Receiving double pensions from the Social Security Institution (SGK) refers to a person receiving two separate incomes at the same time under different social security rights. This generally occurs in two ways:
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Own retirement pension + widow(er)’s pension from a spouse
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Own retirement pension + orphan’s pension from a parent
In other words, a person may receive a pension based on their own employment record while also receiving a survivor’s pension (widow(er)/orphan pension) derived from a deceased spouse or parent. However, this entitlement is not universal; it is granted only to certain groups defined by law.
Conditions to Receive Double Pensions from SGK in 2025
As of 2025, regulations require applicants seeking to receive double pensions from SGK to meet specific conditions:
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Different insurance branches | The person’s own pension and the survivor pension must belong to different insurance branches (for example, SSK + Emekli Sandığı). |
| Spouse deceased | The spouse’s death is required to be eligible for a widow(er)’s pension. |
| Entitlement share | Orphan pension shares typically vary between 25% and 75% depending on circumstances. |
| Employment status | If a widow(er) or orphan is employed, their pension may be suspended or reduced. |
| Remarriage | A widow(er)’s pension is terminated upon remarriage. |
| Type of pension | Combinations of survivor, orphan, disability and old-age pensions are examined case by case. |
New Provisions Introduced in 2025
In 2025 SGK introduced several changes to better balance the rates for those receiving double pensions:
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The calculation system for widow(er) and orphan pensions was revised.
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For civil servants covered by the Emekli Sandığı, the spouse’s entitlement rate was reduced from 75% to 50% in some cases.
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The rate for Bağ-Kur dependents remained unchanged.
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Housewives gained expanded access to pension rights through voluntary contributions.
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e-Government (e-Devlet) now allows pension inquiries and double-income checks online.
In What Situations Can Double Pensions Be Received?
1. Widow(er)’s Pension from Spouse + Own Retirement Pension
This is the most common case. A woman whose spouse has died and who is entitled to a pension based on her own insurance record can receive both her own pension and the widow(er)’s pension from her spouse.
However, the spouse’s and the person’s insurance branches must be different. For example:
| Person’s Insurance Branch | Spouse’s Insurance Branch | Double Pension Status |
|---|---|---|
| SSK | Emekli Sandığı | Eligible |
| Emekli Sandığı | Bağ-Kur | Eligible |
| SSK | SSK | Partially eligible (a single pension may be granted) |
| Bağ-Kur | Bağ-Kur | Evaluated according to overlap rules |
2. Receiving Pensions from Both Spouse and Parents
In some cases, a person can receive pensions from a spouse and from their parents at the same time.
For example: a woman receiving an orphan’s pension from her father may, if she later marries and her husband dies, also be entitled to a widow(er)’s pension. In that case two pensions can be paid together, but the total income cannot exceed a legally defined ceiling.
3. Double Pension from Both Mother and Father
If both the mother and father are retirees under SGK or the Emekli Sandığı, their children may be eligible to receive orphan pensions from both parents.
In such cases the pensions are calculated separately and the total share does not exceed 100%.
Who Cannot Receive Double Pensions?
Although the system allows this right in specific cases, there are situations where double pensions are not possible:
| Blocking Condition | Result |
|---|---|
| Two pensions from the same insurance branch | A single pension is granted. |
| Remarriage | Widow(er)’s pension is terminated. |
| Not retired under their own insurance | No right to double pension. |
| Working while receiving a widow(er)’s pension | Pension may be suspended. |
| Being a civil servant and receiving a private-sector pension | Subject to legal restrictions. |
SGK-Recognized Double Pension Combinations
The table below summarizes combinations in which double pensions can be received:
| Person Status | Double Pension Possible | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Retired woman + deceased civil servant spouse | ✅ | Both pensions can be received. |
| Retired man + deceased civil servant spouse | ❌ | A single pension is granted. |
| Orphan daughter + surviving widowed mother | ✅ | Both can receive pensions. |
| Orphan son (under 25) + student | ✅ | Can receive during education period. |
| Housewife + deceased spouse who was Bağ-Kur insured | ✅ | Can receive if conditions are met. |
How to Receive Widow(er)’s Pension and Retirement Pension Together
A woman can be both an SGK retiree and receive a widow(er)’s pension from her spouse.
The pension share varies according to the date of death, the spouse’s insurance branch and the number of children.
Typically, when a spouse dies, 50% of the pension is allocated to the surviving spouse and the remainder is distributed among the children.
If there are no children, the surviving spouse may receive the entire pension.
Widow(er)’s Pension Calculation Table (2025)
| Situation | Surviving Spouse’s Share | Children’s Share |
|---|---|---|
| Only spouse survives | 75% | |
| Spouse + 1 child | 50% + 25% | |
| Spouse + 2 children | 50% + 25% + 25% | |
| Only child(ren) survive | 50% (distributed equally) |
Points to Consider When Receiving Double Pensions
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Avoid pension overlap. Two pensions from the same institution are generally not allowed.
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Remarriage results in termination of the widow(er)’s pension.
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Employment while receiving pension can lead to partial reductions.
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Pensions received after retirement are not subject to additional taxation.
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Check online—inquiries should be made via e-Devlet.
Checking Double Pensions via e-Devlet
As of 2025 citizens can see both their retirement pensions and any widow(er)/orphan pensions on the e-Devlet “My Pension Information” screen.
This makes it easy to verify which pension comes from which insurance branch and to check for reductions or overlaps.
Relation with the Retirement System
The retirement system is the foundation for all benefits provided by SGK.
If a person has completed the required contribution days and met the age condition, they can retire.
In such cases the pension received does not combine with survivor or orphan pensions but balance between different insurance branches is ensured.
How Is the Amount of Double Pensions Calculated?
Pensions are calculated by formulas set by SGK. The example table below illustrates a sample calculation:
| Pension Type | Amount (TRY) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement pension | 15,000 TRY | The person’s own entitlement |
| Widow(er)’s pension | 7,500 TRY | From spouse’s pension |
| Total | 22,500 TRY | Total monthly income |
Note: These amounts are illustrative; actual figures vary by individual insurance branch and contribution history.
Working While Receiving a Widow(er)’s Pension
Employed widows who continue to work in the private sector generally do not lose their widow(er)’s pension, although it may be reduced by up to 25% in some cases.
If they start working for a public institution, the pension may be suspended or frozen.
Is Double Income Possible with Orphan Pensions?
Yes. If a person is entitled to orphan pensions from both mother and father, it is possible to receive both pensions.
This is especially likely when parents were insured under different insurance branches.
| Parent 1 Insurance Branch | Parent 2 Insurance Branch | Double Pension Right |
|---|---|---|
| SSK | Emekli Sandığı | ✅ |
| Emekli Sandığı | Bağ-Kur | ✅ |
| SSK | SSK | ❌ |
Civil Servants’ Situation (Scope of Law 657)
Civil servants are subject to special provisions.
If a civil servant’s spouse dies, the surviving spouse may receive both the civil servant salary and income from their own SGK retirement.
However, under applicable law the same institution generally cannot pay two separate full pensions simultaneously to the same person.
Difference Between Bağ-Kur and SSK
Bağ-Kur insured persons have specific rights regarding double pensions.
Because Bağ-Kur and SSK represent different insurance branches—one typically for tradespeople and the other for workers—when spouses from these different branches die, two pensions can often be granted.
| Person | Insurance Branch | Pension Status |
|---|---|---|
| Woman | Bağ-Kur | Yes |
| Man | SSK | Yes |
| Both Bağ-Kur | No |
Documents Required to Apply for Double Pensions from SGK
| Document Name | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Identity card | Required for identity verification. |
| Certified family record (vukuatlı nüfus kayıt örneği) | Shows family relationships. |
| Death certificate | Required for widow(er) or orphan pensions. |
| SGK application form | Submitted to the institution. |
| Bank IBAN information | Used for pension payments. |
How to Apply
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Visit the SGK Provincial Directorate or apply via e-Devlet.
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Upload the required documents.
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The application is evaluated through the system.
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Approved applicants receive their first payment via PTT.
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Subsequent payments are deposited regularly into the bank account.
Number of People Receiving Double Pensions in 2025
According to official figures, approximately 1.4 million people across Turkey were receiving double pensions in 2025.
Of these, 62% are women and 38% are men.
SGK has created a new database to better balance these figures.
Bank Preference for Receiving Pensions
Beneficiaries can choose their preferred bank to receive pensions.
To change the receiving bank, apply via e-Devlet or SGK offices through the “Change Pension Bank” procedure.
Some banks offer special promotions for beneficiaries receiving double pensions.
Taxation of Double Pensions
No additional taxes are charged specifically because a person receives double pensions.
Both pensions are treated as net income.
However, higher-income groups may face additional deductions (for example, extra health insurance contributions).
Merging of Pensions
In certain cases two pensions may be merged into a single payment.
This typically applies when both pensions come from the same institution (for example SSK–SSK).
In that case the person receives a single but larger monthly payment.
SGK Audits and Penalties for Irregularities
As of 2025, SGK has digitalized its double pension audit system.
False declarations, fake marriages or hiding deaths can lead to criminal and administrative sanctions.
| Type of Irregularity | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Fake marriage | Cancellation of pension + threefold repayment |
| Not reporting a death | Retroactive deductions |
| Multiple applications | 5-year disqualification |
| Fake documents | Criminal proceedings |
Special Rights for Women
Women have been granted broader rights regarding widow(er) and orphan pensions.
In particular, widowed women with children can receive both their own retirement pensions and the full survivor pensions left by their spouses under specified conditions.
Men Receiving Widow(er)’s Pensions
Men can also be eligible for a widow(er)’s pension.
This is typically applicable when the deceased spouse was a civil servant or a member of the Emekli Sandığı.
If a male beneficiary receiving a widow(er)’s pension remarries, the pension is terminated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there an age limit to receive double pensions from SGK?
No. The decisive factors are the type of insurance and entitlement status, not age.
2. Is a minimum marriage duration required to receive a widow(er)’s pension?
Yes. The marriage must generally have lasted at least one year.
3. Can double pensions be paid to the same bank account?
Yes. Pensions can be directed to the same bank through the pension consolidation process.
4. Will pensions be cut for those receiving double pensions?
Pensions are only cut in cases of noncompliance with the law or upon remarriage.
5. How to check double pensions on e-Devlet?
All income items can be viewed on the “My Pension Information” page on e-Devlet.