Loss of work ability is a serious problem and usually results in a sudden and drastic loss of income as well. All salaried employees in israel are protected against a loss of work ability situation by The national social security (Bituach Leumi). In order to receive a stipend a form needs to be filled out and submitted. The form needs to include the employee’s salary information and payroll information for the months preceeding the loss of work ability, as well as the employer’s signature confirming the salary information. Employee’s with pension plans, these usually have loss of work ability insurance built in to the policy. This will usually cover 70% of the employee’s gross pay. Bituach Leumi and pension plan for loss of work ability payments offset each other. An employee can purchase additional coverage so that it will not offset at additional cost. Speak to your pension plan company for more details.
The criteria for payment of loss of work ability insurance are the following:
1. 75% or more of loss of work ability. Approved by employment doctor for as long as this condition continues or the policy ends, which ever comes first. There usually is a waiting period when an employee joins a pension plan until they can file. If the loss of work ability occurs before then, the employee will only receive payment after the waiting period is over.
2. Complete coverage in case of acts of terror.
3. During the period of payment for loss of work ability, the employee is exempt from contributions to the pension plan.