Home / Rights & Programs / Disability Benefit for Ethiopian Immigrants — Rights and How to Apply
Disability Benefit for Ethiopian Immigrants — Rights and How to Apply in Lod
The BTL general-disability benefit is set by the loss-of-earning-capacity degree determined by a committee — not by the medical disability percentage. Full benefit (75%+): ₪4,711/month (from 1 Jan 2026).
About Lod
Lod has a long-established Israeli-Ethiopian community in neighbourhoods where the community proportion is significant. In recent years the city has drawn attention due to urban-renewal plans and demographic shifts that directly affect the local real-estate market and housing options for the community.
Who Is Eligible
Ethiopian immigrants with a recognised medical disability of at least 25% that reduces earning capacity by 50% or more. A 6-month waiting period applies for immigrants who arrived after 1 January 2000.
Disability Levels and Amounts (2025)
- 25–49%: approx. ₪2,200/month
- 50–74%: approx. ₪3,500/month
- 75–100%: approx. ₪4,500–6,200/month (including supplements for dependants and care)
How to Apply
- Download Form 211 from btl.gov.il.
- Attach all medical records — diagnoses, hospitalizations, regular medications.
- Submit at your nearest BTL branch or online.
- Attend the medical committee — bring a companion, all documents, and request an Amharic interpreter if needed.
Appeal Rights
If the committee sets too low a percentage, you have 60 days to appeal to the Medical Appeals Committee, then to the Labour Court. TEBEKA offers free representation: 072-2424622.
Ethiopian community in Lod
- Community population
- ~8,000
- Share of city
- ~11%
- Main neighbourhoods
- רמת אשכול, מרכז, גנים
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס אתיופי
More rights in Lod
This right in other cities
FAQ — Lod
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Lod?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Lod numbers approximately ~8,000 residents — around ~11% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: רמת אשכול, מרכז, גנים.
- How do I claim Disability Benefit for Ethiopian Immigrants — Rights and How to Apply in Lod?
- Contact your local health fund (kupat holim) in Lod — all funds are required to provide understandable service. For support: ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס אתיופי.
- What community support is available in Lod for this right?
- In Lod, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס אתיופי.
Related rights
National Health Insurance for Immigrants — Dental, Vision, and Medications
Every new immigrant is covered by the National Health Insurance Law from day one of aliyah. In the first year, immigrants receive free dental care and subsidised vision care. Mental health has been in the basic basket since 2015.
National Insurance for Ethiopian Immigrants — What You Get and When
Ethiopian immigrants receive child allowance from day one of aliyah. Maternity, disability, and unemployment benefits have waiting periods. Register at BTL within 3 months of arrival.
Chronic Disease Prevention — Tene Briut
Prevention programs for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease — culturally adapted for the community. Hebrew/Amharic workshops, dietary guidance, exercise instructors. Via Tene Briut.
Right to an Interpreter in Court and Government Offices
Anyone who does not speak Hebrew is entitled to an interpreter in any legal proceeding — a constitutional right. Government offices (BTL, Interior Ministry, Aliyah Ministry) must also provide translation. The right is free and at state expense.