Israel to Offer Monthly Disability Benefits Up to 9,126 Shekels for Children

Families in Israel raising children with disabilities or severe illnesses may be eligible for monthly benefits of up to 9,126 shekels, according to the National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi). The amount of the benefit is determined by the child's medical condition, treatment needs, and dependency on others. As of January 1, 2026, five payment tiers are established: 1,943, 3,820, 4,501, 7,181, and 9,126 shekels per month.

Eligibility extends to families of children with a range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hearing and vision impairments, Down syndrome, diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and severe allergies, among others. Even without a specific diagnosis listed, families may qualify if the child requires ongoing medical treatment, monitoring, or significant daily assistance. For instance, a child needing multiple medical treatments for at least six months could receive 3,820 shekels monthly, as could a child requiring regular blood tests outside the home.

The maximum basic benefit of 9,126 shekels is for the most severe cases, such as prolonged treatment or hospitalization, dialysis, parenteral nutrition, or severe immunodeficiency. A condition for this level can be the inability to attend educational or therapeutic institutions for at least three days a week due to treatment. The child's dependency on external help is also assessed, comparing their needs in daily activities to those of their peers.

If a child has multiple qualifying conditions, the benefit is calculated based on the condition that provides the highest payment. To apply, parents must submit current medical documents detailing the diagnosis, functional status, treatment history, and frequency. In some cases, a decision can be made without a medical committee examination if the documentation is comprehensive. Bituah Leumi recommends submitting medical records from the past year to assess eligibility for retroactive payments, which can cover up to 12 months prior to the application date.

Additional benefits are available. A supplement of 10,774 shekels is provided for children requiring mechanical ventilation. Families authorized to hire and employing two caregivers may also receive extra support. For families with two or more children with disabilities, each child's benefit is automatically increased by 50%. Payments are typically deposited into a bank account on the 28th of each month, though this date may shift during holidays.