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National Insurance – Survivors’ Benefits
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Who Is Eligible for Survivors’ Benefits?
Widower
A man who was married to the deceased or recognized as her common-law partner at the time of her death for at least one year (or six months if he is aged 55 or older), and:
- Has a child with the deceased, or
- Meets the income test criteria
Widow
A woman who was married to the deceased or recognized as his common-law partner at the time of his death for at least one year (or six months if she is aged 55 or older), or has a child with him.
Child (Orphan)
A child of the deceased (including stepchild, adopted child, or grandchild fully supported by the deceased) who:
- Is under age 18; or
- Under 20 and studying in secondary education; or
- Under 22 and serving in the IDF (within 36 months of enlistment); or
- (For females) under 22 and performing national service; or
- Under 20 and in pre-military programs; or
- Under 22 and in academic reserve programs; or
- Under 21 and volunteering in a service year
Since March 1, 1999, children of a married woman who did not work outside the home (homemaker) are also eligible.
Eligibility Conditions
- The death must not be due to war or hostile actions
- The deceased must have completed a qualifying insurance period, such as:
- 12 months immediately before death, or
- 24 months within the last 5 years, or
- 60 months within the last 10 years, or
- 144 months total, or
- 60 months with limited uninsured periods
Exemptions from Qualification Period
Eligibility may still apply if:
- The deceased passed away within one year of immigrating
- The deceased was under age 19
- The deceased left behind a child
- The deceased supported their spouse or children
- The deceased was receiving disability benefits
- A divorced or widowed woman passed away within one year
Benefit Payments
- Survivors’ benefits must be claimed within 12 months of the date of death
- Late claims may only be paid retroactively for up to 12 months
Payment Timing
- If the deceased received an old-age or disability pension → payment starts the month after death
- Otherwise:
- If eligible for income supplement → from the month of death
- If not:
- Death before the 15th → from that month
- Death after the 15th → from the following month
Payments are made on the 28th of each month.
Additional Benefits
Income Supplement
Paid to low-income beneficiaries who meet income criteria, ensuring a minimum guaranteed income.
One-Time Grants
- Survivor grant: Paid to a widow under age 40 without children (36 monthly payments as a lump sum)
- Marriage grant: Paid upon remarriage (also 36 months’ worth, in two installments)
Bereavement Grant
Paid to the surviving spouse or, if none, to the child:
- Fixed one-time payment (amount updated periodically)
Vocational Rehabilitation
Eligible widows/widowers may receive:
- Professional training or retraining
- Monthly living allowance during studies
- Coverage of tuition, materials, travel, and related costs
Eligibility applies to those:
- Of working age
- Unemployed or underemployed
- In need of retraining due to bereavement
Children’s Benefits
Orphans may receive:
- Monthly living allowance (based on income test)
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah grant
- Educational support
Burial Expenses
- Burial costs are paid directly to the Chevra Kadisha
- Families are not charged for standard burial services
Included Services (No Charge)
- Burial plot
- Preparation of the deceased
- Burial shroud
- Grave digging and covering
- Basic grave marker
- Transportation within service area
Services That May Require Payment
- Burial in special or exceptional plots
- Purchasing a plot in advance
- Transportation outside service area
- Special burial arrangements or requests
The National Insurance Institute does not cover tombstone construction costs.
Health and Insurance Contributions
Widows/widowers must continue paying:
- National Insurance contributions
- Health insurance (deducted from benefits when applicable)
Submitting a Claim
Claims must be submitted:
- In writing using official forms (e.g., BL/417)
- At the nearest National Insurance branch or by mail
Income supplement claims require additional documentation and may involve an interview.
Appeals and Legal Assistance
- Appeals can be filed with the Labor Court within 6 months of the decision
- Free legal aid may be available through the Ministry of Justice
Important Notes
- Only one benefit may be received if eligible for multiple benefits
- Survivors of victims of work accidents or hostile acts may choose between different benefit types
- Beneficiaries must report claims against third parties (e.g., insurance compensation cases)
Contact Information
- Website: www.btl.gov.il
- Public service phone: 08-9369696 / 08-6509999
- Legal aid available in major cities
Summary
Survivors’ benefits provide financial support to widows, widowers, and children after the loss of a loved one, including monthly payments, grants, and rehabilitation assistance—subject to eligibility and timely application.
