Mobility Allowance - Comprehensive Guide

Comprehensive Guide to Mobility Allowance

Benefits, loans and assistance for people with mobility impairments

Introduction

The mobility benefit is a comprehensive package of benefits intended for people suffering from mobility impairments due to leg disabilities. The benefit is paid from Ministry of Finance funds through the National Insurance, under the Mobility Agreement signed in 1977. Our firm specializes in handling mobility processes and maximizing all entitled rights.

This guide details all the benefits included in the allowance, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

Part 1: What is Mobility Benefit?

The mobility benefit includes a variety of benefits designed to help people with mobility impairments move independently and integrate into society:

• Monthly allowance - For participation in mobility expenses
• Standing loan - For financing taxes on new vehicle purchase
• Vehicle adaptation loan - For adapting the vehicle to special needs
• Vehicle registration fee exemption - Exemption from annual fee payment
• Disabled parking permit - Right to park in designated spaces
• Free towing services - In case of vehicle breakdown

Part 2: Eligibility Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Israeli resident located in Israel
• Age 3 years to retirement age (67 for men, 62 for women)
• A Ministry of Health medical committee determined mobility limitation percentages
• The limitation stems from leg impairments according to a defined list of impairments

Eligibility Threshold by Driving Status

Status	Required Limitation Percentage
Valid driving license holder	At least 40%
No driving license (with authorized driver)	At least 60%
No vehicle	At least 80%

Authorized driver - A person with a valid driving license approved by National Insurance to transport the mobility-impaired person. Must be a family member or caregiver living near the impaired person.

Part 3: List of Qualifying Impairments

Eligibility for mobility benefit is conditional on the impairment appearing in the closed list of impairments in the Mobility Agreement. This list includes:

• Paralysis - Full or partial paralysis of legs (40%-100%)
• Amputations - Leg amputation above or below the knee (60%-100%)
• Stiffness (ankylosis) - In hip, knee or ankle joints (40%-80%)
• Leg shortening - Length difference of 5 cm or more (40%-60%)
• Deformities - In foot, knee or hip (40%-80%)
• Vascular diseases - Severe peripheral arterial insufficiency (60%-100%)
• Short stature - Leg length up to 61 cm (80%) or up to 72 cm (50%)
• Muscle and nerve diseases - Muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, etc.

Note: The list of impairments is closed. Impairments not appearing on the list, even if they affect mobility, do not qualify for the benefit.

Part 4: Monthly Allowance Amounts (2025)

The monthly allowance amount varies according to limitation percentages, vehicle size, and employment status:

For Those Without Vehicle

Fixed monthly allowance of 2,364 NIS (for those with 80% limitation or more)

For Vehicle Owners

The allowance ranges from 600 NIS to 4,000 NIS and above, depending on vehicle size (engine capacity), limitation percentages, and vehicle age.

Supplement for Earners

A mobility-impaired person who works and earns above 2,745 NIS per month, and the travel distance from home to work is 40 km or more (round trip) - is entitled to an allowance supplement.

Part 5: Standing Loan for Vehicle Purchase

The standing loan is intended to finance taxes on new vehicle purchase. Under certain conditions, the loan becomes a grant and does not need to be repaid.

Eligibility Requirements for Standing Loan

• At least 40% mobility limitation determined
• The vehicle will include all accessories recommended by the Medical Institute for Road Safety
• The impaired person's name appears on the vehicle registration
• At least 42 months have passed since the previous loan (for vehicle replacement)

Loan Amount

The loan covers taxes on the vehicle (purchase tax, VAT and import tax), up to a ceiling determined by limitation percentages and vehicle type. For example, those with 100% limitation may receive a loan of up to approximately 93,000 NIS and above.

When Does the Loan Become a Grant?

If the vehicle remains owned by the impaired person for at least 42 months, and the impaired person continues to meet eligibility requirements - the loan becomes a grant and does not need to be repaid.

Part 6: Application Process

Step 1: Ministry of Health Medical Committee

1. Complete the application form for medical examination for mobility limitation determination (Form BL/8220)
2. Attach medical documents: diagnoses, imaging tests, expert opinions
3. Submit to the District Health Bureau in your residence area
4. Be summoned to the medical committee for physical examination
5. Receive protocol with committee decision (limitation percentages, need for wheelchair)

Step 2: National Insurance Claim

1. Submit a claim for benefits under the Mobility Agreement (Form BL/8200) within 60 days
2. Attach: committee protocol, vehicle license copy (if applicable), study/work certificates
3. Wait for National Insurance decision

Part 7: Appeals

Appeal on Medical Committee Decision

You can appeal the Ministry of Health medical committee decision to the medical appeals committee within 60 days of receiving the protocol.

Appeal to Labor Court

The appeals committee decision can be appealed to the Regional Labor Court on legal questions, within 60 days.

Request for Condition Worsening

If the medical condition has worsened, you can submit a request for repeat medical examination with updated medical documents demonstrating the worsening.

Part 8: Special Cases

Mobility Allowance for Blind Persons

Holders of permanent blind or visually impaired certificates from age 18 and above are entitled to escort fees in an amount equal to the allowance for those without vehicle (2,364 NIS).

Children with Mobility Impairment

Since 2023, children with mobility impairment can receive both mobility allowance and disabled child allowance under the following conditions: at least 80% mobility limitation determined, or need for wheelchair determined.

Combination of Special Services Allowance and Mobility

As a rule, you must choose between special services allowance and mobility allowance. However, both can be received if: 100% special services determined or 100% mobility limitation or need for wheelchair determined.

Why Legal Support is Recommended

Our attorneys specialize in handling mobility processes and assist at all stages:

1. Closed list of impairments - A lawyer will ensure the medical condition matches the list items
2. Medical committee preparation - Proper document gathering and emphasizing functional limitations
3. Appeals - Representation at appeals committees and Labor Court
4. Rights maximization - Ensuring receipt of all entitled benefits, including loans and vehicle adaptations

For more information on related topics, visit our expertise pages: insurance claims and disability benefit claims.

Contact Ron-Pestinger Law Office

Suffering from mobility impairment? We are here to help you realize all the benefits you are entitled to. Our team specializes in handling mobility processes, from application submission to the medical committee to receiving all benefits.

Contact us for a free initial consultation

Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Amounts are current as of January 2025 and may change. For personalized advice, please contact our office.