National Insurance Offers Pregnancy "Maternity Guard" Benefits Up to 10,865 Shekels

Women in Israel who must stop working during pregnancy due to health risks or job conditions may be eligible for "maternity guard" benefits from the National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi). These payments aim to compensate for lost income, potentially reaching up to 350.47 shekels per day, totaling 10,865 shekels for a 31-day period. However, the maximum amount is not guaranteed and depends on specific eligibility criteria set by the institute.

Eligibility requires the woman to be a resident of Israel and have paid National Insurance contributions for at least six months within the 14 months preceding her work stoppage. For self-employed individuals, contributions must have been paid on time, and they must have been registered as self-employed before the pregnancy guard period began. The work stoppage must be due to a health risk to the mother or fetus stemming from the pregnancy, or because the nature of the work itself poses a danger, and no suitable alternative job was found.

Applications are reviewed by a gynecologist appointed by the National Insurance Institute. The medical professional assesses whether the reasons for the work stoppage meet the criteria. If medical grounds do not justify the leave, or if the work environment is not deemed hazardous, the application may be denied. The initial maternity guard period must be at least 30 consecutive days, with subsequent periods requiring at least 14 consecutive days. Exceptions exist if a 30-day approval is granted but birth or pregnancy termination occurs sooner.

The benefit amount is calculated based on the income on which insurance contributions were paid. It is determined by the higher of two calculations: the average income over the three full months before stopping work divided by 90, or the average income over the six full months before stopping work divided by 180. Regardless of the calculation, the daily benefit cannot exceed 350.47 shekels. For those working both as employees and self-employed, benefits may be calculated on combined income, subject to separate eligibility conditions, with the daily cap remaining the same.

Applications can be submitted online, by mail, fax, or in person at a National Insurance branch, along with required medical certificates and employer documentation if applicable. The application must be filed within 12 months of the start of the maternity guard period. Benefits are paid into the bank account approximately 30 days after the start of the approved period. It is crucial to note that maternity guard benefits cannot be received concurrently with paid sick leave from an employer. Travel abroad may also affect eligibility, depending on the reason for the approved maternity guard leave.