National Insurance Announces Sukkot Holiday Service Changes and New Accessibility Features

The National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi) has announced operational changes for its branches and call centers during the upcoming Sukkot holiday. All branches nationwide will be closed from September 25 to October 4, reopening on October 5. Telephone service centers will be closed from September 25 to October 3, resuming operations on October 4.

Despite the closures, the Institute emphasized that medical committee meetings scheduled during this period will proceed as planned. Individuals with appointments do not need to take any action, as the branch closures do not affect these proceedings.

In preparation for the holiday, the National Insurance Institute advanced the payment of long-term benefits, including those for the elderly, survivors, work injury victims, alimony, disability, mobility, long-term care, and prisoners of Zion, to September 22, 2026.

Additionally, the Institute launched a new telephone service for individuals with hearing impairments, utilizing a sign language interpreter via the SIGN NOW app. This service allows users to communicate with call center representatives through real-time video calls with an interpreter, facilitating communication in sign language and back. The service is available during regular call center operating hours, Sunday to Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Registration is required through the SIGN NOW app, with customer support available via WhatsApp or the National Insurance Institute's website for app-related inquiries.