Mobility Allowance Benefits in Israel
The National Insurance Institute provides a range of benefits to individuals who have been certified by the Ministry of Health as having limited mobility. These benefits are designed to help people with mobility impairments integrate into the community and maintain an active, independent lifestyle. Available benefits include a monthly mobility allowance, loans for vehicle purchases and adaptive accessories, and roadside towing assistance.
By Igal Mor, Adv. & Notary
Accuracy in Legal Advice. Excellence in legal support.
Who Qualifies as Mobility-Impaired?
While the National Insurance Institute’s medical committees typically determine whether an insured person is entitled to disability benefits, the process for mobility impairments follows a different procedure. Applicants must first contact the Ministry of Health, whose medical committee will assess whether the individual has a mobility disability and determine the applicable disability percentage. Only after the Ministry of Health certifies that the insured has a qualifying mobility impairment—and establishes eligibility for specific benefits—may the individual apply to the National Insurance Institute to exercise those rights. The National Insurance Institute is required to accept the Ministry of Health’s determination before processing the claim.
The Ministry of Health Assessment Process
To obtain a mobility disability determination, applicants must submit a formal application and attend a medical committee hearing. The committee evaluates the applicant’s condition based on a defined list of qualifying mobility disabilities and determines whether the applicant meets the criteria. The committee will also specify which National Insurance benefits the insured is eligible to receive, as each benefit has its own eligibility requirements. Once the Ministry of Health issues its determination, the insured may contact the National Insurance Institute to claim their benefits. The Ministry of Health’s decision may be appealed within 60 days by either party—the insured person or the National Insurance Institute.
Filing a Mobility Allowance Claim with National Insurance
An insured person who has been recognized by the Ministry of Health as mobility-impaired should contact their local National Insurance branch and file a claim with the mobility department. After reviewing the Ministry of Health’s determination, the National Insurance Institute will decide whether to accept it on a temporary or permanent basis, or to appeal the finding. If the insured disagrees with the National Insurance Institute’s decision, they may appeal to the National Insurance Claims Committee or to the Labor Court.
Monthly Mobility Allowance
The monthly mobility allowance is designed to help insured individuals cover their ongoing transportation costs. The allowance is paid based on the eligibility criteria established for each category, regardless of whether the insured owns a vehicle. Allowance rates are updated periodically to reflect changes in factors such as fuel prices and automobile insurance rates. In addition, individuals with limited mobility whose daily round-trip commute to work exceeds 40 kilometers may be entitled to a supplemental allowance.
Vehicle Purchase and Adaptive Equipment Loans
Several loan programs are available to individuals with limited mobility, including loans for the purchase of a vehicle, loans for adaptive accessories and their installation (such as a wheelchair lift), and loans to cover the taxes associated with a vehicle purchase. The National Insurance Institute also offers a specialized driving instruction program for mobility-impaired individuals who use a wheelchair and wish to learn to operate a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Each of these benefits has specific eligibility requirements.
Roadside Towing Assistance
Insured individuals with limited mobility who purchased a vehicle using a standing loan from the National Insurance Institute and who receive a monthly mobility allowance are entitled to complimentary roadside towing services. At the beginning of each quarter, the National Insurance Institute provides the towing company with an updated list of eligible insured persons. When the insured uses the service, the towing company collects a guarantee check. If the National Insurance Institute confirms the individual’s eligibility, the check is not deposited.
Do you have a mobility impairment? Contact Adv. Mor & Co. by phone at 02-595-3322 or via WhatsApp at 050-441-1343 if you have questions about filing a mobility allowance claim or exercising your rights under the National Insurance Institute’s mobility benefits program.