Coalition chairman David Bitan announced Thursday at a joint press conference with a group of MKs from the coalition and the opposition that disability allowances would rise to NIS 4,000 (about $1130) a month. The decision was made across party lines.
In addition to the significant increase in the pension, it was determined in the framework of the plan that it be linked to the minimum wage and not to the price index.
The increase in the pension will be carried out in a number of stages through 2018. The allowance current stands at NIS 2,342 (about $660).
It should be noted that the aim of the struggle for the disabled was to raise the allowance to the minimum wage level, which would allow them to live with dignity, but the goal was only partially achieved. Still, the increase almost doubles the present allowance.
A study conducted by the National Insurance Institute shows that the rate of poverty among the disabled in Israel increased fourfold compared to the general population over the past decade.