One of the greatest concerns for mothers of children with disabilities is the question of income; it is often uncertain. Even a small amount of money brings genuine relief—these mothers rejoice like any parent who must meet basic needs for their child.
People with disabilities should be able to live safely and with dignity in every environment. They should not feel excluded in society and should have opportunities to be productive. Their care and rehabilitation should be provided appropriately, and when necessary, home care services should be available to ease daily life.
Recent changes introduced by omnibus legislation brought relief to many families. With Law No. 6663, published in the Official Gazette on February 10, 2016, mothers of children with disabilities were granted the right to work part-time while receiving full salary for up to 12 months without losing their employment rights. In other words, the provision for a salary for mothers of children with disabilities was enacted. Additionally, part-time work may be requested until the child reaches primary school age. This means a mother of a child with a disability can work part-time and still receive full salary for up to 12 months; after 12 months and until primary school age, she may work part-time with half salary. Thanks to this law, many families no longer need to pay extra for caregiving.
Disability Allowance for Individuals Under 18
With the adoption of Law No. 5378 on Persons with Disabilities in 2005, the right to grant a disability allowance to individuals under the age of 18 was introduced for the first time. This amendment to the Disability Pensions Law (Law No. 202) allowed monthly payments for disabled children under 18, subject to certain conditions.
First, according to this law, parents are responsible for caring for a disabled child until age 18. If the parents are not present, the person appointed as guardian by the court is responsible for care. The family’s income is evaluated as an initial step. Second, the individual’s disability rating must be above 40%. Allowances are granted to those under 18 whose disability degree falls between 40% and 99%.
Disability Allowance Criteria Determined in 2016
When the minimum wage was set in 2016, the criteria and amounts for home care and allowances for mothers of children with disabilities were clarified.
Home Care Eligibility Criteria
• The health board report must indicate “Heavy Disability” with a clear “YES” designation.
• The total household income, divided by the number of household members, must not exceed 784.97 TL per person.
Allowance Amounts
• For the first half of 2016: 880.69 TL
• For the second half of 2016: 924.73 TL
• For the first half of 2017: 952.47 TL
• For the second half of 2017: 990.57 TL
Criteria under Law No. 202 for Disability Allowances
• Having a disability degree of at least 40% or higher.
• The total household income divided by household members must not exceed 392.50 TL per person.
• Not being covered by any social security institution.
• Being certified as needy by the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation.
• Being an adult with a disability or a relative of a disabled person under 18.
• Having no legally obligated caregiver available.
• Not being able to receive alimony or not having alimony available.
• Not having a regular source of income.
Documents Required for Application
• Health board report for the disabled person (indicating “Heavy Disability” or “Requires care: YES”).
• Proof of residence for all household members.
• Full family registration certificate (vukuatlı nüfus kayıt örneği).
• Payroll or income statement where applicable.
• Two passport-size photos of the disabled person.
• Diploma of the most recent school attended, if applicable.
• Photocopies of identity cards for all household members.
• For those over 18 who lack capacity, a court guardianship decision is required.
• Documents indicating whether the applicant or family members are covered by social security institutions (SSK, Bağ-Kur, Pension Fund).
• Declarations and documents regarding income and property (title deed, tax office records).