Silicosis is a serious occupational disease that primarily affects workers in mines, stone-processing facilities, and denim sandblasting workshops. Caused by the accumulation of inhaled silica dust in the lungs, this condition progressively limits a person’s ability to perform daily activities and often leads to significant loss of work capacity. In Turkey, many workers have long suffered from silicosis, and the government provides financial support through a program commonly referred to as the silicosis allowance to help meet living and medical expenses.
By 2025, the most common questions among silicosis patients are “How much is the silicosis allowance?” “What are the application requirements?” and “Who is eligible?” Since the disease can render people unable to work, this state support plays an important role in maintaining patients’ livelihoods and covering health-related costs.
Below we explain the 2025 silicosis allowance in detail: eligibility criteria, application steps, payment amounts, and key practical points to keep in mind.
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a chronic occupational lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of silica-containing mineral dusts.
- Causes: High dust exposure in jobs that process quartz, granite, sandstone and similar materials.
- Who is affected: Mine workers, quarry workers, marble cutters, denim sandblasting workers, and construction workers exposed to dusty environments.
- Symptoms: Chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and progressive loss of working capacity.
Because silicosis is progressive, early diagnosis and workplace protection are essential. For many sufferers, the silicosis allowance provides crucial financial support for continuing life and treatment.
How Much Is the 2025 Silicosis Allowance?
The monthly allowance is updated annually and revised for 2025. Amounts vary according to the severity of the illness.
- Mild silicosis: Receives the lowest monthly payment.
- Moderate silicosis: Eligible for a higher monthly payment.
- Severe silicosis: Receives the highest payment.
In 2025, monthly payments are approximately: mild cases 6,045.39 TL, moderate cases 6,909.01 TL, and severe cases 7,698.61 TL.
These figures are adjusted taking into account the minimum wage increase, public-sector salary coefficients, and inflation rates.
Eligibility Requirements for the Silicosis Allowance
To benefit from this state support, applicants must meet specific criteria. The conditions valid in 2025 include:
- Being a citizen of the Republic of Turkey.
- Having a confirmed silicosis diagnosis from an authorized health institution.
- Obtaining a medical board report that shows the degree of the disease.
- Having a loss of working capacity above the thresholds specified in the regulation.
- Not having previously benefited from this particular allowance.
- Submitting the application through the Social Security Institution (SGK) or the relevant authorities.
Those who meet these requirements can receive the silicosis allowance provided by the state.
How to Apply for the Silicosis Allowance
The application process proceeds step by step:
1. Obtain a Medical Report
First, obtain an official “silicosis report” from authorized hospitals. This report details the disease’s degree and the applicant’s loss of working capacity.
2. Apply to SGK
Submit the medical report and required documents to the provincial or district offices of the Social Security Institution (SGK).
3. Required Documents
- Photocopy of identity card
- Silicosis medical report
- Application petition
- Residence certificate (may be requested in some cases)
4. Track via E-Government
After applying, it is possible to follow the application status through the E-Government portal.
Allowance Degrees
The silicosis allowance is paid at different levels according to the disease’s severity.
- Mild degree: Lower loss of working capacity and lower monthly payment.
- Moderate degree: Increased shortness of breath and work loss; medium-level monthly payment.
- Severe degree: The person is unable to work; receives the highest monthly payment.
These degrees are determined by the medical board report and payments are made accordingly.
Common Misconceptions About the Silicosis Allowance
- “Everyone working in a dusty job automatically receives the allowance” → Incorrect. A definitive medical diagnosis is required.
- “The allowance is the same for everyone” → Incorrect. Payments vary by disease degree.
- “Only mine workers qualify” → Incorrect. Other occupational groups such as denim sandblasting workers can also qualify.
Payment Dates for the Silicosis Allowance
- Monthly payments are generally made on designated days each month.
- Payments are made via PTT or deposited into bank accounts.
- Once an application is approved, the first payment is received in the following month.
In 2025, the silicosis allowance continues to provide important financial relief to workers who have developed this occupational disease. Payments are scaled by disease severity, and anyone who meets the application requirements can benefit. For mine workers, denim sandblasting workers, and those working in stone quarries, the allowance remains a significant source of support for maintaining livelihoods and covering treatment needs.