26.01.2026 10:11
While it is planned to increase the holiday bonus to 5,000 TL in 2026 for retirees who cannot meet their salary increase expectations, a total payment of 10,000 TL is anticipated during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.
The minimum wage has drawn attention to the holiday bonus for retirees after the increases in pensions and civil servant salaries. According to the regulation the government is working on, the holiday bonus for retirees, currently paid at 4,000 TL, is aimed to be increased to 5,000 TL by 2026. Thus, retirees will receive a total of 10,000 TL in bonuses during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.
MINISTRIES ARE CALCULATING THE BUDGET
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security are continuing their studies on the impact of the bonus increase on the budget. While the economic management calculates the burden the increase will bring to public finances, it is reported that the government is preparing to present the legal regulation to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey during the month of Ramadan.
HOW WILL THE LEGAL PROCESS WORK?
After the completion of the ministry's studies, the regulation is expected to be presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The regulation, which will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting, will be legislated in the General Assembly after being reviewed by the TBMM Planning and Budget Commission. It is anticipated that the law will come into effect after being published in the Official Gazette following the President's approval.
COST OF THE BONUS WILL EXCEED 150 BILLION TL
The total cost of the holiday bonus to be paid to approximately 17.7 million retirees is estimated to exceed 150 billion TL. In 2025, a total bonus payment exceeding 100 billion TL was made to retirees during Eid al-Adha, amounting to 57.4 billion TL. In 2024, this amount was realized as 84.2 billion TL.
WHO WILL RECEIVE THE HOLIDAY BONUS?
Those who receive retirement pensions, old-age pensions, duty disability pensions, disability pensions, and death pensions from SGK, as well as those with permanent incapacity income and death income, will benefit from the holiday bonus. Additionally, relatives of martyrs, veterans, combat veterans, security guards, champion athletes, and civilian citizens affected by terrorism, along with the rightful heirs of these individuals, will also receive the bonus.
WILL EVERYONE RECEIVE THE SAME AMOUNT?
Holiday bonus payments are not made in the same amount for everyone. Those receiving widow and orphan pensions will benefit from the bonus according to their share ratios. Accordingly, those receiving a pension from a spouse will receive 75%, retirees or those working and receiving a pension from a spouse will receive 50%, and orphans will receive 25% of the bonus.