The claim of "salary cuts" that will provoke the barely surviving retiree to revolt.

The steps to be taken for the social security system included in the Medium-Term Program have started to become clear. The OVP, which was published in the Official Gazette and came into effect, outlines the three-year roadmap for the economy while also presenting the social security system and retirement regulations for the years 2025-2027.

The measures to be taken for the second quarter of 2025 in the program were described with the sentence, "Regulations that encourage individuals to remain in employment more in the social security system, prioritizing fairness and actuarial balance, will be implemented to strengthen the financial sustainability of the system." In this context, the discussed regulations have also started to become clearer.

MANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS ON THE TABLE

According to the news in Hürriyet, the economic bureaucracy has put many options on the table to ensure balance in the social security system. Among the proposed suggestions, the formula for collecting general health insurance from working retirees has come to the forefront. Officials stated that alternatives are being discussed and mentioned that general health insurance premiums could be collected from retirees who continue to work up to a certain age.

COLLECTION OF GENERAL HEALTH INSURANCE IS FORESEEN

Currently, a total of 12.5% general health insurance premium is deducted from employees until their retirement period. Of this premium, 7.5% is the employer's share, while 5% is the employee's share. For those who continue to work after retirement while also receiving their pension, the system changes. In such a case, only the social security support premium is deducted from the employees. Additionally, there is no obligation to pay a general health insurance premium. In the model being discussed in this context, it is foreseen that general health insurance will be collected from those who continue to work while receiving a pension up to a certain age.

NO CLARITY ON AGE LIMIT

While there is currently no clarity on the age limit, it is stated that a criterion such as 55-60 years may be introduced. It is also expressed that studies are ongoing regarding which salary the general health insurance premiums will be deducted from and whether there will be a balance between employee-employer in the proposed premiums.

Officials stated, "Decisions need to be made for the balance to be established in the social security system and for the new structure that has emerged in working life. This is also among the options. Thus, we aim to establish a sustainable balance in social security and create a fair system for everyone in working life. If the options on the table are adopted, a legal regulation process will follow," they said.