28.01.2026 14:01
While expectations for an increase in holiday bonuses continue, the option of providing a bonus equivalent to one month's salary for the lowest-income retirees has come to the fore in the corridors; according to this formula, the total payment for low-income retirees could reach up to 20,000 lira.
Millions of retirees have focused on the holiday bonuses to be paid before Ramadan Bayram following the salary increases made in January. While the discussion continues about increasing the bonuses, which are currently paid at 4,000 lira, to 5,000 lira each, a new formula regarding the bonuses has started to be discussed behind the scenes.
NEW SUPPORT MODELS ARE BEING CONSIDERED
Economist Muhammed Bayram, who made evaluations on TGRT News live broadcast, shared an option regarding holiday bonuses that had not been previously mentioned. Bayram stated that the government's main problem is the lowest pension, emphasizing that the cost of living is acknowledged and that new support models are being worked on in this direction.
ONE MONTH BONUS OPTION FOR LOW-INCOME RETIREES
According to the formula being discussed behind the scenes, instead of giving the same amount of holiday bonuses to everyone, it is planned to provide higher support to retirees with low income. In this context, giving a bonus equivalent to one month's salary to those receiving the lowest pension during Ramadan and Kurban Bayram is among the options. In such an application, a payment of 10,000 lira per holiday for low-income retirees and a total of 20,000 lira for two holidays may be on the agenda. The aim of this model is stated to be enabling the basic needs during Ramadan shopping and Kurban Bayram to be met more comfortably.
LOWER BONUS FOR HIGH-INCOME RETIREES
The new formula foresees that retirees with high salaries will receive a lower amount of bonus. It is expressed that a household income assessment will be made, taking into account the total income entering a household; households with income below the minimum wage will be supported. In this context, it is aimed that retirees with wealth or high household income will benefit more limitedly from the bonuses. While there is no finalized decision yet, it is expected that the final regulation regarding holiday bonuses will become clear in the upcoming process.
HOW WILL THE LEGAL PROCESS FOR BONUS INCREASE WORK?
A legal change is required for the increase in holiday bonuses. If no legal change is made, the figures from last year will remain in effect. The regulation needs to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), discussed in the Planning and Budget Commission, and approved in the General Assembly before being published in the Official Gazette.
WHEN WILL THE PAYMENTS BE MADE?
Holiday bonuses are generally deposited into retirees' accounts 7-10 days before the holiday. Payments are made gradually according to the days retirees receive their salaries.