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The National Insurance Institute of Israel (NII) is the national institution of social insurance, operating under the National Insurance Law passed by the Knesset in November 1953.
The main role of the NII is to ensure a means of subsistence to those Israeli residents who cannot earn a living on their own. The NII is the main instrument for reducing poverty; it contributes substantially to the reduction of economic gaps in Israel and guarantees social and economic protection to every resident and family at times of temporary or prolonged distress. Social security is provided by means of about a hundred different benefits paid by the NII to persons entitled to them under law, at an annual scope of approximately NIS 45 billion (based on 2003 figures), as well as by means of rehabilitative and social services.
The NII collects insurance premiums, or contributions, from all residents aged 18 or over in accordance with their income and status. In addition, as of January 1995, the NII is responsible for collecting health insurance contributions under the National Health Insurance Law and distributing them to the various sick funds.
All residents of Israel are covered by the NII, which pays benefits to the unemployed, to women on maternity leave, to people with disabilities, to those limited in mobility, to persons injured at work, in terrorist acts or in accidents, to persons serving in the military reserves, to families with children, to the elderly, to widows and orphans, to low-income families, to persons working in companies that go bankrupt and others. In addition to these cash benefits, the NII provides rehabilitative services and vocational training to persons with disabilities and to widows, and long-term care and counseling services to the elderly.
Furthermore, the NII operates five funds that finance projects for the development of community and institutional services aimed at sectors of the population with special needs, such as people with disabilities, at-risk youth, released prisoners, etc., in order to help them integrate into the work force and the community.
Since its establishment, the NII has set up and implemented many insurance programs adapted to the changing needs of society and he country. The NII has expanded and developed with the aim of insuring the residents )f Israel against economic and social risks.
The NII is spread over 21 local branches hroughout the country as well as dozens of ;ub-branches and local offices. In order to better handle the many applications (about 9 pillion a year), computerized information systems that enable access to updated nformation have been developed, such as the nternet site, self-service stations, a computerized call center and a secret code for personal identification. These developments enable clients to receive services quickly and )fficiently and save them the trouble of going o the local branches.
The NII is constantly striving to expand the ake-up of rights and to improve its services to he public.
National Insurance Institute
Information and Public Relations
