National Insurance seeks public vote on a new name for disability benefit

Israel's National Insurance Institute is asking the public to help choose a new name for what is currently called the "disabled child allowance." About four months ago, the agency invited people to take part in renaming the benefit, and the response brought in 7,000 suggested names.

A special committee reviewed the submissions and narrowed them to eight finalists: "Special Child Allowance," "SL Allowance" in the sense of support for the parent, "SL Allowance" in the sense of support for the child, "Envelope Allowance," "Kasm Allowance" meaning special assistance allowance, "OZ Allowance" meaning help and rights, "Horizon Allowance," and "Children with Special Needs Allowance." Voting is now open on the National Insurance website.

The institute stressed that the new name would not be only a cosmetic change to forms. It is part of a legislative effort that will go through the Knesset, with the aim of changing how state institutions speak to the public. The initiative began after many requests from children and parents, and the agency decided, in what it described as a first-of-its-kind step, to promote legislation that reflects the purpose of the allowance without labeling the children with the current term.