National Insurance Institute Promotes Billy Bot and Distributes Heating Grants

The National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) has reminded the public of its online virtual assistant, "Billy the Bot," designed to help citizens easily navigate benefits, allowances, and rights without waiting on the phone. Launched in January 2024 during the Swords of Iron war to assist evacuees, reservists, and affected families, Billy now handles general inquiries around the clock regarding unemployment, maternity benefits, income support, and senior citizen rights.

Accessing Rights and 24/7 Digital Support

Users can interact with Billy by selecting from a list of frequently asked questions or by typing free-text queries. The chatbot was developed using data gathered from customer service centers, branches, and online platforms to simplify complex bureaucratic language and make information accessible 24/7. Alongside the automated assistant, the National Insurance Institute noted that a human chat service remains available on its official website for those requiring personalized assistance.

Annual Heating Grant Distributed for 2026

In parallel with its digital outreach, the National Insurance Institute distributed its annual heating grant for 2026 this week, transferring 664 NIS to hundreds of thousands of eligible households. The one-time winter stipend is intended to help senior citizens and widows or widowers cover rising electricity and heating expenses during the colder months, provided they meet specific criteria.