Disabled Child: Benefits, Rights, and Entitlements for Parents in Israel

Core Principles

This is a monthly allowance from the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) intended to assist families in covering the special expenses associated with caring for a disabled child. The purpose of the allowance is to alleviate the financial burden and to aid in the child's development and rehabilitation. The payment amount depends on the diagnosis and the level of care required.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for the allowance is determined based on a set of criteria. Ensure that you meet the primary requirements:

• Child's Age: Typically from 91 days to 18 years and 3 months.
• Residency: The child must be a resident of Israel.
• Medical Grounds: The child must have a diagnosis or condition that meets the criteria of Bituach Leumi. This may include the need for constant supervision, dependence on another person for daily activities, the need for special medical treatment, etc.
• Location: The child is not in the full-time care of a residential facility or other institution that provides care and treatment services (exceptions apply and must be clarified).

Your Rights

The allowance amount is not fixed and depends on the child's degree of dependence on the assistance of others, age, and the specifics of the condition. Bituach Leumi establishes several payment levels, usually expressed as percentages.

Important: The exact amounts in shekels are updated annually. Check the official Bituach Leumi website for current figures.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gathering Documents. This is the most critical stage. Collect all current medical reports from the primary physician and specialists, detailing the child's condition and functional difficulties.
2. Completing the Form. Download and complete the application form for the Disabled Child Allowance (Form 7821, "Tviah le-Gimlat Yeled Nache"). Fill it out carefully, attaching all necessary documents.
3. Submitting the Application. Submit the application and attached documents. This can be done online via the personal account on the Bituach Leumi website, by mail, or at the nearest branch.
4. Medical Board (Va'ada Refuit). In most cases, you and your child will be summoned to a Medical Board to assess their condition. In some cases, a decision may be made based on the submitted documents without an in-person appointment.
5. Receiving the Decision. Following the board meeting or document review, Bituach Leumi will send you an official decision by mail and to your personal account. The waiting period can range from several weeks to several months.

Document Checklist

Prepare a complete package to avoid delays.

• Identity card (Teudat Zehut) of the parent submitting the application, including the appendix (sefach).
• Completed application form (Tofes Tviah le-Gimlat Yeled Nache).
• All current medical reports, hospital discharge summaries, and examination results.
• Reports from paramedical professionals (physical therapist, speech therapist, etc.).
• A certificate from the educational institution (school, kindergarten), if applicable.
• Bank account details for the allowance deposit (a voided check or a bank printout).

Pitfalls

• Submission Deadlines: The allowance may be granted retroactively, but for no more than 12 months prior to the application submission date. Do not delay submitting your documents, or you may lose money.
• Completeness of Documents: An incomplete set of documents is the primary cause of delays. Provide the most detailed and recent medical reports possible.
• The Medical Board: Prepare for the board meeting in advance. Bring the original copies of all documents with you. Clearly and calmly explain to the board members the specific assistance and supervision your child requires on a daily basis.
• Appeals: If you receive a rejection or disagree with the determined allowance level, you have the right to file an appeal within the specified timeframe. Do not miss the deadline for appealing the decision!

Contacts and Links

All current information, downloadable forms, and the option to submit an application online can be found on the official website of the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi).

Contact details, the customer service call center, and branch opening hours are also listed on the official website.

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