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Work Injury Allowance in Israel (2026): what you get after a work accident and how to claim

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In short

  • A Bituach Leumi payment (דמי פגיעה) for employees and self-employed people injured at work who could not work.
  • 75% of your average income before the injury, up to ₪1,314.25 a day (2026), for at most 91 days.
  • An accident on the way from home to work and back also counts as a work accident, including road accidents.
  • Claim within 12 months of the injury. If a disability remains, also claim the work disability benefit.

What counts as a work injury

  • An accident during work and because of work.
  • An accident on the way from home to work and back, or between two workplaces, including road accidents. A significant stop or detour for private reasons can rule it out, but taking a child to kindergarten or attending morning prayers on the way does not.
  • An occupational disease on the official list.
  • An assault at work, including sexual assault, and an injury while working from home.
  • Psychological harm caused by a "special event" at work.

Who qualifies

  • Employees, even if they are not Israeli residents. Your rights are not affected if your employer failed to pay contributions.
  • Self-employed people who were registered with Bituach Leumi and paid contributions on time.
  • You have a "first medical certificate for a work injury" stating the period of incapacity, and you really did not work during it.

How much is paid

  • 75% of the income you paid contributions on in the 3 months before the injury, divided by 90. Up to ₪1,314.25 a day (2026).
  • Employees: your employer pays for the day of the injury. If you were off for less than 12 days, Bituach Leumi pays from the third day; for more than 12 days, from the day after the injury.
  • Self-employed: the first 12 days off are not paid.
  • Income tax, national insurance and health contributions are deducted. These days do not come out of your sick leave.

How to claim

  1. Employees get a referral for medical treatment from their employer (form BL/250). Self-employed people fill in form BL/283.
  2. Take the referral to the work accidents department at your health fund to get a "first medical certificate for a work injury". You can also attach the hospital ER report.
  3. Fill in the injury allowance claim and attach the certificate. For road accidents, also attach the police report and insurance details.
  4. File online, by post or at a branch within 12 months of the injury.

When the allowance ends

If a disability remains, or you have medical certificates for more than 91 days, file a work disability claim. A medical committee sets a disability percentage, which determines a monthly pension or a one-time grant. A recognised work injury also gives free medical treatment for its effects.

Good to know

  • You can claim the injury allowance even if you have claimed from a private insurer. If you are suing a third party, inform Bituach Leumi.
  • If your employer later paid a bonus, convalescence pay or back pay, you can ask for an adjustment within 12 months of that payment.
  • Check whether you have private personal accident or loss-of-working-capacity insurance. It pays separately.

Frequently asked questions

I was injured on the way to work. Is that a work accident?

Yes, if you were on your usual route and did not stop or detour significantly for private reasons.

I am self-employed. Do I qualify?

Yes, if you were registered as self-employed with Bituach Leumi and paid contributions on time. The first 12 days are not paid for the self-employed.

Do these days come out of my sick leave?

No. Days paid by the injury allowance are not deducted from your sick leave.

  • Appealing a Bituach Leumi decision

    Where to file and how fast: appeals committee, advisory committee, claims committee or Labour Court — depending on the decision.

  • Work Disability Benefit

    A pension or grant for people left with a disability after a work injury. Earnings from work do not reduce it.

  • Accident allowance

    For people hurt at home, on holiday or in their free time who cannot function: 75% of wages for up to 90 days. Can be paid alongside private insurance.

  • Loss of Working Capacity Insurance

    A policy that pays monthly when illness or injury stops you working. Many people are covered through managers' insurance and do not know it.

  • Har HaBituach: all your policies

    A Ministry of Finance registry where you see all your insurance policies. The starting point for any claim from an insurer.

Sources

This is general information, not legal advice. Amounts are correct as of the review date and change every January.