Claim an attendance allowance

Who can a claim an attendance allowance

You can make a claim if you fit at least one of the following criteria:

• You are insured by the National Insurance Institute, suffer from a severe disability, and are between 18 and retirement age.

• You need ongoing attendance in routine, daily activities, such as, being mobile at home, food preparation and eating meals, using electrical appliances, dressing yourself, bathing and basic personal hygiene, help in house work, taking medication, buying groceries, day-today financial and institutional arrangements, such as going to the bank, or need constant attendance to prevent injury to yourself or others.
• You have received one of the following medical statuses:
  • A medical disability status of 60%, or higher for an attendance allowance and a disability pension from the National Insurance Institute.
  • A medical disability status of 75% for an attendance allowance or higher, although you do not receive a disability pension from the National Insurance Institute.
  • You do not receive benefit pay according to the Mobility Agreement.
  • You receive benefit pay according to the Mobility Agreement, and have been set a status of 100% mobility disability by the Ministry of Health medical committee, or you require and use a wheelchair, or you are confined to bed.
  • You suffer from a severe disability and are a new immigrant making the claim within the first year of immigration.
• You receive dialysis twice a week, or more.
• Within the last six months you have received a heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas or bone marrow transplant.
• Within the last three months you have received an autologous (self) bone marrow transplant.
• You are an oncology patient, receiving medication listed on the1926 Medical Treatment Circular.
• You are not living in an institution that provides medical services, nursing or rehabilitation services.

When will you receive the attendance allowance

Attendance allowance starts from the 1st of the month when you submitted your claim, but only 90 days after receiving eligibility for a disability allowance. If you do not receive a disability allowance, than your eligibility for the attendance allowance will start on the day you receive a medical disability status of 75% attendance allowance.

If you have reached retirement age, once your claim has been accepted you will continue to receive the attendance allowance as long as you meet the criteria.

How much will you receive

The attendance allowance is paid in three basic rates – low, medium and high - depending on your level of need. These rates were set in January 2015.

You will also eligible to receive a person-with-disabilities card.

As of January 2017 you will receive a supplement to of these basic rates.

• If you require assistance in most of your routine activities during most hours of the day and night, or constant supervision, you are entitled to 50% of a full disability pension – low rate.

1095 NIS basic rate and 306 NIS supplement – 3,076 NIS total.

• If you require assistance in all of your routine activities during most hours of the day and night, you are entitled to 105% of a full disability pension – medium rate.

2,452 NIS and 624 NIS supplement – 1,401 NIS total.

• If you are completely dependent on another person to perform all routine activities during all hours of the day and night, you are entitled to 175% of a full disability – high rate.

4,115 NIS and 930 NIS supplement – 5045 NIS total.

If, in addition to the above conditions, you also require a respirator, you can claim a supplement of NIS 1,817 per month. This supplement replaces the previous Ministry of Welfare supplement of 1,100 NIS that was paid until January 2017.

What you need to make a claim

• All your relevant medical documents, detailing your condition, medication and the medical treatment you receive.

• A Medical confidentiality waiver – according to the Heath Care Provider's guidelines, you must print, complete and submit the form, and attach it to your claim.

• If you already receive an attendance allowance, and need a bigger allowance, complete and submit the Request for re-examination of entitlement to attendance allowance form. As part of the assessment process you will be examined by a National Insurance Institute doctor, and in some cases, an additional health professional will examine you in your home, to assess your level of need.

How to apply

Fill in and submit the Attendance allowance form online, together with the required documents.

The service is free of charge.

Fast Track 

Fast track claims will be given preference. These claims will be handled within 30 days of submission, if possible.

You can use the Fast Track in the following cases:

• You have a terminal illness and are actively receiving treatment, or in already in advanced stages of the illness.
• You suffer from ALS and are treated with RILUTEK.
• You suffer from extreme tuberculosis.
• You have received a heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas or bone marrow transplant, within the last year.
• You suffer from an extreme and/or infectious illness and are receiving treatment.

A National Insurance Institute doctor will assess your eligibility to be included in the Fast Track and notify you need to be present in the assessment. The decision to include you in the fast Track is at the discretion of the National Insurance Institute doctor.

Note

This service and forms are provided in Hebrew. If you don’t speak Hebrew, seeking assistance from a Hebrew speaker is recommended.