23.09.2025 16:51
Expectations for salary increases in 2026 are becoming clearer. According to Social Security Expert Özgür Erdursun, a minimum wage increase of at least 20% is expected, raising the salary to 26,524 TL. A 18% increase is anticipated for civil servants and retired civil servants, while a 12% increase is projected for SSK and Bağ-Kur retirees.
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After the salary increase rates for civil servants and retirees have been clarified, millions of minimum wage earners turned their eyes to the Minimum Wage Determination Commission. Social Security Expert Özgür Erdursun, who shared his predictions for 2026 regarding the minimum wage, which increased by 30% in 2025, stated that at least a 20% increase is expected.
"SALARIES ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR RENT"
Participating in a television program, Erdursun noted that while the focus is on reducing inflation, purchasing power has weakened. "Today, the lowest pension is 16,881 lira. The lowest rent is 20,000 lira. So, the pension will not even be enough for rent," he said. Erdursun emphasized that when an employer wants to make additional payments to an employee, a significant portion is taken by the state as tax, stating that without changes to the current regulations, an increase in welfare will not be possible.
PROPOSAL FOR A FLAT INCREASE AND TAX REDUCTION
Erdursun stated that merely indexing salaries to inflation is not a solution, saying, "Salaries need to be increased above inflation, a flat increase should be made, taxes should be reduced, and insurance premiums should be lowered."
FROM 22 THOUSAND TO 26 THOUSAND LIRA
Providing a clear rate for the increase in the minimum wage, Erdursun stated, "At the beginning of the year, at least a 20% increase will come." Accordingly, the current minimum wage of 22,104 lira is expected to rise to 26,524 lira with the increase to be made in 2026.
PREDICTION FOR CIVIL SERVANTS AND RETIREES
The expert indicated that he expects the year-end inflation to be around 30%, stating that a 12% increase is anticipated for SSK and Bağ-Kur retirees, while a 18% increase is projected for civil servants and civil servant retirees. According to Erdursun, although the targeted inflation for 2026 is 16%, the likelihood of an increase of around 20% in the minimum wage is quite high.
MINIMUM WAGE
- In 2025, it was 22,104 TL with a 30% increase.
- According to Social Security Expert Özgür Erdursun, at least a 20% increase is expected in 2026.
- In this case, the minimum wage is projected to be 26,524 TL.
- Flat support and tax reductions are proposed to reduce the employer's burden.
CIVIL SERVANTS AND CIVIL SERVANT RETIREES
- Year-end inflation expectation for 2025: around 30%.
- Increase for civil servants and civil servant retirees: around 18%.
SSK AND BAĞ-KUR RETIREES
- Increase to be made in the same period: around 12%.
- The lowest pension is currently 16,881 TL, highlighting that these pensions fall behind rental prices.
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