20.10.2026 10:00
Even though social security premiums were paid from two different workplaces during the same period, the Ombudsman Institution stepped in upon the application of a worker who was wronged because their earnings were averaged when calculating unemployment benefits. In the decision signed by Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca, while it was emphasized that the practice was contrary to equity, İŞKUR refunded the underpaid difference to the citizen and initiated the official regulatory process in the relevant circular.
The Ombudsman Institution (KDK) issued a recommendation decision to İŞKUR against the practice of taking an average of earnings when calculating the unemployment benefit of a worker working simultaneously at two separate workplaces. In line with the decision, it was requested that the unemployment benefit be recalculated based on the monthly total of the premium-based earnings reported from the two workplaces in the last four-month period, and that any underpaid amount be paid to the worker. İŞKUR, in line with the KDK's decision, has launched work to amend the unemployment benefit circular.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CALCULATION FOR A WORKER AT TWO WORKPLACES IS CHANGING
The Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) is changing the unemployment benefit calculation for a worker working simultaneously at two workplaces. A worker working simultaneously at two separate workplaces complained that, although premium notifications were made to the Social Security Institution (SGK) based on the premium-based earnings obtained from both workplaces, the unemployment benefit was calculated by taking the arithmetic average without considering total earnings.
A CITIZEN APPLIED TO THE KDK, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FAIRNESS
The citizen applied to the Ombudsman Institution (KDK) for the unemployment benefit to be recalculated based on their total earnings, provided that the ceiling is not exceeded. Following an examination upon the application, the KDK determined that reducing the total earnings obtained by the insured person, on each of which unemployment insurance premiums were paid, by taking averages for calculation purposes through a method not explicitly provided for in the Law, caused the level of compensation for the income loss arising from unemployment to decrease further. The KDK noted that this situation was incompatible with the purpose of unemployment insurance, the right to social security, and the principles of fairness.
RECOMMENDATION DECISION SIGNED BY MEHMET AKARCA AND İŞKUR'S STEP
In the decision published with the signature of Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca, a Recommendation Decision was issued to the General Directorate of the Turkish Employment Agency that the applicant's unemployment benefit be recalculated within the limits set out in Article 50 of Law No. 4447, based on the monthly total of the premium-based earnings reported from two separate workplaces in the same months during the last four-month period, without adding up the premium payment days for the same months more than once, and that any difference amount be paid to the applicant.
After the KDK's "correct it" decision, while İŞKUR granted the worker their right, it launched official work to make a permanent change to the Unemployment Benefit Circular.