Insurance is now recognized as one of the most important needs people want to have. In our country there are many types of social insurance, and the state allows movement between these categories. In this article we will examine the conditions for transferring from Bağ-Kur to SSK.
Transfers between Bağ-Kur and SSK have become possible with recent regulatory changes. This allows people who wish to switch into the SSK system later to qualify for retirement under different rules. The requirements for moving from Bağ-Kur to SSK have been defined; when these conditions are met, individuals can change their insurance coverage.
First, let’s review each insurance category. Bağ-Kur covers self-employed people who are not working under an employment contract for an employer and who fall outside the scope of other social security institutions established by law. People who may be covered by Bağ-Kur include:
- Tradespeople and artisans.
- Partners in collective companies.
- General and limited partners in ordinary limited partnerships (adi komandit).
- Partners in limited liability companies.
- General partners in limited partnerships with share capital.
- Partners of ship-owning partnerships.
- Founding partners and board members of joint-stock companies.
SSK, on the other hand, includes those who pay SSK premiums—employees who work as contracted staff in a workplace. It is possible to transfer from Bağ-Kur into SSK.
In earlier periods, the requirements to move from Bağ-Kur to SSK were stricter, but recent legal changes introduced easier procedures. Under the old law, a Bağ-Kur contributor who wanted to become SSK-insured had to end their partnership in a company and stop their tax liability, which placed many people in difficult situations.
Recent legislative amendments have relaxed the conditions for transferring from Bağ-Kur to SSK. Now, even if a Bağ-Kur contributor retains a company partnership or has ongoing tax liability, transfer into the SSK system can be permitted under the updated rules.
Advantages of Transferring from Bağ-Kur to SSK
A major reason to move from Bağ-Kur to SSK is the difference in retirement conditions. Those covered by SSK often have better prospects for retirement. To be eligible for retirement benefits after moving from Bağ-Kur to SSK, individuals must have at least 3.5 years of actual SSK premium payments within the last seven years. The regulations interpret this requirement as actual employment (paid contributions for working periods), so credited or purchased service periods for the purpose of debt repayment are not counted as “actual work” for this specific eligibility requirement.
If a person meets the conditions for transferring from Bağ-Kur to SSK, they must submit an application. Applications are made to the local Social Security Center or the Provincial Directorate of Social Security. The applicant needs to deliver a petition to the relevant office to initiate the change.
Another important point when switching from Bağ-Kur to SSK is to notify the relevant authority. If notification is not made, the Bağ-Kur registration will not be considered terminated, and the person may end up paying contributions under both Bağ-Kur and SSK simultaneously.
People who transfer from Bağ-Kur to SSK can gain advantages for retirement. For many, switching to SSK is attractive because retirement pensions can be higher under SSK rules. After moving into the SSK scheme, pension amounts may increase, which is beneficial for those who want a larger pension after retirement. In some cases, individuals may continue making contributions to both insurance branches, which can further increase pension levels; however, such dual contributions must be reported to the institution.
SSK coverage also offers more favorable conditions for early retirement. Eligible individuals can retire earlier than many Bağ-Kur contributors; in some instances, the period of earlier retirement eligibility can extend up to ten years compared with Bağ-Kur rules.
Another reason transfers from Bağ-Kur to SSK have risen is that SSK can require fewer total contribution days for retirement than Bağ-Kur. While Bağ-Kur contributors might need up to around 9,000 days in some cases, SSK-covered workers may reach retirement with considerably fewer days—sometimes on the order of roughly 5,000 days depending on the specific rules and time periods applied.
In summary, recent legal changes have made it easier for self-employed and certain company partners covered by Bağ-Kur to transfer into the SSK system. The main incentives for making the change are more favorable retirement ages, potential for higher pensions, and reduced total contribution-day requirements in many situations. Applicants who meet the transfer conditions should file the required petition at their regional Social Security Center or provincial directorate and ensure the switch is properly notified to avoid overlapping contribution obligations.