Recognition of Families of the Fallen

Recognition and eligibilities of the bereaved families of fallen IDF and security forces

Recognition of those who fell in service

When the circumstances of death are operational, the Recognition and Eligibility Unit will instruct the relevant district staff, based on the family's place of residence, to meet with them and complete the application form for recognition under the law.

After completing the form with the family, the details of the survivors will be entered into the department's systems, and the unit will issue a decision letter confirming the family's rights.

District representatives will contact the family to deliver the decision and provide an explanation about their rights within the department.

Applications that require review

In cases where the circumstances of death during service are non-operational (for example: illness, traffic accident, suicide, or circumstances under investigation), the Recognition and Eligibility Unit will examine the circumstances of death and instruct the department's districts to meet with the family and complete an application form for recognition, or not to contact the family at that stage.

Additionally, the family has the option to contact the unit directly using the Application Form for Recognition of Family Members' Rights under the law and request an evaluation of their eligibility.

After receiving the application form, the unit will collect investigation materials regarding the circumstances of the incident, medical records, and more. If necessary, a medical and legal opinion will be obtained regarding the connection between the cause of death and the service.

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

You should know

The evaluation process includes data and testimony collection and may take time.

If the application for recognition is approved, a social worker from the relevant district (based on the place of residence) will meet with the family and deliver the decision letter along with an explanation about their rights within the department.

If the application is denied, the decision letter will be sent by registered mail along with the reasons for the rejection. The family has the right to appeal the decision within 30 days from the date of receiving the letter.

Process of recognition by the department

Submitting the application:
The documents of the application for recognition 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 application is approved - the decision will be forwarded for implementation and to inform the relevant department staff. District employees will contact the family and provide an explanation about their rights.
- If the application 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.

Recognition of permanent service personnel and security forces

What is the "Goren Amendment" regarding permanent service personnel and security forces?

The Goren Committee is a public committee convened to discuss the criteria for determining eligibility under the law. The committee distinguished between those injured during their service due to operational activities and other injured individuals. As part of this, amendment no. 37 to the Families Law was enacted. This amendment is also known as the "Goren Amendment".

Following this amendment, the National Insurance Institute is the body responsible for handling requests relating to IDF permanent service personnel and security forces in cases of injury or illness during the service.

Please submit the claim to the National Insurance Institute if the service was in the following security forces:

IDF
Israel Police
Israel Prison Service
Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet)
Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations (Mossad)
Knesset Guard

For your attention

Those who continued to permanent service immediately after their mandatory service and passed away within the first six months of permanent service will be considered to have been in regular service, and their families will be handled through the Department of Families.

Applications for recognition to be handled by the Ministry of Defense

In the following cases, you may submit a request for recognition to the Ministry of Defense:

Death caused by an injury defined as a "service-related injury," meaning an event during operational activity, training for operational activity, or an event the nature, essence, and circumstances of which are unique to military or security service.
Death from illness during service as a result of an event or service conditions the nature, essence, and circumstances of which are unique to military service, including the following cases:
- Illness resulting from exposure to a hazardous substance (as determined in the Minister of Defense order).
- Illness resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation or infrared radiation.
- Contracting an illness as a result of exposure to blood products and bodily fluids during medical treatment in field conditions.

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

Definitions of family members and forms to submit

Who are defined as parents?

The parents of the fallen, 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 fallen during the fallen's lifetime and cared for the fallen. Fulfilling these needs includes various aspects of significant parenting, such as emotional and mental support, financial support, accompanying to extracurricular activities and social events, involvement in education and studies, presence at significant events, providing a sense of security and stability, addressing daily needs, and more.

Fill out the application form for recognition - please note, the application form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.

Who are defined as widows and widowers?

Who are defined as common-law partners?

In an application 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 until the day of death: Documents, photos, or testimonies must be attached to prove the relationship, including financial sharing and joint property, such as a joint bank account statement, payments for shared living, and affidavits by family members and friends attesting to their life together as a couple.

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 account statements and payments, affidavits or testimonies by family members and friends attesting to the relationship and the duration of their life together, shared property, etc.

Who are defined as orphans?

Children of the fallen, including stepchildren or adopted children, who were financially supported by the fallen 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 fallen.

Fill out the application form for recognition - please note, the application form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.

Who are defined as siblings?

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

Siblings who have lost their parents and are under the age of 18, and do not have adult siblings or an income for their livelihood. The state will appoint a legal guardian to receive the rights and assistance for them.

Please 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 fallen).

Fill out the application form for recognition - please note, the application form + 2 appendices (bank account details confirmation, waiver of confidentiality) must be completed.

Who are defined as guardians?

Who are defined as fiancées and fiancés?

To apply for recognition as a fiancé or fiancée, it is necessary to demonstrate that the couple submitted an application 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 between the couple, 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.
- "Announcement": 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 residential apartment, with a third party.

What to submit?

Application form for recognition - fiancée. Please note, the application form + 2 appendices must be completed (bank account details confirmation and waiver of confidentiality).
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.

What can you do if the application is denied?

In cases where the benefits officer has rejected 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.

A family that has not been recognized under the Families Law, but whose loved one was defined as a fallen IDF soldier - meaning the fallen was eligible for burial in a military cemetery - can receive a "Fallen Soldier Certificate" and assistance in the field of commemoration.