13.01.2026 08:31
The scope and roadmap for the Income Complementary Family Support System, commonly referred to as "citizenship salary" by the public, which was initiated by President Erdoğan's directive for low-income households, has started to become clearer. The pilot application is aimed to be launched in certain provinces in 2026, followed by a nationwide rollout in 2027. The citizenship salary program will be designed to include retirees as well. Income support will be provided to retirees with low pensions.
The scope and timeline of the Income Complementary Family Support System, known as "citizenship salary," have started to become clear. It is aimed to kick off the application in June.
It was stated that the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, among other relevant institutions, are continuing their work on the new model. It was also expressed that the process is on the agenda of the Economic Coordination Board (EKK).
EXISTING ASSISTANCES WILL BE ADDRESSED WITH THE NEW MODEL
According to a report by Zübeyde Yalçın from Sabah, it is planned to evaluate social assistance in a holistic manner with the new system and to establish a complementary mechanism that will bring the income of needy families closer to a certain threshold level alongside existing supports.
PILOT APPLICATION IN 2026, NATIONAL TARGET IN 2027
In the statements of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, it was noted that the system will first be implemented as a pilot and then aimed to be expanded by 2027. It was also mentioned that there are expectations for the framework of the application to be brought to the Parliament's agenda with a legislative proposal.
CITIZENSHIP SALARY FOR RETIREES AS WELL
The project aims for each household to have a certain income. Accordingly, a specific income level will be determined for households, and those with income below this amount will receive income support from the state. In addition to income support, families will be supported with various social assistance. With the implementation of this system, the practice of making legal arrangements to increase the lowest pension amounts every January and July will be abandoned.
EMPHASIS ON "SOCIAL SECURITY UMBRELLA"
In previous evaluations made by Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, the message highlighted the need to strengthen the social security umbrella for families and elderly citizens and to expand the scope in areas such as long-term care.
Source: Turkey, Sabah