In a statement published on October 4, 2026, the National Insurance Institute reported that 87,286 victims of hostile acts had been added to its caseload since October 7, 2023. This figure describes the population receiving care, not the number eligible for degree or course funding. For anyone considering returning to education or learning a profession, the relevant issue is eligibility for vocational rehabilitation and the plan that can be developed through it.
According to the institute's statement, more than NIS 750 million has been transferred for rehabilitation expenses, including vocational and academic studies, rehabilitation allowances during studies, travel, rent, support and accessibility. This is a cumulative amount for various rehabilitation purposes, not a budget devoted entirely to tuition. The weekly release presents new figures; it does not announce a new entitlement to study funding.
Recognition as a victim of hostile acts is not approval for study funding
On its rehabilitation page for victims of hostile acts, the National Insurance Institute states that victims assessed with at least 20% disability, as well as returned hostages, may qualify for vocational rehabilitation. To check eligibility, they should contact the rehabilitation social worker handling their case.
It is therefore useful to distinguish three things: recognition of the injury, assessment of the disability percentage and the decision on suitable rehabilitation. Meeting the threshold listed on the website does not guarantee approval for every chosen course of study. Acceptance by a university or college is also not approval for the National Insurance Institute to pay for it.
The plan is built around a profession you can enter
The National Insurance Institute presents two paths: vocational training and higher education, or economic rehabilitation through self-employment. The choice is made with the rehabilitation worker, taking skills, physical ability and employment opportunities into account.
Bring more than the name of a degree to this conversation. You can prepare a description of the job you want, the length of study, admission requirements and the expected timetable. This allows you to discuss how a particular program fits your daily life and career goal before committing to payment.
Assistance can cover more than tuition
In its general explanation of vocational rehabilitation, the National Insurance Institute lists possible components such as vocational assessment, studies, learning aids, ongoing support and help entering employment. The individual plan determines what is relevant to the person undergoing rehabilitation; do not assume every recipient receives every component.
Before choosing an educational institution, ask for a written breakdown of approved expenses. Beyond tuition, clarify travel costs, equipment and adjustments separately if needed. Also ask what must be paid upfront, which supporting documents to keep and what remains self-funded. These are matters to coordinate with the rehabilitation department, not a promise of reimbursement.
How to begin, and what to clarify before enrollment
The rehabilitation process described by the National Insurance Institute includes submitting a claim and the required documents, attending a meeting to examine eligibility and rehabilitation options, receiving a decision and developing a plan. The vocational rehabilitation claim form, number 270, is available on the institute's website.
For victims of hostile acts already supported by the rehabilitation department, the starting point is their caseworker. Clarify which documents are required for your circumstances and obtain explicit approval for the plan and funding before making a financial commitment. Anyone who has already started studying should ask how this affects the application; do not assume expenses already paid will be reimbursed.
No current maximum amount for the 2026/27 academic year is provided here that can be relied on for enrollment. Obtain the ceiling, level of participation and duration of assistance from the rehabilitation department for the requested program. A clear document setting out what has been approved will help turn the possibility of studying into a plan you can budget for.
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