Reserve Duty (Miluim): Soldier's Rights, Employment Guarantees, and Compensation

The Essence

Reserve service (Miluim) is a duty for Israeli citizens who are in the reserves of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The state guarantees reservists full compensation for lost work income through Bituach Leumi (the National Insurance Institute) and protects their employment during and after their service.

Who is eligible?

All individuals officially called up for active reserve duty via a summons (Tzav Miluim) are entitled to payments and guarantees.

• Salaried employees: Regardless of their length of employment.
• Self-employed individuals (Atzma'im): Based on their income.
• Students: Entitled to payments and academic benefits.
• Unemployed individuals: Receive a minimum payment.

Who is NOT eligible:

• Individuals who have not received an official call-up order.
• Volunteers whose service is not registered as official Miluim.

Your Rights

The primary rights of a reservist include financial compensation and the protection of labor rights.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Receive the call-up order (Tzav Miluim). This is the official document that serves as the basis for all your rights.
2. Immediately notify your employer. Provide them with a copy of the order. This is a crucial step for protecting your job.
3. Complete your service. Fulfill your duties in accordance with the order.
4. File a claim with Bituach Leumi. In most cases, for salaried employees, the employer files the claim on your behalf. Self-employed and unemployed individuals must file the claim themselves via the Bituach Leumi website.
5. Receive payment. The funds will be deposited directly into your bank account. For salaried employees, the payment usually arrives with your salary, and the employer is then reimbursed by Bituach Leumi.
6. Return to work. Upon completion of your service, you have the right to return to your position under the same terms.

List of Documents

For interactions with your employer and Bituach Leumi, you will need:

• Identity card (Teudat Zehut).
• Official call-up order (Tzav Miluim).
• Confirmation of service (issued upon completion).
• Bank account details (a check or a bank certificate) for self-filing.
• For self-employed individuals: tax reports confirming income.

Pitfalls

• Notifying the employer: You must notify your employer in writing (e.g., by email) immediately upon receiving the call-up order. Verbal notification is more difficult to prove in the event of a dispute.
• Self-employed individuals (Atzma'im): The process of receiving payment is more complex. Gather all income-related documents in advance and file the claim with Bituach Leumi as soon as possible. The payment is calculated based on your advance payments to Bituach Leumi.
• Minimum payment: If you were not employed before the call-up or if your salary is very low, you will receive the minimum amount stipulated by law.
• Prohibition of dismissal: If your employer attempts to dismiss you or worsen your employment conditions, immediately contact the Labor Law Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Labor.

Contacts and Links

For accurate and up-to-date information, always consult the primary sources.

• National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi):
  • Phone: *6050
  • Official website (search for "Bituach Leumi miluim" in a search engine).
• IDF Reservist Service Center (Moked Miluim):
  • Phone and contact details are listed on your call-up order (Tzav Miluim).
• Ministry of Labor (Ministry of Economy):
  • For consultations regarding unlawful dismissal.

Dictionary