Israel's National Insurance Institute Adjusts Holiday Schedules and Payment Dates

The National Insurance Institute of Israel, known as "Bituah Leumi," has announced significant changes to its branch operations and benefit payment schedules in anticipation of upcoming Jewish holidays. Several branches will be closed during extended periods in September and early October 2026, affecting public access and appointment scheduling.

Specifically, Bituah Leumi branches will be closed from Thursday, September 17, to Monday, September 21, 2026, and again from September 25 to October 4, 2026, coinciding with Sukkot and the intermediate days of Chol HaMoed. During these closure periods, both in-person and telephone appointments will not be available. Public service will resume on Tuesday, September 22, and again on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Telephone service centers will also operate on a reduced schedule, available only on September 17 and October 4. However, Bituah Leumi emphasized that scheduled medical committee appointments will proceed as planned, even if they fall on days when branches are closed for public reception.

In addition to operational changes, Bituah Leumi will expedite the disbursement of several long-term benefits for September. Payments originally slated for September 28 will be issued on September 22, six days earlier, to accommodate the Sukkot holiday. This early payment applies to a range of benefits, including old-age pensions, survivors' benefits, disability, child disability, special services for the severely disabled, mobility, work injury, alimony, rehabilitation, and prisoners of Zion benefits.

Earlier in September, unemployment and minimum income guarantee benefits, due on September 14, were paid on September 8 due to Rosh Hashanah. Child benefits will be paid on the regular date of September 20, 2026, for families with children under 18, regardless of income.