Recognition and Eligibilities for Civilians

Recognition as a bereaved family of civilians who passed away not during service in the IDF or security forces

In cases where the death did not occur during military service or service in the security forces, and the deceased was not recognized as disabled by the Rehabilitation Department, but the family believes that the cause of death is related to the service.

What is the process for recognition of civilians?

When the family believes that the cause of death of their loved one is related to the service, they can submit a recognition application form.

It is recommended to provide as many details as possible about the deceased's service and/or specific events during the service related to the death.

After receiving the application form, the Recognition and Eligibility Unit will collect medical and/or other information about the cause of death and the medical condition of the deceased during his or her lifetime.

The materials will be forwarded for a medical opinion by a specialist in the relevant field, to examine the connection between the cause of death and the deceased's service.

The benefits officer, after receiving all the materials in the file, will make a decision in accordance with the law.

You should know

The process of reviewing the application takes time due to the need to collect medical documents and information from the community, and obtain medical and legal opinions.

Process of recognition by the department

Submitting the application:
The recognition application and official documents detailing the cause of death must be submitted to the Recognition and Eligibility Unit. If the application is submitted within the first year from the date of death, eligibility will be retroactive from the date of death. If the application is submitted more than one year from the date of death, eligibility will begin from the date of application submission, in accordance with section 28 (a) of the law.
Confirmation of the application receipt:
After submitting the application, a confirmation will be sent by mail indicating that the application has been received, and detailing whether additional documents are required.
Application review:
The unit conducts a comprehensive evaluation by virtue of its authority to review every submitted application. As part of this process, unit personnel have access to all necessary information from official bodies such as the police, prosecution, National Insurance Institute, HMOs, social services, and more. This thorough review process is designed to ensure that decisions are made based on a complete and accurate picture, with the aim of providing the best and most sensitive response to every applicant.
Decision:
- If the request is approved - the decision will be forwarded for implementation and to inform the relevant department staff. District office employees will contact the family and provide an explanation about their rights.
- If the request is not approved - the decision letter will be sent by registered mail to the family, detailing the reasons for the decision, and they will be given the right to appeal within 30 days from the date of receiving the letter.

For questions regarding how to fill out the forms, you can contact the call center at 03-7776700.

Forms must be sent by email: mishpahot_tviot@mod.gov.il

Death due to exposure to the Kishon River

The conditions for recognition of those who dived in the Kishon were updated in accordance with the conclusions of the task force established to expand recognition in 2022.

Fast-track recognition will apply to those who meet both of the following conditions:

First condition - service unit

Completion of training and service in one of the units that dived in the Kishon continuously and intensively for 30 days or more:
- 13th Flotilla (Shayetet 13) until 1993
- Underwater Missions Unit (YALTAM) until 2000
- Naval Officers until 1980
- Engineering Corps Bridging Unit
You should know: In cases of service in another unit (or in a unit listed above, but without completing the training course), where there was still exposure to the Kishon in a comprehensive, continuous, and intensive manner for 30 days or more, the recognition application may still be included in the fast-track process.
Second condition – death from a malignant disease or Parkinson's disease

Note: For Parkinson's disease, the application will be fast-tracked if the symptoms of the disease began before the age of 55.

Definitions of family members and forms to submit

Who are defined as parents?

The deceased's parents, including stepparents or adoptive parents, according to section 1 (c) of the law.

In cases where there is a biological parent and a stepparent or adoptive parent, and both are of the same gender, the benefits officer will decide which of them will be recognized as the bereaved parent after determining which of them fulfilled the needs of the deceased during the deceased's lifetime and cared for the deceased. Fulfilling these needs includes various aspects of significant parenting, such as emotional and mental support, financial support, accompanying to extracurricular activities, social activities, involvement in education and studies, presence at significant events, providing a sense of security and stability, addressing daily needs, and more.

What to submit?

Each family member must submit a separate recognition application. For example: widow, parent or parents, orphans – when there is no application from the widow; siblings – when there is no application from the parents.

Fill out the recognition application form - Please note, the request form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.
A copy of the applicant's ID card, including the appendix.
A copy of the deceased's death certificate.
Confirmation of the burial details of the deceased (name of the cemetery, block, area, plot, grave).
Official documents detailing the cause of death of the deceased: final hospitalization summary from the hospital if the death occurred in the hospital, MDA report if the death occurred at home, Israel Police report if an investigation was conducted.

Who are defined as widows and widowers?

Those who were married on the day of the loss, according to section 1 (a) of the law.

What to submit?

Fill out the recognition application form - Please note, the application form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.
A copy of the applicant's ID card, including the appendix.
A copy of the deceased's death certificate.
Confirmation of the burial details of the deceased (name of the cemetery, block, area, plot, grave).
Official documents detailing the cause of death of the deceased: final hospitalization summary from the hospital if the death occurred in the hospital, MDA report if the death occurred at home, Israel Police report if an investigation was conducted.

Who are defined as common-law partners?

To apply for recognition as common-law partners, it is necessary to demonstrate that the following two conditions were met and submit documents proving:

Shared residence: Living together for a significant period close to the time of death. A rental agreement in the names of both partners must be attached.
Existence of a common-law relationship as until the day of death: Documents, photos, or testimonies proving the relationship, including financial sharing and joint property, such as confirmation of a joint bank account, payments for shared living, and affidavits from family members and friends attesting to living together as husband and wife, must be attached.

What to submit?

Application form for recognition - common-law partner. Please note, the application form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.
Documents, contracts, photos, joint accounts and payments, affidavits, or testimonies from family members and friends attesting to the relationship and the duration of living together, presenting the shared life, joint property, etc.
A copy of the applicant's ID card, including the appendix.
A copy of the deceased's death certificate.
Confirmation of the burial details of the deceased (name of the cemetery, block, area, plot, grave).
Official documents detailing the cause of death of the deceased: final hospitalization summary from the hospital if the death occurred in the hospital, MDA report if the death occurred at home, Israel Police report if an investigation was conducted.

Who are defined as orphans?

The deceased's children, including stepchildren or adopted children, who were financially supported by the deceased and were under the age of 21 on the day of the loss, according to section 1 (b) of the law.

You should know: When there is a widow, she applies on behalf of herself and her children with the deceased.

Fill out the recognition application form - Please note, the application form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.
A copy of the applicant's ID card, including the appendix.
A copy of the deceased's death certificate.
Confirmation of the burial details of the deceased (name of the cemetery, block, area, plot, grave).
Official documents detailing the cause of death of the deceased: final hospitalization summary from the hospital if the death occurred in the hospital, MDA report if the death occurred at home, Israel Police report if an investigation was conducted.

Who are defined as siblings?

Siblings of the deceased, according to section 1 (d) of the law.

Siblings who have lost their parents and are under the age of 18, and have no adult siblings or income for their livelihood. The state will appoint a legal guardian to receive the rights and assistance for them.

Note: When there is an application by the parents, they apply on their own behalf and on behalf of their children (the siblings of the deceased).

Fill out the recognition application form - Please note, the request form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.
A copy of the applicant's ID card, including the appendix.
A copy of the deceased's death certificate.
Confirmation of the burial details of the deceased (name of the cemetery, block, area, plot, grave).
Official documents detailing the cause of death of the deceased: final hospitalization summary from the hospital if the death occurred in the hospital, MDA report if the death occurred at home, Israel Police report if an investigation was conducted.

Who are defined as guardians?

A person appointed by the state or the court, authorized to manage and make decisions on behalf of another person, either because that person is a minor or unable to manage his or her own affairs.

Fill out the recognition application form - Please note, the request form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.
A copy of the applicant's ID card, including the appendix.
A copy of the deceased's death certificate.
Confirmation of the burial details of the deceased (name of the cemetery, block, area, plot, grave).
Official documents detailing the cause of death of the deceased: final hospitalization summary from the hospital if the death occurred in the hospital, MDA report if the death occurred at home, Israel Police report if an investigation was conducted.

Who are defined as fiancées and fiancés?

To apply for recognition as a fiancé or fiancée, it is necessary to show that the couple submitted a request to the authorities for marriage registration, or that at least two of the following conditions were met:

A marriage proposal or engagement party took place, indicating their intention to marry. The event was announced and known to their families and other close individuals, and their consent to the marriage existed at the time of death.
- "Marriage proposal": Includes the couple's agreement to marry, in the presence of two witnesses, and documented in writing.
- "Publicity": Includes publication on social media, a newspaper announcement, or documentation sent digitally.
A date and venue for the wedding were set, and an agreement was signed with a banquet hall or a catering service.
A ring was purchased or given during the engagement period.
An agreement was made to purchase or rent a residence with a third party.

What to submit?

Application form for recognition - fiancée. Please note, the application form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.
Documents, contracts, photos, or testimonies presenting the marriage proposal and mutual consent, the rings, an agreement with the hall or catering provider, an apartment purchase or rental agreement.
A copy of the applicant's ID card, including the appendix.
A copy of the deceased's death certificate.
Confirmation of the burial details of the deceased (name of the cemetery, block, area, plot, grave).
Official documents detailing the cause of death of the deceased: final hospitalization summary from the hospital if the death occurred in the hospital, MDA report if the death occurred at home, Israel Police report if an investigation was conducted.

What can you do if the application is denied?

In cases where the benefits officer rejects the application for recognition in light of the provisions of the law, it is possible to appeal the decision within 30 business days to the Appeals Committee at the Magistrate's Court in your area of residence. The appeal must be submitted in writing in four copies to the court's secretariat.