21.01.2026 14:30
According to the law that will come into effect on January 1, 2026, retirees, widows, and orphans with debts to the Social Security Institution (SGK) will have up to 25% deducted from their monthly payments. The deductions are causing concern for retirees who are waiting for corrections to the minimum pension.
The regulation accepted by the Parliament and coming into effect on January 1, 2026, has started to directly affect the pensions of retirees, widows, and orphans who owe money to the Social Security Institution (SGK). Under the new law, SGK receivables will be automatically deducted from the monthly payments of the beneficiaries.
UP TO 25% DEDUCTION FROM PENSIONS
With the amendment to the SGK Law, a deduction of up to 25% will be made from the pensions of individuals with premium debts, general health insurance debts, or administrative fines. SGK will determine the procedures and principles regarding how the deductions will be applied.
WIDOW AND ORPHAN PENSIONS ARE ALSO INCLUDED
The death pensions, commonly known to the public as "widow and orphan pensions," have also been included in the deduction scope. The spouse, children, and in some cases, the parents of the deceased insured can benefit from this pension, but deductions may be made from the payments if there are debts.
The rates for death pensions are applied as follows:
- Spouses sharing the pension with children receive 50%
- Spouses not sharing with children receive 75%
- Orphaned children receive pensions according to their shares
RISK OF LOSS IN THE LOWEST PENSIONS
Pensions that are low due to low premium payments or those granted due to early death may decrease further with the new regulation. Currently, the lowest death pensions are at the following levels: 5,000 TL with a 25% share, 10,000 TL with a 50% share, and 15,000 TL with a 75% share.
With the new implementation, deductions of up to 25% may be made from these amounts. For example, a person receiving a 5,000 TL orphan pension may see their amount drop to 3,750 TL. A spouse receiving a 75% widow pension may see their salary decrease to 11,250 TL after deductions.
WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT MILLIONS
The deduction implementation coming into effect on January 1, 2026, poses a serious risk of income loss, especially for widows and orphans who rely solely on death pensions. The details of the implementation to be determined by SGK will clarify the scope of the deductions in the upcoming process.