Disabled Child Benefit in Israel (2026): who qualifies, which conditions and how much
In short
- A monthly Bituach Leumi benefit (גמלת ילד נכה) for parents raising at home a child with an illness or impairment on Bituach Leumi's list.
- Five levels: ₪1,943, ₪3,820, ₪4,501, ₪7,181 or ₪9,126 a month (2026).
- You can get up to 12 months back, or 6 months for developmental delay. So attach documents from the last year.
- The benefit does not depend on the parents' income. Families with two or more disabled children get 50% more for each child.
Who qualifies
- The child of an insured Israeli resident, who is in Israel and lives with the family, including a foster family.
- The child has an illness, impairment or treatment need on the qualifying list, or depends on others' help much more than children of the same age.
Examples of qualifying conditions
- Autism diagnosed under Ministry of Health guidelines: 100%, i.e. ₪3,820 a month.
- Juvenile diabetes: up to age 6 — 100%, over 6 — 50%.
- Significant developmental delay, from 91 days to age 3: 100%.
- Dependence on others for daily activities, from age 3: 50% to 235%, by the test score.
- Severe allergy, from 9 months to age 10: 50%.
- Severe behavioural problems with special education placement: 50%. Not every child with ADHD qualifies.
The list includes many more conditions, such as Down syndrome, cancer, epilepsy, blindness and cerebral palsy. With several impairments, the benefit follows the one that pays most.
How much is paid
| Level | Per month |
|---|---|
| 50% | ₪1,943 |
| 100% | ₪3,820 |
| 112% | ₪4,501 |
| 188% | ₪7,181 |
| 235% | ₪9,126 |
A child on a ventilator gets an extra ₪10,774. A child living in an institution receives ₪673 or ₪1,347.
How to apply
- A parent or guardian fills in the claim online, on paper or with a representative on *3928.
- Attach medical and functional documents from the last year, the type and frequency of treatments and, if possible, a report from the kindergarten or school.
- A Bituach Leumi doctor decides on the documents or calls you to a committee. Parents stay with the child throughout, and no examination happens without their consent.
- The benefit is paid on the 28th of each month.
Free advice and committee preparation: Yad Mechavenet, *2496.
If you disagree
- Appeal to the appeals committee within 90 days of the decision, through the disabled child department at your branch.
- If the claim was refused, you can apply again after 6 months. If the condition worsens, at any time, with a medical certificate.
Good to know
- Before the child turns 18, Bituach Leumi sends claims for the general disability and attendance allowances. Return them with recent documents to avoid a gap in payment.
- Parents of a child who is paralysed, blind or has an intellectual-developmental disability may also get two tax credit points.
- The disabled child benefit does not count as income for income support.
- Fees charged by rights companies and lawyers are capped by law for this benefit too.
Frequently asked questions
My child is being assessed for autism. Should I wait to apply?
No. A child still in assessment may qualify for other reasons, such as a need for supervision, and Bituach Leumi recommends applying at this stage.
Both parents work. Does that matter?
No. The disabled child benefit does not depend on the parents' income.
What happens if the child goes abroad?
The benefit continues for 3 months. For medical treatment or an Israeli employer's posting abroad, up to 24 months. Tell Bituach Leumi before leaving.
Does ADHD qualify for the disabled child allowance?
Not by itself. A child with severe behaviour problems in special education may get the allowance at 50%, but Bituach Leumi stresses that not every child with ADHD who takes Ritalin qualifies.
Does a child with Down syndrome qualify?
Yes. A child with Down syndrome is entitled from birth until 18 and three months, if the basic conditions are met.
What happens when the child turns 18?
Before 18, Bituach Leumi sends claims for the general disability pension and special services. Return them quickly with recent documents. During the transition the higher benefit is paid, so payments do not stop.
Calculators for this topic
Tax credit points calculator
How many tax credit points you have in a tax year and what they are worth in shekels.
Worth checking too
Attendance Allowance
For people aged 18 to retirement age who need a lot of help from another person with daily activities, or supervision. ₪1,943–₪9,126 a month.
Preparing for a medical committee
What to prepare, what happens in the room, expense refunds and appeal deadlines. Most health-related benefits go through the committee.
Disability discounts and benefits
What you get on top of the pension: discounts on transport, at your health fund, on arnona, water and electricity, at banks and on taxes — by percentage and benefit.
Appealing a Bituach Leumi decision
Where to file and how fast: appeals committee, advisory committee, claims committee or Labour Court — depending on the decision.
Mobility allowance
If a leg impairment limits your mobility: a monthly allowance for car owners or ₪2,581 without a car, and a loan for the taxes on a new car.
Tax Credit Points
Each credit point cuts your income tax by ₪242 a month. Children, aliyah, army service, a degree — and missed points can be reclaimed for past years.
Arnona discount
Up to 100% for seniors with the income supplement, up to 80% for disability, up to 90% for olim and the blind, and by income. Apply to your local authority.
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. Amounts are correct as of the review date and change every January.