Mobility Benefit Guide in National Insurance — Everything About Mobility Allowance and Your Rights

What is a Mobility Benefit in National Insurance?

Mobility benefit is a financial allowance granted by the National Insurance Institute to victims injured in road accidents or workplace accidents, resulting in impairment of movement and functional capacity. It is part of the legal rights of the victim under Israeli National Insurance law, and its purpose is to assist with costs related to environmental adaptation, purchase or repair of vehicles, or other expenses resulting from disability.

Over the years, the National Insurance Institute has developed a structured system for calculating the benefit, based on disability percentages, type of injury, and the extent of impact on the victim's mobility. Each case is examined individually, and the decision depends on the medical committee's findings and professional assessment by the National Insurance Institute.

Attorney Mandelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor and Partners — a boutique family law firm focused exclusively on representing claimants in tort law — helps victims understand their rights and file mobility claims efficiently and professionally. Since 2008, we have represented accident victims and assisted them in obtaining the compensation they deserve.

Who is Entitled to Mobility Benefit?

Not every accident victim is automatically entitled to mobility benefit. Entitlement depends on a series of legal and medical criteria. Generally, a victim is entitled to the benefit if:

• Proven disability: There is proven disability documented in their medical file, documented by a specialist physician or medical committee.
• Causal connection: The injury resulted directly from the accident (road or workplace), and not from another cause.
• Impact on mobility: The injury significantly affects movement capacity, walking, or the ability to use limbs.
• National Insurance coverage: The victim was insured by National Insurance at the time of the accident (most Israelis are insured, but there are exceptions).

It is important to emphasize: the National Insurance Institute will not grant a benefit based on a complaint alone. Medical evidence, complete documentation, and in most cases — an assessment by a medical committee appointed by the National Insurance Institute are required.

How is Mobility Benefit Calculated?

Calculating mobility benefit is not simple and involves professional assessment of several parameters. The National Insurance Institute uses a formula that considers the following factors:

• Disability percentages: The percentage of disability determined by the medical committee is the basis for calculation. The higher the disability percentage, the higher the mobility benefit.
• Type of injury: Whether the injury is to the lower limbs (legs), upper limbs (hands), spine, or a combination of multiple body parts.
• Remaining mobility capacity: Assessment of the victim's ability to move independently, with or without external aids.
• Actual costs: In some cases, the National Insurance Institute also considers the actual costs the victim needs to pay for environmental adaptations, assistive devices, or vehicle modifications.

For example: a victim injured in a road accident suffering from lower limb disability at a rate of 40%, and requiring a wheelchair and specialized vehicle adaptation, may be entitled to a higher benefit than a victim with similar disability but without need for such aids.

Our firm helps victims understand the calculation, verify whether the National Insurance Institute's decision is fair, and file an appeal if there is grounds to do so.

Mobility Loan — What is it and Who is Entitled?

A mobility loan is a type of temporary assistance granted by the National Insurance Institute to a victim, usually to cover urgent costs related to environmental adaptation, purchase of assistive devices (such as heated wheelchair, elevators, home modifications), or apartment renovations.

Unlike mobility benefit which is a fixed allowance, the mobility loan is usually:

• Temporary: Provides the victim with financial assistance for a limited period, until they repay the money or until a final decision is made on a fixed benefit.
• Contingent on proof: Proof of actual need and receipt of a suitable price quote or invoice is required.
• Subject to discretion: The National Insurance Institute examines each request separately and decides whether to approve or deny it.

A mobility loan can be essential for a victim requiring urgent care, but it is important to understand the conditions and obligations associated with it.

Mobility Benefits Claim — Detailed Process

A mobility benefits claim is a legal-bureaucratic process that requires thorough preparation, accurate documentation, and a deep understanding of National Insurance Law. Below is a detailed description of the stages:

Stage 1: Collection of Medical Documents

The first step is to comprehensively collect all medical documents related to the accident and injury. This includes:

• Hospital or clinic admission report (Emergency Department Report).
• Diagnostic test results (X-ray, CT, MRI images).
• Reports from treating physicians (hospital doctor, relevant specialist).
• Documentation of treatments, surgeries, or medical interventions.
• Discharge letters from hospitals or clinics.
• Medical follow-up reports following discharge.

It is important to request from treating physicians that they add notes regarding the impact of the injury on the injured person's mobility and movement capacity.

Stage 2: Filing a Request for Medical Committee Examination

After collecting the documents, a formal application must be filed with the National Insurance Institute for examination by a medical committee. The committee will examine the injured person, review all medical documents, and issue an opinion on the percentage of disability and the impact on mobility.

It is important to indicate in the application all relevant claims, including:

• Detailed description of the accident and details of the injury.
• Mention of all medical issues related to mobility (pain, weakness, instability, need for assistance).
• Notes on the impact of the injury on daily activities (walking, climbing stairs, driving).

Stage 3: Cost and Needs Assessment

Concurrently with the medical committee process, the actual costs of environmental adaptations, assistive devices, or renovations must be assessed. This may include:

• Price quotes for home modifications (elevators, adapted showers, widened doors).
• Assistive device costs (wheelchair, mobility mattress, bathing mattress).
• Vehicle modifications (ramp, adapted control system).
• Costs of additional medical examinations or specialist consultations.

It is important to obtain formal price quotes from recognized suppliers, so that the National Insurance Institute can accurately assess the benefit amount.

Stage 4: Filing a Formal Claim

After receiving the medical committee's opinion and assessing costs, a formal claim for mobility benefits or mobility loan must be filed. The claim should include:

• Official application form for the National Insurance Institute.
• All medical documents.
• The medical committee's opinion.
• Price quotes for expenses.
• Legal justification letter explaining the entitlement and the injured person's claims.

Our office assists injured persons in preparing the claim professionally, in order to increase the chances of approval.

Stage 5: Managing Communication with the Insurance Institution

After submitting the claim, the National Insurance Institute may respond with additional questions, requests for supplementary information, or comments on the documents. It is important to respond quickly and accurately to each request, in order to avoid delays in decision-making.

Stage 6: Appeal or Request for Reconsideration

If the National Insurance Institute rejects the claim or approves a benefit lower than expected, an appeal or request for reconsideration may be filed. This requires strong legal justification and typically involves obtaining a new opinion from a specialist physician or another medical committee.

Scenario Comparison — Typical Amounts and Influencing Factors

The amount of mobility allowance varies significantly depending on the circumstances of the case. Below is a table demonstrating typical amount ranges according to disability percentages and type of injury (the data are general examples and do not constitute an offer or guarantee):

Important Note: The table above is a general example only and does not constitute a guarantee or legal guidance. Each case is examined individually, and the allowance amount depends on the decision of the National Insurance Institute, the opinion of the medical committee, and various other factors.

Factors Affecting the Allowance Amount

• Disability Percentage: The primary factor — the higher the disability percentage, the higher the allowance amount.
• Type of Injury: Injury to lower limbs affects mobility more than injury to upper limbs.
• Need for External Aids: If the injured person requires a wheelchair, mobility device, or home modifications, the allowance may be higher.
• Age of the Injured Person: Younger injured persons may be entitled to higher allowances, as they may require assistance for a longer period.
• Work Capacity: If the injury affects the injured person's ability to work, this may impact the allowance.
• Actual Costs: The National Insurance Institute also considers the actual costs of environmental adaptations and home modifications.

Legal Tips for Filing a Strong Mobility Claim

To increase the chances of approval for your mobility benefits claim, it is important to follow several basic principles:

• Accurate Documentation: Keep all medical records, invoices, price quotations, and any other documents related to your injury and associated costs. The National Insurance Institute relies on proper documentation.
• Written Communication: All communication with the National Insurance Institute should be in writing (email, registered mail). This creates a clear record of events and requests.
• Consistency: If the National Insurance Institute requests additional information, respond promptly and accurately. Delays in response may delay the decision.
• Strong Legal Justification: When filing your claim, include a detailed cover letter that clearly explains your eligibility, with reference to all factors related to mobility.
• External Evidence: If possible, obtain supporting letters from treating physicians, workplace colleagues, or family members describing the impact of your injury on your daily mobility.
• Caution Regarding Commitments: If the National Insurance Institute offers a loan, ensure you understand the terms and financial implications before accepting.

How Our Firm Can Help

Our firm, Mandelbaum, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co., specializes in representing claimants in tort law, including national insurance claims and mobility benefits. Since 2008, we have represented victims of traffic and workplace accidents, helping them receive the compensation they are entitled to.

Our services include:

• Free Legal Consultation at First Meeting: We offer a complimentary initial consultation where we will evaluate your case and explain your rights.
• Document Collection and Organization: We assist in gathering and organizing all necessary medical documents and evidence.
• Preparation of a Strong Claim: We prepare a detailed and well-reasoned legal request that increases the likelihood of approval.
• Communication Management: We handle all communication with the National Insurance Institute, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
• Appeals and Legal Review: If your claim is denied or the offered benefit is unfair, we assist in filing an appeal or legal petition.

We understand the difficulties faced by accident victims, which is why we are committed to thorough and dedicated representation. Each case is handled with care and personal attention, values we have upheld since our establishment.

Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation. We are here to help you.