Disability retirement (malulen emeklilik) is a social security benefit for insured workers who have lost a significant portion of their ability to work. In 2025, eligibility conditions and benefit amounts for disability retirement were updated. In this article you will find the latest information about disability retirement pensions and related details.
WHAT IS DISABILITY RETIREMENT?
Disability retirement allows an insured worker who has lost at least 60% of their work capacity due to a work accident, occupational disease, or other health problems to retire if they meet certain conditions. The system aims to provide financial security to those who can no longer work.
WHO CAN QUALIFY FOR DISABILITY RETIREMENT?
To be eligible for disability retirement, the following conditions must be met:
- Loss of Work Capacity: A medical board report documenting at least 60% loss of work capacity.
- Insured Period: At least 10 years of insurance coverage.
- Premium Days: A minimum of 1,800 days of paid premiums.
- Onset of Disability: The condition causing the disability must have occurred after the individual began their insured employment.
REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIVING A DISABILITY RETIREMENT PENSION
To receive a disability retirement pension you generally need:
- Medical Report: A medical board report from an authorized hospital recognized by the social security institution, showing at least 60% loss of work capacity.
- Insurance and Premium Requirements: At least 10 years of insurance and 1,800 days of premium payments.
- Application: Submission of the required documents to the social security authority (SGK) when applying for disability retirement.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A DISABILITY RETIREMENT PENSION
Steps to apply for disability retirement:
- Obtain a Medical Board Report: Get a report from an authorized hospital referred by SGK that documents at least a 60% loss of work capacity.
- Prepare Application Documents: Gather your identity document, insurance service statement, and the medical board report and other necessary documents.
- Submit to SGK: File the application and documents at the SGK provincial or district office corresponding to your residence.
CHECKING THE STATUS OF A DISABILITY RETIREMENT PENSION
To check the status of your application and pension details:
- Log in to the e-Government (e-Devlet) system with your national ID number and password.
- From the SGK services section, you can view the application status and pension information.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A DISABILITY RETIREMENT PENSION
Documents typically required when applying:
- Identity Document: National identity card or ID booklet.
- Insurance Service Statement: Document showing insurance period and number of premium days.
- Medical Board Report: Report from an authorized hospital indicating at least 60% loss of work capacity.
- Application Form: The disability retirement application form available from SGK.
HOW MUCH IS THE DISABILITY RETIREMENT PENSION IN 2025?
In 2025, the disability retirement pension is determined by the insured person’s earnings subject to premiums and the number of premium days. Generally, the pension is calculated as 60% of the insured’s average monthly earnings, but it cannot be less than the minimum pension guaranteed by law.
EXAMPLE CALCULATION
For Minimum Wage Earners:
- Gross Minimum Wage: 26,005.50 TL
- Monthly Disability Pension: 26,005.50 TL x 60% = 15,603.30 TL
For Higher Earners:
- Monthly Gross Earnings: 35,000 TL
- Monthly Disability Pension: 35,000 TL x 60% = 21,000 TL
Note: Actual pension amounts vary according to premium days and the earnings used in the calculation.
HOW IS THE DISABILITY RETIREMENT PENSION CALCULATED IN 2025?
Factors considered when calculating the disability retirement pension:
- Earnings Subject to Premium: Reported gross earnings throughout the insured period.
- Number of Premium Days: Total paid premium days.
- Monthly Pension Rate: Generally 60% of the insured’s average monthly earnings.
WHEN ARE DISABILITY PENSIONS PAID?
Disability pensions are paid on specific days each month determined by the last digit of the beneficiary’s national ID number:
- Ending in 0 or 2: 17th of the month
- Ending in 4 or 6: 18th of the month
- Ending in 8: 19th of the month
HOW ARE DISABILITY PENSIONS PAID?
Disability pensions are deposited to the bank account specified during application or paid at postal service branches (PTT). The payment method chosen at application determines how the pension is received.
CAN A DISABILITY PENSION BE STOPPED?
Yes, a disability pension can be stopped in certain situations. The social security institution may cancel payments if eligibility conditions are no longer met or the beneficiary’s health status changes. Common reasons for suspension include:
- Recovery of Work Capacity: If follow-up assessments find the disability rate has fallen below 60%.
- Starting Insured Work: If the beneficiary begins working with social security coverage, payments may be halted.
- Transition to Regular Retirement: If the person becomes eligible for a regular retirement pension, the disability pension may be replaced by the regular pension.
Warning: If your pension has been stopped you can file an appeal with the social security institution for re-evaluation of your health status.
WHAT TO DO IF MY DISABILITY PENSION IS STOPPED?
If your disability pension has been stopped, consider these steps:
- Contact SGK: Visit the SGK provincial or district office to learn the reason for the suspension.
- Update Your Medical Report: If the stoppage was due to an alleged improvement, obtain a new medical board report and request re-evaluation.
- Start an Appeal: Submit a written appeal to SGK if you believe the suspension is incorrect.
- Seek Legal Remedies: If administrative remedies are exhausted, you may pursue legal action through the courts.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PENSION IF A DISABILITY RETIREE DIES?
When a disability retiree dies, their disability pension stops automatically. However, surviving relatives may be entitled to benefits:
- Spouse and Children May Receive Survivor’s Pension: The spouse and eligible children can receive a survivor’s pension under certain conditions.
- Orphan’s Pension: Children under 18, male students up to 25, and unmarried daughters may be eligible for orphan’s pension.
- One-Time Death Benefit: If the deceased does not meet the conditions for a survivor’s pension, a one-time lump-sum death benefit may be payable.
Note: Surviving relatives must apply to SGK for survivor’s pension benefits.
CAN A DISABILITY RETIREE RECEIVE AN ORPHAN’S PENSION?
A person receiving disability retirement may also be eligible for an orphan’s pension in certain situations:
- Those Retired from Bağ-Kur or SSK: Individuals who are retired on disability due to their own insurance record may receive an orphan’s pension inherited from a parent.
- If Both Pensions Are Due: When a person qualifies for both a disability pension and an orphan’s pension, the higher of the two payments is usually awarded.
- Receiving Two Pensions: If the orphan’s pension comes from a different insurance scheme, it may be possible to receive both payments simultaneously.
Note: SGK evaluates each case individually and makes a decision based on the specifics.
WILL THE PENSION STOP IF A DISABILITY RETIREE WORKS?
Yes, generally if a disability retiree begins working, their pension is stopped, because disability retirement is granted to those who have lost at least 60% of their work capacity. Returning to paid employment indicates participation in the workforce and can trigger suspension of the pension.
There are exceptions:
- Working in a Position for Disabled Workers: A disability retiree working in a job that recognizes disabled-worker status and benefits from tax reductions may be able to continue receiving their pension.
- Self-Employment as Bağ-Kur: If a disability retiree opens a business or registers as a Bağ-Kur contributor, their pension is typically suspended.
Note: Beneficiaries who consider working should consult SGK for detailed guidance.
DO CHILDREN INHERIT A DISABILITY PENSION?
A disability retiree’s pension is not directly transferred to their children upon death. Instead, children may qualify for a survivor’s pension under certain conditions:
- Children Under 18: Eligible for survivor’s pension automatically.
- Male Students: May receive benefits until age 25 while enrolled in education.
- Unmarried Daughters: Can receive survivor’s pension without an age limit if unmarried.
Note: Children must apply to SGK to claim survivor benefits.
WILL THE PENSION STOP IF A DISABILITY RETIREE OPENS A BUSINESS?
Yes, if a disability retiree opens a business in their own name or begins working as a Bağ-Kur contributor, the pension will generally be stopped, since such activity indicates the person is able to work. There may be special provisions for some disabled entrepreneurs who benefit from tax reductions; consult the SGK provincial offices for details.
CAN A DISABILITY RETIREE RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS?
No, a person who is retired on disability cannot receive unemployment benefits, because unemployment insurance is intended for insured workers who are capable of working but have been dismissed. Those whose disability retirement application is denied and who meet the required premium days may be eligible for unemployment benefits.