10.12.2025 16:06
With the new omnibus law, a provision has been introduced allowing for automatic deductions of up to 25% from the pensions of retirees who owe money to the Social Security Institution (SGK). The implementation will begin on January 1, 2026.
According to the new article published in the Official Gazette and approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, starting from January 1, 2026, up to 25% deductions may be made from the pensions of retirees who owe money to SGK. The new regulation covers premium debts, general health insurance (GSS) debts, and administrative fines.
THE SCOPE OF DEDUCTIONS IS VERY BROAD
Social security expert Dilek Ete stated that the scope of the regulation is "extremely broad," indicating that not only retirees but also beneficiaries receiving widow and orphan pensions will be subject to this deduction. There are 4.3 million individuals receiving widow and orphan pensions in Turkey. Ete expressed that previously, notifications were sent to individuals regarding debts, but with the new regulation, SGK can directly deduct from pensions. Ete emphasized that this situation will affect millions who are already struggling to make ends meet with low incomes, saying, "Today, widow and orphan pensions start from 7,000 to 8,000 lira. When 25% is deducted from these pensions, it becomes impossible for people to live on 6,000 lira."
DİSK: THIS PRACTICE IS A CRUELTY TO RETIREES
DİSK/Devrimci Emekli-Sen MYK Member Ercan Çınarlı reacted strongly to the regulation, stating that retirees are "condemned to a level of income where they cannot survive." Çınarlı pointed out that hundreds of thousands of people receiving widow-orphan pensions of 5,000 lira or less will become even poorer due to the deduction, stating, "This is a practice that devastates retirees. It is a cruelty inflicted on retirees."
SCOPE OF DEDUCTIONS;
Premium debts
- General health insurance debts
- Administrative fines
THE UPPER LIMIT OF EARNINGS BASED ON PREMIUMS IS INCREASED
The upper limit, which is 7.5 times the minimum wage, is increased to 9 times. This regulation aims to strengthen the actuarial balance of SGK. Effective: January 1, 2026
RETIREMENT FUND BORROWING PREMIUM IS 45%
The borrowing premium rate for insured individuals under the Retirement Fund will be applied at 45%. The same rate will apply to the periods of service accepted for TSK personnel. Effective: January 1, 2026
REGULATION ON UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS' ACCRUAL
If the accrual amount for treatment services provided by university hospitals is below the contract amount until December 31, 2025, the difference will be waived and covered by the Treasury.
RESOURCE FROM THE UNEMPLOYMENT FUND TO INDUSTRY
In 2026, up to 15% of the Unemployment Insurance Fund's premium income for 2025 will be allocated to finance support aimed at preserving employment in the manufacturing industry.
STATE CONTRIBUTION IN PRIVATE PENSION SYSTEM IS CHANGING
In the Individual Retirement System, 30% of the contributions made by participants will be calculated as state contribution. The President will have the authority to increase this rate to 50% or reduce it to 0.