National Insurance Warns Oct. 7 Victims of Pension Claim Deadlines

Victims of the October 7th Hamas attacks who suffered work capacity loss may be unaware of a crucial deadline to claim disability pensions from their private pension funds, warns attorney Sheri Dvir. While many survivors are still dealing with the physical and mental aftermath, a three-year statute of limitations for filing these claims could expire as early as October 7, 2026, for those whose work capacity was immediately impacted.

Dvir explained that pension funds offer disability coverage beyond retirement savings. Individuals who lose significant work capacity for over 90 consecutive days due to the attacks may be eligible for monthly disability payments, separate from any benefits received from the National Insurance Institute. However, the claim must be filed within three years of the date the work capacity loss materialized, which can be complex to determine for those who initially tried to return to work.

She argues that the state, through the Capital Markets Authority, should extend this deadline for October 7th victims, citing the unprecedented national trauma and the difficulty survivors faced in navigating state systems while dealing with personal crises. Dvir emphasized that recognition by the National Insurance Institute does not negate the need to file a separate claim with the pension fund.

Until a potential extension is granted, Dvir urges anyone who might be eligible and has not yet filed to do so immediately. This includes locating their relevant pension fund, submitting a documented claim for disability benefits, and obtaining written confirmation of the filing date. She advises against waiting for a final decision from the National Insurance Institute before initiating the pension fund claim and stresses the importance of gathering all medical documentation and proof of income or work capacity impairment.