Can people with Bağ-Kur debt receive breastfeeding allowance or birth assistance? Before addressing this question directly, it helps to explain what sick leave pay (report allowance) is.
Sick leave pay refers to payments made to insured individuals—whether under SGK or Bağ-Kur—who become unable to work due to work accidents, occupational diseases, other illnesses, or maternity and who obtain a medical rest report. These reports indicate that the person cannot complete their working hours, and the purpose is to enable SGK to provide compensation for the period indicated by the medical report.
Can Bağ-Kur Insureds Receive Maternity Pay?
Generally, Bağ-Kur does not provide regular sickness benefits in the same way some other schemes do. However, maternity-related payments can be available through the relevant institutions. These payments are commonly directed to women working as tradespeople or self-employed; hospitalization or inpatient treatment is not necessarily required. Short-term insured workers who fall under similar coverage may also be eligible. On the other hand, women who work as company partners (equity partners) are typically not eligible for these maternity payments.
As a related note, an individual who suffers a workplace injury or occupational disease may benefit from related payments if they have no outstanding retroactive premium debt and have a valid medical rest report.
Can Those with Bağ-Kur Debt Receive Breastfeeding Allowance and Birth Assistance?
To the main point…
Regarding the question, “Can people with Bağ-Kur debt receive breastfeeding allowance or birth assistance?” the short answer is: unfortunately, those who have outstanding Bağ-Kur debt cannot receive the breastfeeding allowance or birth assistance. Applications submitted while the debt is outstanding are generally rejected for this reason.
Is There Any Alternative?
Yes. If someone settles their Bağ-Kur debt before applying, they can then be eligible to receive breastfeeding allowance and birth assistance. In other words, the answer can change from “No” to “Yes” if the outstanding premiums are paid prior to application.
Breastfeeding Allowance Amounts by Year
- 01.01.2018 – 31.12.2018 – 149.00 TL
- 01.01.2016 – 31.12.2016 – 122.00 TL
- 01.01.2015 – 31.12.2015 – 112.00 TL
- 01.01.2014 – 31.12.2014 – 103.00 TL
- 01.01.2013 – 31.12.2013 – 94.00 TL
- 01.01.2012 – 31.12.2012 – 89.00 TL
- 01.01.2011 – 31.12.2011 – 80.00 TL
- 01.01.2010 – 31.12.2010 – 75.00 TL
- 01.01.2009 – 31.12.2009 – 70.00 TL
Other Details
- In earlier years, applications required a petition. Since 2018, petition submissions are no longer necessary.
- The breastfeeding allowance is a one-time payment and is not disbursed monthly on a recurring basis.
- When applying, you must bring identification documents for the child and the guardians. You will be asked to complete a form at the office. After submitting the form, the application goes through an evaluation process. Once approved, the payment will be deposited into your bank account and can then be withdrawn.
- Provincial Directorates of Family and Social Policies in 2018 could provide additional birth assistance amounts as follows:
300.00 TL for the first child,
400.00 TL for the second child,
600.00 TL for the third child.
Note: You do not need to be insured to receive these additional family assistance payments. You can apply at the nearest social services center to request the amounts listed above.
- Additional amounts
For twins: 700.00 TL
For triplets: 1,300.00 TL
For quadruplets or more: 600.00 TL per baby
- All these assistance payments apply only to children born after 15 May 2015.
- The baby or babies must be born alive; payments are not made for stillbirths.
The figures above are based on 2017 information because no official updates had been announced for 2018 or 2019 at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bağ-Kur Debt and Birth-Related Payments
- Can state employees or their spouses with Bağ-Kur debt receive breastfeeding allowance or birth assistance?
For employees covered under the Labor Law (insured under 4A), according to Article 16 of Law No. 5510 on Social Insurance and General Health Insurance, those individuals are not eligible to receive this particular assistance if they fall under the stated restrictions.
- Do I need any additional document from the hospital after birth?
No, you generally only need a temporary identity document and the birth certificate.
- What if the payment has not been deposited into my bank account?
If a technical or administrative problem occurs, you should contact or visit your local SGK Provincial Directorate to file an inquiry so the transfer can be resolved.
- If an attachment (garnishment) process is currently ongoing for Bağ-Kur debt, can the breastfeeding allowance or birth assistance be received?
These payments are generally exempt from tax. If the Bağ-Kur debt has been settled beforehand, both breastfeeding allowance and birth assistance can be received despite prior proceedings.
- What about unmarried mothers with Bağ-Kur debt—can they receive assistance?
For births outside of marriage, assistance is generally not provided in the same way in Turkey, regardless of Bağ-Kur debt status.
- Does the mother have to be working to receive breastfeeding allowance?
If the child’s father is employed and meets the eligibility conditions, the allowance can be received even if the mother is not employed.
- Who is eligible to receive the breastfeeding allowance?
Workers insured under 4A who have paid at least 120 days of premiums in the year prior to birth, and those insured under 4B who have paid at least 120 days of premiums in the year before birth, may be eligible. However, there must be no unpaid premiums or outstanding debts for the relevant periods for eligibility to be approved.