions each by persons who are neither employed nor self- wages the employee’s share of National Insurance according to their share, provided the distribution employed and have non-employment income contributions and Health Insurance contributions at between them is between one-third and two-thirds (as of January 2014): the following rates: For the portion of income under of the total income for each side, or half for each For the portion of income under 60% of the 60% of the average wage (5,678 NIS as of January from the total income. average wage (5,678 NIS) pays 4.61% National 2016) 0.4% National Insurance contributions Insurance contributions and 5% Health Insurance and 3.1% Health Insurance contributions will be A self-employed person who also has income contributions, and for the portion of income over deducted; and for the portion of income over 60% as a salaried employee must pay insurance 60% and up to the maximum income which is and up to the maximum income which is liable for contributions from both sources, up to the maximum liable for insurance contributions, pays 7% National insurance contributions, pays 7% National Insurance income that is subject to insurance contributions. Insurance and 5% Health Insurance contributions. contributions and 5% Health Insurance contributions Self-employed persons with additional non- will be deducted. employment income are required to pay Insurance Prepayment of insurance Contributions on the non-employment income as contributions ›› If an employer did not pay Insurance well, up to the maximum Income liable for insurance A self-employed person and a person who does Contributions on behalf of the employee on contributions, and after an amount equal to 25% not work but has an income must make prepaid time, the employer will be charged with fines of the average wage has been subtracted from the contributions by the 15th of each month.The and linkage and may even be sentenced non-employment income. rate of the monthly payments is determined by to jail time. Likewise, if an employee has experienced an event that entitles them to A person who does not meet the definition of self- estimated income. Upon receipt of the assessment from the Tax Authority, the National Insurance a National Insurance Institute benefit, the employed as specified above is not considered National Insurance Institute may demand the self-employed and is subject to the regulations Institute calculates the differences above or below the Insurance Contributions. benefit amounts which the employee is entitled specified below (see “A person who is not a salaried to, from the employer. employee and is not self-employed”). At the same time, the National Insurance Institute recalculates the differences between benefits paid Employers who employ workers in Israel who Following are the Insurance Contributions paid to the insured person for that same period of time are not Israeli residents and their place of by self-employed persons (as of January 2016): (income-replacement benefits, such as Maternity residence is in Judea, Samaria or territories of the Self-employed person who is over the age of 18 and Benefits, Military Reservists compensation). Palestinian Authority, are required to pay National under the age of retirement pays: Insurance contributions on their behalf (except for • On the part of the income that is up to 60% of Reducing and increasing prepaid insurance contributions Household Employees), through the Payments the average wage (NIS 5,678 as of January 2016) Department at the Population, Immigration and − 6.72% for the National Insurance contributions If the amount of the advance as determined by the National Insurance Institute is not based on actual Border Authority at the Ministry of the Interior (in the and 3.1% for the Health Insurance contributions. Maternal, Bankruptcy and Work Injured department). • On the part of the income that is over 60% of income, please visit the National Insurance Institute the average wage (5,678 NIS) and up to the branch in which the Insurance Contributions account Employers who employ foreign citizens in Israel maximum income that is subject to insurance is managed, with confirmations of income and a must notify of them to the National Insurance contributions−11.23% for the National Insurance form for Request for Amendment of Advances (672). Institute, and pay National Insurance contributions contributions and 5% for the Health Insurance Amending the Advances can be done up to 4 times on their behalf to the Maternity, Bankruptcies and contributions. a year, once every quarter in January, April, July and Occupational Accident Injuries Branch. October. The amendment will be made based on Employers who employ foreign citizens from the Self-employed persons who have reached the income confirmations, as required by the National treaty countries, must pay National Insurance age of retirement and receive an Old-age pension Insurance Institute regulations. payments in full for them. They do not have to pay pay for the portion of income under 60% of the health insurance for them. average wage (5,678 NIS), 0.39% National Insurance Self-employed persons can reduce or increase the contributions; and for the portion of income over amount of the advances paid, provided they have An Israeli resident who is employed overseas 60% of the average wage and up to the maximum filed a request in this matter before the end of the by an Israeli employer, and their employment income which is liable for insurance contributions, tax year, and if they were Injured at Work – not after contract was signed in Israel is, according to the pay 0.68% National Insurance contributions. the Occupational Injury. National Insurance Law, insured like any worker Health Insurance contributions will be deducted If a self-employed person was not injured at work employed in Israel, and their employee must pay from the Old-age pension. during the fiscal year, and is certain that his income Insurance Contributions on their behalf, according will be greater than the basis on which the insurance to the guidelines which apply to workers employed contributions were paid, it is advisable that he in Israel. contact the National Insurance Institute and request

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 33 If 5 years have passed since commencement of An insured person staying in a country which has ›› When filling out a report on the employment of a overseas employment, the employer will file an signed a Social Insurance convention with Israel domestic worker, all of the worker’s particulars extension request with the National Insurance (Austria, Uruguay, Italy, Bulgaria, Belgium, Britain, must be accurately recorded. Absence of Institute. Approval of the request is dependent, Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, the employee’s information on the form, or among other things, on a Residency Test the Finland, the Czech Republic, France, Canada, incorrect information, may harm the employee’s employee must pass. Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia and Romania), and rights with the National Insurance Institute. pays insurance contributions in that country, will Employed persons who have non-employment An employer who does not pay the Insurance produce confirmation for payments and be exempt income will pay Insurance Contributions on all Contributions on behalf of a Household Employee from payment of National Insurance Contributions income up to the maximum amount which is liable on time, will be charged with interest and linkage in Israel, and will be required to make health for insurance contributions, after subtracting 25% of any may even serve a jail sentence. He will also insurance contributions, since health insurance the average wage and after the employed person’s be required to pay insurance contributions on the is not included in the treaty. income has been taken into account. employee’s actual wage, but no less than half of the average wage during each month of the employment Israeli residents living abroad for A salaried employee on unpaid for which payment is in arrears. Additionally, the leave National Insurance Institute may demand of an two or more years An Israeli resident staying overseas for two Employees who are on unpaid leave, and are not employer who did not register on time, or did not pay consecutive years or more and is not paying Health working another job at that time, must pay Insurance Insurance Contributions on time, the total amount of Insurance contributions to the National Insurance Contributions themselves. the benefits the employee is entitled to. The insurance contributions for the first two months Institute in Israel for over 12 months, will lose his are paid by the employer. The obligation to pay Insurance Contributions right to receive medical service in Israel according Employers may deduct these insurance contributions for Household Employees also applies to anyone to the National Health Insurance Law. To regain from any amount the employee receives from them. employing a Foreign Worker, or a worker who is not eligibility for medical services, they must go through Insurance Contributions paid by an employed person an Israeli resident and whose place of residence is a waiting period of one month for every “year of on unpaid leave, beginning on the third month, will in Judea, Samaria or territories of the Palestinian absence” from the country. A year of absence from be minimal provided the employee does not have Authority. Insurance Contributions for the these the country is considered a year during which an any income during that time. workers will be paid directly to the National Insurance Israeli resident has resided for at least 182 days, Institute. not necessarily consecutively, outside of Israel. A salaried employee working for The minimum waiting period is 2 months and the Career-service soldiers maximum is 6 months. several employers Professional soldiers receive health services from Secondary employers will deduct the full Insurance the IDF, and Health Insurance contributions, together Special payment Contributions rate from the employee’s entire with National Insurance fees, are deducted from Israeli residents of whom a waiting period is wages, unless the employee has provided them their wages. required can redeem it with a special payment, which with confirmation from the National Insurance is defined by law as10,950 NIS (as of January 2016). Institute on a deduction at a different rate (Insurance Vocational training students Contributions Coordination). Payments can be made on the National Insurance Anyone undergoing Vocational training that has Institute website or through a certified check directly Authorization for a deduction at a different rate is been approved for the purposes of payment of to the branch. Further details are available on the given when the employee’s salary from the primary Insurance Contributions in accordance with the National Insurance Institute website – www.btl.gov. employer is less than 60% the average wage (i.e., National Insurance Institute regulations, is insured il/insurance fees/Israeli citizen living abroad. NIS 5,678 as of January 2016). with the National Insurance Institute and also in accordance with the Health Insurance Law. Returning Residents If the report shows that Insurance Contributions Obligations to pay Insurance Contributions for the Anyone who has ceased being an Israeli resident, at a higher rate than the employee should have Work Injured Branch and Maternity Branch (in places and will return to reside in Israel and be recognized paid have been deducted, they will be returned approved for it), falls on the institution administering as an Israeli resident by the National Insurance to the employee, including interest and linkage. the training, while anyone undergoing training must Institute, will be eligible to receive medical services If the insurance contributions deducted from the pay Insurance Contributions themselves, at the in Israel in accordance with the National Health employee’s salary are lower than he should have minimum rate which applies to a student of a Insurance Law, only after a one month waiting paid, he must pay the difference to the National recognized educational institution. period for every year they were overseas, and no Insurance Institute. more than a 6 month waiting period. The waiting ›› Producing confirmation for Insurance Insureds living abroad period can be redeemed with a Special Payment An insured person who is staying overseas and not Contributions Coordination, as well as filing (see previous paragraph). working for an Israeli employer will pay Insurance a request for return of excessively deducted Contributions according to their income, which is Insurance Contributions, is performed on A person who takes early liable for insurance contributions. If he does not have the National Insurance Institute website, at income, he pays the minimum monthly insurance retirement www.btl.gov.il/Insurance and Collection/ A retired man who has not yet reached the age of contribution of NIS 168 (as of January 2016), the Coordination of insurance contribution. retirement, and a retired woman who is unmarried same as a person who is neither a salaried employee and not yet reached the retirement age, and receive nor self-employed in Israel. Domestic workers and their rights a pension, must pay Insurance Contributions from Insured persons staying overseas that have income A Household Employee is a worker employed for the pension. housework, not for the benefit of the business or from overseas employment will pay Insurance profession of the employer, including caring for Contributions according to their income, of which The pension payer must deduct the insurance children, cleaning of stairways in common buildings, they report to the Tax Authority. contributions from the pension at source and transfer under certain circumstances, and the likes. the payments to the National Insurance Institute. ›› The insured person departing overseas must Anyone employing a worker at their household must A “pension,” for the purposes of insurance visit the local National Insurance Institute register the worker with the National Insurance contributions, is a benefit paid to an employee branch, and notify of the departure and arrange Institute, and report and pay National Insurance pursuant to a law or labor agreement, or to a person their insurance for the duration of the overseas contributions and Health Insurance contributions who was an employee, after that person has partially stay. on their behalf. The employer may deduct the or completely retired from work. employee’s share of Insurance Contributions from the employee’s wages.

34 Pensions paid to a retiree’s Survivors are exempt Beneficiaries of Survivor's Benefit who have Relief for delinquents in resolving from Insurance Contributions. reached the age of retirement and are not yet receiving an Old-age pension, will have deducted their debt to the National A person who takes early retirement and was from their benefit Health Insurance contributions Insurance Institute a salaried employee or self-employed or both, totaling 168 NIS a month (as of January 2016). If In order to encourage employers and self-employed must pay insurance contributions from all sources of they have income from work as salaried employees persons to resolve their debts with the National income, up to the maximum income that is subject or self-employment, they must pay insurance Insurance Institute and regulate their rights, to insurance contributions. A retiree whose income contributions on their income, but the pension is individual branches have been given the authority from all sources exceeds the maximum income exempt from withholding insurance fees. to reduce fines and facilitate a payment schedule. subject to the payment of insurance contributions is entitled to a refund of the insurance contributions Recipients of other benefits The Institute enables employers and self-employed paid above the maximum amount. Beneficiaries of other benefits (aside from persons to settle their debts by credit card, at beneficiaries of Old-age pension and beneficiaries Telephone No. *6050 or through the National An insured person who reaches of Survivor's Benefit that have reached the age of Insurance Institute website; or through a standing retirement age retirement) who are employed or self-employed or order arrangement with a bank; or by post-dated An insured person who has reached the age of have other income, such as a pension, pay Health checks. retirement and is not yet receiving an Old-age Insurance Contributions based on their income, Employers and self-employed persons, who resolve pension because of income from employment, and the benefit is exempt from Health Insurance their debt using a credit card, their Insurance National Insurance contributions and Health contributions. Contributions as per the resolution will be included in Insurance contributions will be deducted from the The following benefits are in any case exempt from written confirmation given to them for tax deduction employment income. Health Insurance deductions: Attendance Allowance purposes at the Tax Authority. The following retirees are exempt from payment for the Severely Disabled, Long-term Care Benefit, of insurance contributions on their pensions: Mobility Allowance, Disabled Child Benefit, Child ›› Automated telephone call center for 1. An insured person who has reached the age of Allowance, Compensation for the Righteous among payment of debts by credit – card retirement. Nations. 08-6509911 2. A widow who receives Survivor’s Benefit or A person who subsists solely on the benefit and Dependent's Benefit from the National Insurance • Call center hours of operation: has no other income pays the minimum Health Institute. Sundays through Wednesdays from 6:00 am Insurance contributions of 103 NIS (as of January 3. An insured disabled person who receives from to 3:30 am 2016), which is deducted from the benefit. the National Insurance Institute a permanent A person who is receiving a wage-replacing General Disability Pensions of at least 75%, or • On Thursdays from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm benefit (such as injury allowance, maternity a permanent Work-related disability of at least On Fridays and holiday eves from 6:00 am benefit, unemployment benefit, and reserve duty 100%, or a temporary Disability Pensions of at to 2:30 pm benefit) pays the Health Insurance contributions least 75% for at least a year. at the same rate paid by salaried employees, and 4. Pension beneficiaries who are not Israeli residents. it is deducted from the benefit. 5. Pensions which are paid to a beneficiary’s survivors are exempt from National Insurance Contributions and Health Insurance Contributions. A married woman who does not work outside her household and whose husband is covered by old age and survivors’ insurance must submit a declaration to that effect to the pension payer and, based on this declaration, insurance contributions will not be deducted from the pension paid to her. Recipients of old-age or survivors’ benefits Beneficiaries of Old-age or Survivor's Benefits with an Income Support increment will have deducted from their benefit Health Insurance contributions at the minimal rate of 103 NIS a month (as of January 2016). Beneficiaries of Old-age pension without an Income Support increment will have deducted from their benefit Health Insurance contributions at a rate of 196 NIS a month for as single person and 283 NIS for a couple a month (as of January 2016), even if each of the individuals receives their benefits separately. Their other income, such as pension income or from employment or self-employment, is exempt from Health Insurance contributions. The employer of a salaried employee, who is the recipient of an old-age pension, must pay National Insurance contributions for him to the Work Injury and Bankruptcy Departments. A self-employed worker who is the recipient of an old-age pension, must pay National Insurance contributions to the Work Injury Department.

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 35 All channels are open The Easy Path to Service and Information

Call center, service stations, up-to-date website which provides all information and services with a flick of a keyboard – for simple, efficient and convenient service

Various services through direct The service operates on Sunday through Thursday Available and Efficient Service between 7 am and 4 am the following day, and on dialing Fridays and holiday eves between 7:00 am and Self-service terminals National Call Center *6050 2:30 pm. Self Service stations are designed to enable you to obtain available and speedy service during most of Or 04-8812345 Computerized call center for outstanding the hours of the day. The terminals are located at A wide variety of services can be provided using benefit-related payments using a credit card the front entrance to the local National Insurance the call center: 08-6509935 Institute branches and in many of the local authority General information and individual enquiries, The service operates on Sunday through Thursday buildings. payment of outstanding Insurance Contributions between 7 am and 4 am the following day, and on Services provided at the Self Service stations: using a credit card, including information on the Fridays and holiday eves between 7:00 am and • Confirmations regarding benefits – confirmation balance of the debt, issuing a standing order in your 2:30 pm. of payments and eligibility in most benefit related name using a credit card, requesting confirmation be matters mailed to your house, requesting payment vouchers, Call center for notification of Risk Pregnancy • Confirmations of Insurance Contributions requesting forms and instruction booklets. 08-6509934 and Collection matters – account details, and ›› Important! If you are receiving an Enforced Bed-rest benefit confirmations for the Tax Authority Receiving personal information from a service from the National Insurance Institute, you must • Calculating the entitling age for an old-age representative is conditioned on providing a make notification every month using this call center pension secret code and ID number. You can request a regarding the extension or end of your Risk Pregnancy. Operating the station is simple, user-friendly and secret code through the Internet website or the The service operates on Sundays through Wednesdays, every action is accompanied by the appropriate call center, the code will be sent to your home, from 6:00 am to 4:00 am the following day, on instruction. Instructions are given in 3 languages: to the address registered with the National Thursdays from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, and on Fridays Hebrew, Arabic and Russian. Insurance Institute, or it can be provided from and holiday eves between 6:00 am and 2:30 pm. the personal space on the website. To operate the station you must have with you an Call center for overseas callers ID number and a secret code. The service is available on Sundays through There is a call center for overseas callers: 972-8- You can request a secret code through the call Thursdays between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 9369669 center at *6050, and the code will be sent to your In 4 languages: Hebrew, Arabic, Russian and Service is provided from Sunday through Thursday, home, to the address registered with the National Amharic. between 8:00 am and 3 pm, in 4 languages: Hebrew, Insurance Institute, or produce it from your personal After service hours computerized telephone service Arabic, Russian and Amharic. space on the website. will be provided once an ID number and secret code After service hours computerized telephone service have been entered. will be provided once an ID number and secret code Operating hours of the Self Service Stations: Services given through the call center: have been entered. Sunday-Wednesday 23:00-7:00 • General information Thursday 18:00-7:00 Call center for Senior Citizen-related matters • Enquiries – personal information Fridays and holiday eves 14:30-7:00 The Consulting Service for the Elderly operates a • Requesting confirmation – confirmations will be mailed to your home or sent by email special hot line for senior citizens and their family members for matters related to old age. Service is You have where to go • Payment of outstanding Insurance Contributions using a credit card, including information on the provided by volunteers who have been specially WWW.BTL.GOV.IL balance of the debt trained for this task. On Sunday through Thursday, The NII website contains a wide range of Requesting payment vouchers between 8:00 am and 12:30 pm. • information and allows access to various topics Requesting empty forms and instruction booklets • • In Hebrew: 02-6463400 related to the National Insurance Institute and the Computerized call center for payment of • In Arabic: 02-6463401 services it provides. The website enables you to outstanding Insurance Contributions using a • In Russian: 02-6463402 conduct transactions and obtain services without credit card 08-6509911 • In Amharic: 02-6463403 having to go the local branch. The website also This service is intended for resolving debts by self- • In English: 02-6463404. enables you to obtain personal services in a employed persons, students, and those not working. variety of fields.

36 Information on the website is in Hebrew, and is also • Information on the local branches − addresses, Haifa and the north: available in Arabic, English and Russian. reception hours, telephone numbers, parking Tel: 04-9126885 arrangements and directional maps to the Fax: 04-9126890 List of services provided through the website: branches • Filing claims and sending documents online on Email: [email protected] • Information on the service channels − telephone Address: 16 Palyam Street (Sha'arei Mishpat a variety of issues call centers, self-service terminals Calculators for checking eligibility for a benefit building), Haifa • • Statistical information on the payment of benefits and for calculating the benefit amount and on benefit recipients Directly contacting the local branch handling your Be'er Sheva and the South: • • The National Insurance Law, the National file. personal enquiries and general questions Tel: 08-6831919 Insurance Institute regulations, international social Fax: 08-6831918 • Requesting authorizations and forms security agreements and treaties Printing or requesting claim forms and other forms Email: [email protected] • • Official National Insurance Institute publications Requesting a secret code for the call center Address: HeNegev Mall, Mall Tower, 5th Floor, • • Information on tenders and job openings and Self Service stations, as well as requesting Be’er Sheva • Detailing of rights and benefits of beneficiaries a user code and password for the individual of National Insurance Institute benefits through online service other organizations and institutions Insurance Contributions Adjustment Center Branchie – The National Insurance • • Communications and Procedures • Transferring between Health funds Institute’s Mobile Branch • Updating a bank account for Child Allowance The National Insurance Institute The Branchie comes to locations in which there are • Sign-up to receive letters via the email no National Insurance Institute offices, and have high on Mobile demand for service. The Branchie is equipped with From now on you can download the National computers and advanced systems and can provide Payments Insurance Institute app to your smartphones, which a wide variety of services: obtaining forms and Payments can be made using a credit card, will help you realize your rights at the National confirmations, enquiries into the status of a claim up to 25,000 NIS for a transaction, or with a Insurance Institute. or a file, payments, filing claims and documents wire transfer with no limit on the amount. Wire Serviced provided through the app: and more. transfers are conditioned on the existence of the • Requesting authorizations and forms The Branchie arrives to the following locations bank’s authorization for the customer. • Calculators to calculate the Child Allowance on a regular basis: • Insureds’ reports and payments: self-employed, you are entitled to, the age in which you will be • Ksayfeh – On Mondays and Wednesdays students, not employed, unpaid leave, yeshiva eligible or an Old-age pension and the amount between 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, at the town center, students and living abroad of Reservists Compensation you are entitled to next to the Maccabbi Health fund building • Employers’ reports and payments: Form 102, • Manuals on the benefits and benefits you are • Arara – On Sundays and Tuesdays between 8:30 foreign residents, unpaid leave, vocational training entitled to from the National Insurance Institute am – 12:30 am, in the industrial area, near Magen and pensioners on early retirement • Locating a National Insurance Institute branch to David Adom • Reporting and payments for household: reporting which you are headed, using a map. • Hura – On Sundays and Tuesdays between 8:30 and payment for Household employees, opening • Payment of National Insurance contributions and am – 12:30 pm, next to the Social Services Bureau and closing a Household file Health Insurance contributions via credit card (for • Segev Shalom – On Mondays between 8:30 am • Health insurance: redeeming the waiting period self-employed and unemployed persons) – 12:30 pm, next to the Social Services Bureau • Pension debt payments and other payments The Guiding Hand Center for Individual Service Using the individual service you can obtain Guidance and Referral to Medical personal information in a user-friendly, available Committees for residents of Haifa and convenient way. Login to the system requires and the north, and for residents of a code and password. List of information given on the website: Be'er Sheva and the south At the “Guiding Hand” center you can receive, Free Filing claims and sending documents online • of charge guidance and consult for medical boards Viewing letters sent to you • from the best specialist doctors in their field, and Viewing the list of documents you have sent to • assistance in preparing the necessary documents. the branch office The Guiding Hand Center was established by the Personal message board for exercising your rights • National Insurance Institute, and is operated by a Display of information on your benefits − the • private company. status of your claim and payments that have been made to you • Printing authorizations on reception of benefits / authorizations of annual payments, etc. • Display of your account page, credit / debit balances, prepayments, future debits, etc. General Information General information on benefits provided by the National Insurance Institute and on the obligation of payment of Insurance Contributions, including health insurance, as well as information on the funds of the National Insurance Institute. • FAQs • New information about legislative changes and a section on innovations at the National Insurance Institute

Your Rights at the National Insurance Institute of Israel 37 International Social Security Treaties in the field of The social security

An international convention for social insurance is an agreement signed between the State of Israel and another country, with the purpose of ensuring and arranging for the social rights of a person moving from one country to another, and to prevent multiple payment from Israelis staying and working overseas.

The countries with which Israel What rights are covered by the Preventing dual Social security has signed treaties treaty? payments Britain, The Netherlands, France, Belgium, Austria, 1. The right to receive pensions and allowances from An Israeli residents who have moved to another Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Israel – for those who have moved their residence country and who is insured there are usually required, Uruguay, the Czech Republic, Norway, Bulgaria, to a country with which a treaty has been signed. by law, to pay Insurance Contributions to that Slovakia, Romania and Italy, as well as a limited 2. A right to receive benefits from countries with country. but is also obligated pay national insurance convention with Canada, which facilitates prevention of which a convention has been signed – for anyone contributions in Israel even while living abroad. multiple payments of National Insurance contributions moving to Israel. The resolutions in the conventions are designed only. 3. Combining insurance periods from two countries, to prevent this multiple payment; Israeli residents to enable eligibility for benefits. departing for countries with which Israel has signed To whom do the treaties apply? 4. For Work Injured – Immediate medical care a convention, will pay insurance contributions in only The conventions apply to Israeli residents, as well and coverage of hospitalization expenses, in one of those countries, subject to the applicable law. as to residents of the countries listed above and accordance with the guidelines specified in the Health insurance is not included in the treaty: their families. convention. Israeli residents living abroad must continue to Each convention specifies the insurance branches pay Health Insurance contributions to the National that it includes. Insurance Institute in Israel.

The broad treaties usually include all fields of insurance: ›› To obtain information and forms (claiming a old age, survivors, disability, occupational injuries, benefit or exemption from multiple payment children and maternity. of insurance contributions), please contact: The Foreign Relations Department, 13 Weizmann Blvd., Jerusalem, Fax: 02-6512683. Email: [email protected] For Enquiries: National Call Center *6050 Or 1-222-6050. For enquiries from overseas: 972-8-936-9669.

38 Changes are made from time to time in the laws under which the National Insurance Institute pays benefits. Therefore, when seeking to realize your entitlements, please inquire on them at the telephone hotline at *6050 or visit the National Insurance Institute website at www.btl.gov.il, which contains comprehensive, up-to- date information. National Insurance Institute branches

Main Branches: Secondary Branches: Service Centers: Head office 13 Weizmann Ave., Jerusalem Eilat | 12 Midyan Street Ali | Arad | Ariel | Beit Shean | Beit Shemesh | Beitar Ilit Fax: 02-6514002 Claims Fax: 08-6341344 Beit-El | Daliyat al-Karmel | El’ad | Emmanuel | Hatzor Afula | 2 Osishkin Street Collection Fax: 08-6024736 Ha’Glilit | Kafr Kanna | Karne Shomron | Katzrin | Fax: 04-6526086 Acre | 4 Giborei Sinai Street Kiryat Arba | Kiryat Ata | Ma’ale Adumim | Ma’ale Fax: 04-0955599 Efraim | Ma’alot – Tarshiha | Mitzpe Ramon | Modiin Ashdod | 4 Zahal Street Modiin Ilit | Netivot | Ofakim | Ofra | Or Akiva | Or Bat Yam | 2 Jabotinsky Street Fax: 08-8686603 Yehuda | Pardes Hana | Qalandiya | Rahat | Rosh Fax: 03-5127080 Ashkelon | 101 Hanassi Street Haayin | Shoham | Tardion | Tayibe | Tirat Ha’Karmel Fax: 08-6710681 Dimona | 1 Jabotinsky Street | Um-El-Fahem | Yarka | Yavneh | Yehud | Yeruham Beer-Sheba | 31 A Shazar Street Fax: 08-7773556 | Yokneam Bnei Brak | 12 Aharonowitz Street East Jerusalem | 5 Ibn Batuta Street Fax: 03-6152976 Fax: 02-7555666 For information on office hours at the Service Hadera | 7A Hillel Yaffe Street Herzliya | 22 Ben Gurion Street Fax: 09-9312459 Centers, visit the National Insurance Institute Fax: 04-6328108 for Branches department website. Haifa | 8 Palyam Blvd. Kiryat Gat | 64 Ha’atzmaut Blvd. Fax: 04-8134900 Fax: 08-8865439 Public Inquiries Division: Holon | 26 Pinchas Lavone St., corner of Bareket Kiryat Malachi | 2 Rashi Street Street Fax: 08-9376627 For complaints and improvement suggestions contact Fax: 03-5022422 Kiryat Shmona | Merkaz Boneh 16 the Public Enquiries Department: 13 Weizmann Fax: 04-6738061 Blvd., Jerusalem 91909. Tiberias | 1 Hofayin Street Tel: 02-6709070 Merar | P.O.B 484, zip code 14930 Fax: 04-6738040 On Sundays through Thursdays between 1 pm Fax: 04-7380786 Jaffa | 30 Hatekuma Street and 3 pm. Fax: 03-5127149 Migdal Ha’emek | 45 Nitzanim Street Fax: 02-6525038 Jerusalem | 22 Ben-Sira St. | 4 Shimon Ben Fax: 04-6545223 Shatach Street Nazareth Illit | 1 Amal Street Fax: 02-6755447 Fax: 04-6028186 Karmiel | 3 Nesiey Yisrael Street Safed | 100 Hapalmach Street For individual enquiries Fax: 04-9907847 Fax: 04-6825153 please contact through: Kfar Saba | 39 Weizmann Street Sderot | 21 Ben Yehuda Street Fax: 09-7401688 Fax: 08-6849432 Telephone hotline *6050 Krayot | Kiryat Haim 50 Achi Eilat Street Shfaram | 7 Ha’Teena Street, the Industrial Area or 1-222-6050 Fax: 04-8411942 Fax: 04-6028188 On Sundays through Thursdays Nahariya | 62 Weizmann Ave. between 8 am – 3 pm. Fax: 04-9528103 Nazareth | 3 Hamachtzevot Street National Insurance Fax: 04-6027408 Institute website Netanya | 68 Herzl Street www.btl.gov.il Fax: 09-8602804 in the Contact Us area. Petach Tikva | 72 Rothschild Street Ramat Gan | 15 HaHashmonaim Street Fax: 03-7512616 Reception hours in the local branches and sub-branches Ramla | 9 Danny Mass Street Fax: 08-9254157 Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays On Mondays and Wednesdays between Rehovot | 64 Remez St., corner of Pines Street between 8:00 am – 12:30 pm 3 pm – 5 pm Fax: 08-9450737 For all National Insurance Institute matters For matters of Work Injured, Maternity, (At the Nazareth branch – Mondays, Children, Army Reserves, Insurance and Rishon Lezion | 7 Yisrael Galili Street Tuesdays and Thursdays). Collection (except in the Tel-Aviv branch). Fax: 03-9426714 Tel Aviv | 17 Yitzchak Sadeh Street Fax: 03-6250634 Tiberias | 1 Hofayin Street Fax: 04-6738040

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