National Insurance Reminds Public of Benefits for Work Injury Victims

The National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi) has issued a reminder regarding financial compensation available to individuals injured during work, even for short periods of absence. The institute clarified that under the work injury insurance, it provides injury allowance payments to insured individuals who are unable to work due to a work accident or occupational disease, as confirmed by medical documentation. This payment aims to compensate for lost income during the period of incapacity, which can last up to 13 weeks (91 days) from the day after the injury.

The eligibility for these benefits is contingent upon the injury being recognized as a work accident and the submission of required medical approvals. The daily allowance is calculated at 75% of the insured's income prior to the accident, based on earnings in the three full months preceding the work stoppage or the month of injury and the two preceding months, with the higher amount used for calculation. There is a daily cap of NIS 1,314.25, effective January 1, 2026. Income considered for the calculation includes overtime, bonuses, and other benefits like vacation pay and a 13th salary. For salaried employees with multiple jobs, the allowance can be calculated based on combined income, and partial return to work may also qualify for supplementary payments.

For absences of less than 12 days, payments begin on the third day after the injury. If the absence exceeds 12 days, payments start the day after the accident, with the employer covering the day of the injury itself. Self-employed individuals receive injury allowance after a 12-day waiting period, provided they are registered and have paid their insurance contributions on time.

The definition of a work injury extends beyond accidents at the workplace to include commuting accidents, such as traffic accidents, provided there are no significant deviations from the usual route. Injuries sustained while working from home can also be recognized if they occur during and due to work. Furthermore, the institute may recognize psychological injuries resulting from specific work events or assaults, including sexual assault, if they lead to physical or mental harm requiring medical treatment.

To claim these benefits, salaried employees should obtain a referral from their employer for medical treatment using form BL/250, followed by submitting a claim to National Insurance with medical certificates. Self-employed individuals must complete form BL/283. Those with lasting medical impairment after the injury period, or who have medical documentation extending beyond 91 days, can file a claim for disability assessment, potentially leading to a lump-sum grant or monthly disability pension. Recognized work injury victims are also entitled to necessary medical treatment related to the injury. Claims for injury allowance must be submitted within 12 months of the injury date to avoid jeopardizing rights.