22.03.2025 10:12
The discussions in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) regarding the holiday bonuses for millions of retirees have been postponed to next week due to breaks in the sessions. However, if there is further delay and the preparation process for the Ramadan bonuses does not meet the Ramadan holiday, it is being discussed that a dual payment system may be implemented.
The payment schedule for the holiday bonuses that retirees have been waiting for was expected to be finalized this week. However, following the political discussions that began in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), the negotiations were postponed until March 25. Thus, the discussion regarding the regulation of the retirement bonuses has also been delayed.
THE SCHEDULE MAY BE DELAYED
If the discussions regarding the retirement bonuses cannot be held on Tuesday, the schedule may be further delayed. However, even if the discussions begin and are approved, there is a possibility that the draft may not reach the President's approval, be approved, and be published in the Official Gazette in time for the holiday. In this case, it is being discussed that the 3,000 lira portion of the retirement bonuses may be deposited into accounts immediately, while the additional 1,000 lira portion added this year may be deposited into accounts after the regulation is enacted. However, to eliminate this uncertainty, it is necessary to look at the discussions that will take place in the TBMM on Tuesday.
COST OF BONUSES REVEALED
For approximately 16 million retirees, the holiday bonus, which was last raised to 3,000 lira on March 2, 2024, will be paid as 4,000 TL during Ramadan and Sacrifice Holidays with the enactment of the law proposal. The cost of raising the holiday bonuses from 3,000 lira to 4,000 lira has been calculated as 28.4 billion lira for the 2025 budget.
WIDOW AND ORPHAN PENSIONS ARE ALSO CHANGING
Widows and orphans also receive holiday bonuses. However, the amounts are calculated based on the ratio of entitlement. Those with 75% entitlement will receive a total of 6,000 TL at 3,000 lira each, those with 50% entitlement will receive a total of 4,000 TL at 2,000 lira each, and those with 25% entitlement will receive a total of 2,000 TL at 1,000 lira each.
EVERY DAY COUNTS FOR RETIREMENT
Those who submit their retirement applications by the end of February may benefit from the Ramadan holiday bonus even if they have not yet received their pension. Those who apply for retirement by the end of May will only benefit from the Sacrifice holiday bonus. Although there is no specific date set for retirement bonuses, they are generally deposited into accounts before both holidays. This year, Ramadan Holiday falls between March 30, Sunday, and April 1, Tuesday.