12.02.2026 11:30
After the number of retirees and beneficiaries in Turkey approached 17 million, the government established a commission for a comprehensive reform aimed at addressing the triple calculation structure in the salary system, differences in raises, and inequalities between SSK and Bağ-Kur. So how will the new system work? Here are all the details...
As the number of retirees, widows, and orphans receiving pensions from SGK in Turkey approaches 17 million, the total number of retirees has surpassed the population of more than 130 countries. Due to the increasing burden and deteriorating actuarial balance, the government has initiated changes in the pension system, and the established commission has begun its work.
TRIPLE CALCULATION SYSTEM UNDER DISCUSSION
In the current system, pensions are calculated based on three separate periods: before 1999, between 2000-2008, and after 2008. Different Monthly Pension Connection Rates (ABO) and coefficients are applied for each period. This situation particularly advantages those with long working periods before 1999, leading to salary imbalances among retirees. According to Faruk Erdem from Sabah; experts emphasize that the complex structure needs to be simplified. Instead of a triple system, a single calculation formula and a fixed ABO for everyone is recommended.
ISSUE OF DIFFERENCES IN SALARY INCREASES
Pensions are increased in January and July. While SSK and Bağ-Kur retirees receive raises based on the 6-month inflation rate, civil servant retirees are subject to collective bargaining provisions. As a result, the increase rates vary. A solution is proposed to introduce a common increase formula for all retirees or to update salaries according to monthly inflation. This aims to prevent the erosion of salaries.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PREMIUM DAYS AND SALARY
In the current system, the amount of premium paid becomes more decisive than the number of days worked. Therefore, some insured individuals who have worked for a long time may receive lower salaries compared to those who have worked fewer days. Under the regulations included in the Medium-Term Program, a model that encourages extending the working period is being considered. It is planned to make the number of days worked more effective in salary calculations.
UPDATE COEFFICIENT AND YEAR DIFFERENCE
The reason for the salary difference between the year of retirement and the following year is the variability of the inflation and growth rates used in the update coefficient. This situation leads to the annual debate of "salaries are decreasing." Experts state that determining a fixed update coefficient could reduce the differences between years.
MINIMUM SALARY DISCUSSION
The minimum salary system implemented since 2019 has provided advantages for retirees with low monthly incomes. However, the gap that has formed between those earning just above the minimum salary has created a new debate on fairness. As a solution, it is suggested to abolish the minimum salary and gradually increase the base salaries or to maintain the minimum salary application while also providing gradual increases for higher tiers.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SSK AND BAĞ-KUR
Although institutions were merged under the SGK umbrella with the 2008 reform, complete uniformity has not been achieved. The difference between the premium requirement of 9,000 days in Bağ-Kur and the practices in SSK continues. Reducing the Bağ-Kur premium day requirement to 7,200 and equalizing the pension connection system are among the topics on the agenda. A comprehensive reform package is expected to be presented to the public after the commission completes its work.