Rising energy costs in Turkey in recent years have placed particular strain on low-income families. For this reason, a government electricity bill support program has been implemented and continues in 2025 with updated rules. This support both eases the burden on needy households and encourages energy efficiency. We explain the application process and eligibility criteria for electricity bill support, who can benefit, the types of support, and the new application details step by step with examples.
Anyone seeking electricity bill assistance should fully understand the process and know the available application channels. The scope of this program, which reduces household electricity expenses, can change each year; following the current regulations prevents loss of rights.
What Is Electricity Bill Support?
Electricity bill support is a government subsidy that covers part of a household’s electricity bill to reduce its energy burden. Eligible citizens either pay a reduced amount or are exempt from part of the monthly electricity bill. As a result:
- Low-income households and recipients of social assistance are supported,
- Access to energy is secured as a social right,
- Awareness of energy conservation is promoted.
In 2025 the program continues with revised consumption tiers and changed application procedures.
Who Can Apply for Electricity Bill Support?
State-subsidized electricity discounts are granted based on certain criteria:
- Households receiving regular social assistance and identified as in need (for example, old-age pensions, disability pensions, aid for relatives of the disabled, widow assistance, etc.).
- Individuals in a household whose annual total income is below a specified threshold even if they are not already receiving social assistance.
- Chronic patients, people responsible for caring for elderly or bedridden dependents, and recipients of home care payments may also benefit.
- There is generally no age requirement for applications; the dwelling must be a residence.
Who Cannot Benefit?
- Commercial, industrial, or electricity-generating establishments (only residential subscribers are eligible).
- Residences with monthly electricity consumption above 417 kWh (introduced by the new regulation).
- Households with annual total consumption exceeding 5,000 kWh.
Support Amounts and Electricity Aid by Household Size
The amount of electricity bill support depends on the number of people in the household and monthly electricity consumption. As of 2025, the applied support amounts are:
| Household Size | Monthly Support (kWh) | Approx. TL Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 people | 75 kWh | 130 TL |
| 3 people | 100 kWh | 175 TL |
| 4 people | 125 kWh | 220 TL |
| 5 or more | 150 kWh | 265 TL |
These amounts are applied as an automatic discount on monthly bills.
- The support rate for the lower consumption tier (below 417 kWh per month) is 60%; for the higher tier it is 40%.
- An average household consumes about 200 kWh per month; households that exceed limits are excluded from support.
Changes to the Electricity Support System as of 2025
The 2025 regulation introduced tiered support based on consumption:
- Residential subscribers with monthly electricity consumption of 417 kWh or less will receive support.
- Those who exceed this limit will pay their full bill for that month.
- Government support will be shown on bills as a separate and transparent line item.
- Subscribers who fall below the consumption limit in later years may be reentered into the support program.
How to Apply for Electricity Bill Support
The application steps are summarized as follows:
1- Receiving Social Assistance:
Those who already receive regular social assistance do not usually need to apply separately; the system recognizes them automatically.
2- New Application:
If you are applying for the first time, you can apply in person at the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation in your district or fill out the application form via e-Government (e-Devlet).
3- After Approval:
When your application or system check is approved, you can pay your bill at a PTT branch using your Turkish ID card.
Household size and whether you receive social assistance are verified automatically by the system to determine the support amount.
4- Receiving the Support:
When paying at PTT, the government support is deducted from the bill amount and the remaining balance is collected.
If payment is made online, the support may not be reflected; in most cases the process is completed at PTT branches.
In some cases applications may be rejected due to not qualifying for social assistance, household composition updates, or system delays.
How Long Does Government Support on Electricity Bills Last?
- A household continues to receive electricity bill support as long as it continues to receive regular assistance and does not exceed consumption limits.
- The support program can be updated annually; when new conditions take effect, eligible beneficiaries are entered into the system.
- If eligibility ends (for example, social assistance is stopped or per-person income rises), the support is discontinued.
On Which Bills Is Government Support Shown and How?
- Government support applies only to residential (housing) subscriptions.
- The bill clearly shows the total usage charge, the government support amount, and the net amount payable, allowing consumers to see the actual bill burden.
- A similar scheme exists for natural gas, and electricity support may also be communicated by message.
Example Calculation of Electricity Bill Assistance
For example, if a family of four consumes 190 kWh per month, approximately 60% of their bill (up to 220 TL for 2025) is covered by the government. A five-person household consuming 400 kWh would also benefit and receive a substantial discount. However, consumption of 420 kWh and above receives no support and the bill must be paid in full.
Documents Required for Application
The basic documents that may be requested during application or case updates are:
- Turkish ID cards (for the applicant and other household members)
- Documents showing the income of all household members
- Documents proving receipt of social assistance (if any)
- Residence certificate (ikametgah)
- Chronic illness or disability report (if any)
Note: Although the system largely operates automatically, these documents may be requested for first-time applicants or when a new type of assistance is applied for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a user request support that was not applied on their bill?
If you are eligible but the discount is not reflected on your bill, you can contact the Ministry of Family and Social Services or your local foundation to have the situation reviewed.
Can electricity support be used with online payment?
Support usually applies automatically when bills are paid through PTT. Online payment channels may not always reflect the support amount.
What happens to eligibility if the subscriber changes?
If beneficiaries move to another residence or household composition changes, the system updates the registered household information accordingly.
Is support paid per person or per household?
Support is calculated based on the total number of people in the household and is automatically deducted from the bill.
When is the aid applied?
The support amount is activated at the beginning of each month and is reflected in the bill when it is issued.