National Insurance Details Eligibility for Disability Allowance Up to 9,126 Shekels

The National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi) has outlined the conditions for receiving a child disability allowance, designed to support families facing the caregiving burden and expenses associated with raising a child with severe disabilities. The allowance aims to ease the family's load and facilitate continued care within the family and community.

To qualify, basic eligibility requirements must be met, followed by an assessment based on specific conditions, disabilities, or treatments. Key criteria include the child being a resident of Israel, residing in Israel, and being in a family setting as defined by the institute. A broad range of medical conditions and disabilities may grant eligibility, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, limb impairments, allergies, epilepsy, speech and respiratory issues, cystic fibrosis, severe behavioral problems, dialysis, feeding difficulties, need for supervision, transplants, hearing and vision impairments, mental disabilities, intellectual developmental disability, cancer, diabetes, developmental delays, prematurity, and Down syndrome. If a child has multiple qualifying conditions, the allowance is paid based on the condition that yields the higher amount.

Even if a child's condition isn't explicitly listed, eligibility might still be possible through provisions for medical treatments and supervision. For instance, children requiring continuous medical treatments for at least six months may be eligible for a 100% allowance, amounting to 3,820 shekels, from 91 days old up to 18 years and three months. This requires at least three different treatments for one condition or four for multiple conditions. Examples include daily inhaler treatments, specific daily medications, daily physical therapy, specialist clinic follow-ups, hospitalizations, regular wound care, and constant supervision due to significant risk factors.

Children needing regular blood tests not performable at home, at least weekly for six months, may also receive a 100% allowance of 3,820 shekels. In cases of severe and prolonged medical treatment or hospitalization, an increased allowance of 235%, totaling 9,126 shekels, may be granted. This applies from birth up to 18 years and three months, provided conditions are met for at least three consecutive months. This includes hospitalization for dialysis, home TPN, or severe immune deficiencies, where the child cannot attend educational or therapeutic settings for at least three days a week, and the parent or caregiver is significantly involved in the child's care. Treatments like dialysis, chemotherapy, intravenous feeding, and transplants are among those qualifying for the increased allowance.

Submitting a claim requires up-to-date medical documents detailing the child's condition, history, and treatment. Comprehensive documentation may allow for eligibility assessment without a medical committee meeting. Submitting documents from the past year can also enable review for retroactive payments up to 12 months. Claim status can be tracked online, with potential requests for additional documents. A National Insurance physician reviews claims and documents, deciding on eligibility or referral to a medical committee. Parents are present during committee meetings, and no examination occurs without their consent. The physician may ask about the child's condition and its impact on functioning, and a physical or functional examination may be conducted.

Dependence on others for daily activities can also affect eligibility. Children aged 3 to 18 years and three months who require significantly more assistance than their peers may qualify. Eligibility levels, effective January 1, 2026, range from 50% (1,943 shekels) to 235% (9,126 shekels), with intermediate levels at 112% (4,501 shekels) and 188% (7,181 shekels). Additional supplements are available for ventilated children or those requiring two caregivers, though some combinations are mutually exclusive. Families with multiple disabled children receive a 50% increase on each child's allowance. Approved allowances are paid into bank accounts on the 28th of each month, with potential adjustments due to holidays. Retroactive payments are possible up to one year prior to the claim date, or six months for developmental delays.