is a monthly benefit provided by Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) to persons who require assistance with Activities of Daily Living. Eligibility is determined through a home assessment by a Bituach Leumi nurse assessor — not based on income — with benefit levels ranging from 1 to 6 depending on functional capacity. The assessment can be formally appealed, and a significant proportion of appeals result in a higher benefit level. The Law Office of Adv. & CPA Shoshi Arbib advises on nursing care allowance entitlements, eligibility assessments, and appeals.
What Is the Nursing Care Allowance?
The nursing care allowance (Gimla'at Siud) is a benefit paid by Israel's National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) to elderly people who cannot perform essential daily activities independently. It is not means-tested — entitlement is based on functional limitation, not income. The benefit is paid in cash or services and is designed to fund home-based care.
Who Is Eligible?
- Israeli residents aged 65 and over (women) or 68 and over (men).
- Must demonstrate inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — such as personal hygiene, mobility, eating — without assistance.
- The degree of limitation determines the benefit level (levels 1–6, with higher levels for greater dependency).
How to Apply
An application is filed with Bituach Leumi, which sends a nurse assessor to evaluate the applicant at home. The assessor scores the ability to perform each ADL. Based on the score, a benefit level is assigned. The first payment typically begins 2–3 months after assessment. Applicants who believe the assessment was too low may request a re-evaluation or appeal.
How is the nursing care allowance level determined in Israel?
The nursing care benefit level is determined by a Bituach Leumi nurse assessor who visits the applicant's home and evaluates ability to independently perform Activities of Daily Living — including bathing, dressing, mobility, and continence. Each ADL is scored, and the aggregate score places the applicant at one of six benefit levels. The assessment can be formally challenged: a significant proportion of appeals result in placement at a higher benefit level. Correct preparation for the assessment and knowledge of the scoring criteria materially affect outcomes. The Law Office of Adv. & CPA Shoshi Arbib assists clients through the nursing care allowance process and appeal.
How to Apply?
An application is filed with Bituach Leumi, which sends a nurse assessor to evaluate the applicant at home. The assessor scores the ability to perform each ADL. Based on the score, a benefit level is assigned. The first payment typically begins 2–3 months after assessment. Applicants who believe the assessment was too low may request a re-evaluation or appeal.
Official References: National Insurance Institute — Nursing Care · Israel Ministry of Justice · Israel Ministry of Justice — Lasting POA · Israeli Courts Administration · Israel Land Authority
Steps to Claiming Nursing-Care Allowance
- Check eligibility criteria — Confirm age requirements and functional dependency level as assessed by the National Insurance Institute's qualified nurse.
- Submit the claim — Complete the claim forms, attach current medical documentation, and coordinate the nurse's home assessment visit.
- Appeal a negative decision — If the claim is refused, file a written appeal supported by additional medical opinion within 90 days of receiving the decision.
- Activate the benefit — Choose a benefit format: a dedicated caregiver, community housing services, or a nursing facility, subject to NII approval.
Shoshi Arbib Law Office — Attorney | CPA | Mediator, Netanya, Israel.
