National Insurance Institute: How to maximize benefits and exercise your rights

The National Insurance Institute has published a series of tips on its website designed to help the public maximize their rights to various benefits and maintain their eligibility through the payment of insurance contributions. According to the Institute, these tips are based on the experience of its employees working in various fields.

The Institute recommends that those who wish to maximize their rights read the detailed information on the website under the categories "Benefits and Allowances" and "Insurance Contributions". Published tips include options for receiving additional benefits or income support alongside other procedures, rights to retroactive payments, and the possibility of requesting a re-examination in certain cases.

Submitting a disability claim with no income

One of the main tips concerns those who have submitted a claim for a disability benefit and have no source of income. In such a case, it is possible to also submit a claim for an income support benefit, which can be received until the disability claim is approved. It is also noted that one can receive an income support benefit due to illness for up to 6 months.

Those who receive a partial disability benefit are also encouraged to check their eligibility for income support. In addition, those who care for a sick spouse may be eligible for an income support benefit, provided that both spouses meet the eligibility conditions.

If both spouses receive a disability benefit, the addition for children is given to only one of them. The Institute recommends ensuring that the addition is paid to the one whose disability degree is higher, and therefore whose benefit is also higher.

Recipients of a general disability benefit are required to notify the Institute in the event of a change in marital status. The spouse of a disability benefit recipient can receive the addition paid for them into their own account.

Re-submitting an application

Those whose disability benefit application was rejected can submit a repeat application after 6 months. However, if there has been a change in medical or employment status, it is possible to submit an application for a re-examination even if 6 months have not yet passed.

The Institute notes that checking eligibility for a disability benefit is complex and may take time. To shorten the duration of the check, it is recommended to write all details on the application form, provide all required documents, and appear for a medical examination as invited.

Those determined to have 20% medical disability and who are of working age should check their eligibility for vocational rehabilitation. According to the Institute, even those with 20% or more general disability or 10% or more work-related disability are eligible to request vocational rehabilitation. A disability benefit recipient with 4 children under 18 is eligible for an education grant for children aged 6–14.

Options for work-related injury victims

It is recommended to submit a claim for a work-related injury even if the employee did not miss work. If it is expected that the injured person will receive more than 90 days of sick leave, it is recommended to expedite the submission of the claim for a work-related disability benefit.

In cases where injury benefits are lower than income support, the injured person may be eligible for an income support addition. If an injury benefit application is rejected, and the person has no other income, they may be eligible for accident benefits from the Institute. After 90 days from the day of the injury, one can also apply for a general disability benefit.

Worsening of condition and special services

Those with permanent medical disability percentages following a work accident, whose health condition has worsened, are eligible to submit an application for worsening at any time, accompanied by medical documents. An injured person who needs help with daily activities can submit a claim for a benefit for special services for the severely disabled, with retroactive payments possible for up to 6 months.

Additional rights

When submitting a claim for injury benefits, if processing is delayed, the claimant's eligibility for accident benefits will be checked. It is important to sign the claim form and attach required medical documents; otherwise, the claim will be returned without processing.

Regarding the disabled child benefit, following an amendment to the law, even a disabled child who does not study is eligible for an increased benefit. Families with 2 or more disabled children will be paid an increased benefit. Victims of hostilities may be eligible for additional benefits beyond the monthly payment, depending on their degree of disability.