Bituach Leumi (National Insurance)

 

Sexual violence can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can significantly affects daily functioning. This decline in .functioning can manifest in many areas of life, such as working, concentrating, sleeping, and maintaining a normal routine

Bituach Leumi recognizes sexual violence as a legitimate cause for reduced functioning and earning capacity, which may qualify survivors for disability benefits and additional rehabilitation services. These benefits can be temporary or permanent, depending on the level of disability and work capabilities determined by Bituach Leumi.

The recognition process focuses on medical and psychological effects of the assault, not on legal proceedings. Survivors do not need to file a police complaint or secure a conviction to receive benefits.

For many survivors, Bituach Leumi recognition represents an important institutional acknowledgment of the harm they experienced and its consequences.

On this page we will describe the two paths to receiving a pension from National Insurance following sexual assault:

Types of Benefits Available

There are two main paths for receiving benefits from Bituach Leumi following sexual violence:

1. General Disability Benefits – for those whose ability to maintain stable employment or manage household work has been impacted.
2. Work Injury Recognition – for cases of sexual violence or harassment that occurred at the workplace.

Sexual Assault Crisis Centers offer free support at every stage of the process, including:

• Guidance on eligibility criteria
• Assistance gathering and completing necessary documents
• Support during applications and medical committee hearings
• No commitment is required, and survivors can stop the process at any time.

To contact the nearest center, click here

Path 1: General Disability Benefits

If your ability to work or manage household tasks has been affected due to sexual violence, Bituach Leumi may grant you a monthly disability benefit, either temporary or permanent.

Additional benefits may include:

• Rental and property tax assistance
  
• Educational scholarship
• Vocational rehabilitation

You can apply for disability benefits even if you never filed a police complaint and regardless of how much time has passed since the incident.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for disability benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

• Israeli residency
• Aged 18 and above (or between 16-18 if you were employed at the time of the assault)
• Below retirement age

 

How to Apply for General Disability Benefits?

To apply, you need to fill out the General Disability Benefits Application Form, which includes:

• Personal details
• Employment and income information from the past 15 months
• Details about how the assault affected your daily functioning
• Bank account information
• Medical confidentiality waiver
• If someone else is submitting the claim for you, a power of attorney form is required.

The application can be submitted online via the Bituach Leumi website.
If preferred, you can print and submit the form via mail, through the Bituach Leumi service box at a local branch, or by fax.

Required Documents

Bituach Leumi requires medical and employment records to assess eligibility. The following documents should be attached to your application

 Medical Documents:

• Any medical records reflecting your physical or mental condition (even if unrelated to the assault).
• At least one document must be from a physician or psychiatrist.
• Hospital discharge summaries (if applicable).

 For Employees:

• Salary slips from the last 15 months.
• A letter from your employer confirming your work period and salary.
• If you had unpaid periods, details on sick leave payments or insurance compensation for illness.

 For Self-Employed Individuals:

• A statement to Bituach Leumi’s insurance and collections department detailing changes in work and income due to the assault.

 For Additional Income Sources:

• .Pension funds, Ministry of Defense payments, private insurance, alimony, or rental income

What Happens After Submitting the Application?

1. A Bituach Leumi doctor reviews your documents and may refer them to a psychiatrist or another medical expert if needed.
2. You will receive a summons for a special medical committee for sexual violence survivors.

What Happens at the Bituach Leumi Medical Committee?

• The committee is led by a psychiatrist, who will ask questions based on your application and documents.
• You have the right to request a female psychiatrist instead of a male doctor.
• You can bring a support person of your choice or a volunteer from a Sexual Assault Crisis Center.
• Instead of speaking aloud, you can submit a written letter detailing how the assault affected your life.

The committee’s decision will be mailed to you and available in your Bituach Leumi online account.

Need Financial Support While Waiting for Approval?

If your household has little or no income, you may apply for Income Support until your disability benefits are approved.
You can check your eligibility using the Bituach Leumi Income Support Calculator.

 

Path 2: Work Injury Recognition

If you experienced sexual harassment or assault at work, Bituach Leumi may recognize your case as a work injury within one year of the incident.

If there is insufficient documentation or no police, civil, or disciplinary complaint, Bituach Leumi may contact your workplace for additional information before granting recognition.

 

How to Apply for Work Injury Recognition?

 For Employees:

• Request Form 250 (Referral for Medical Treatment) from your employer.
• If this is difficult, Sexual Assault Crisis Centers can help.

 For Self-Employed Individuals:

• Complete Form 283 (Self-Employed Medical Referral).

 .Submit the referral to your HMO’s work injury department to receive a first medical certificate for work injury 
 Attach the certificate to the Work Injury Compensation Claim Form, which includes:

• Personal and workplace details
• Description of the incident
• Bank account details

.The application can be submitted online via Bituach Leumi’s website or mailed/dropped off at a service box near your home

 

What Happens After Submitting the Claim?

Bituach Leumi reviews your case and determines eligibility for compensation:

•  Work Injury Benefits: Compensation for up to 3 months of lost wages due to injury.
   Medical Expense Reimbursement: If you received medical or psychiatric treatment, you can request a refund through you
• HMO.
•  Disability Benefits: If the assault affected your daily functioning, you may qualify for disability benefits (see Path 1)

 

Free Support for Navigating Bituach Leumi Procedures

The Bituach Leumi recognition process can be complex, especially for survivors already struggling with PTSD and daily functioning.

:Sexual Assault Crisis Centers provide free support with

• Filling out forms
• Collecting required documents
• Communicating with Bituach Leumi
  
• Accompanying survivors to medical committee hearings

.For support, contact a helpline, and a legal process coordinator will follow up with you.