When a Bağ-Kur insured person dies, the state provides a death pension (death allowance) to the surviving spouse and children. This benefit is important to ensure the family’s financial security and prevent hardship. However, certain conditions must be met for the allowance to be granted.
We will explain the Bağ-Kur death pension conditions, who is eligible, the application process, required documents, timing of benefit commencement and payment method. We will also describe separately how eligibility applies to spouses, children, and parents. If you have lost a loved one and believe you may be an eligible survivor, this guide will help you understand the steps to take.
What Is the Bağ-Kur Death Pension?
The Bağ-Kur death pension is a regular payment granted to entitled survivors when a person insured under Bağ-Kur (4B) who worked independently dies. The allowance is one of the social security system’s core income support measures.
Purpose of the Death Pension:
- To prevent loss of family income.
- To protect those whom the deceased was financially responsible for.
- To provide social security support.
- To help ensure the livelihood of the spouse and children.
What Are the Conditions for the Bağ-Kur Death Pension?
For survivors of a Bağ-Kur insured person to receive a death pension, specific legal requirements must be met. The Social Security Institution (SGK) reviews these conditions carefully.
Required Conditions for Granting the Death Pension:
- The deceased must have paid at least 1,800 days of premiums.
- The Bağ-Kur registration should have been active before the date of death.
- Outstanding premium debt must not be at a level that prevents SGK from granting the benefit.
- If the death occurred while insured (active registration), the pension is processed faster.
- For voluntary insured persons, the number of paid premium days is especially important.
Note: In some special cases, a pension can be granted with 900 days of paid premiums. This applies if the person received a disability pension or if their disability has been officially documented.
Who Can Receive the Death Pension?
The Bağ-Kur death benefit is not paid to a single person only; it can be distributed among eligible family members. These persons are defined as “entitled beneficiaries” under SGK rules.
Who Are the Beneficiaries?
1- Spouse (widowed partner)
- If alone, the spouse receives 75% of the pension.
- If shared with children, the spouse receives 50%.
- If the spouse remarries, the pension is terminated.
2- Children (orphans)
- Unmarried sons under 18 years old.
- Sons up to 20 years old who are high school students.
- Sons up to 25 years old who are university students.
- Daughters who are unmarried and not employed (no age limit).
3- Mother and Father
- If the deceased has no spouse or children, parents with insufficient income may be eligible.
- The pension is provided at a rate of 25% under these circumstances.
How to Apply for the Death Pension?
After the death of a Bağ-Kur insured person, beneficiaries must apply to SGK to receive the pension. SGK does not grant pensions automatically. Applications can be made in person or through the e-Devlet portal.
Application Methods:
- In-person application at SGK provincial or district offices
- Online application via the e-Devlet system
- By mail or by proxy if the documents are complete
Recommendation: Apply within 12 months of the date of death. If the deadline is missed, the pension is paid from the application date onward and no retroactive payments are made.
What Documents Are Required?
When applying for the Bağ-Kur death pension, beneficiaries must submit documents proving eligibility and the occurrence of the death. These documents are required to complete the SGK assessment.
Documents Needed for the Death Pension:
- Civil registry extract of the deceased
- Photocopies of ID cards of the beneficiaries
- Death certificate (obtainable from the civil registry)
- Student certificate (for children over 18 who are students)
- Guardianship or trustee documents (if applicable)
- Monthly claim form (available from SGK or via e-Devlet)
Note: All documents must be complete. Missing documents can delay the pension approval process.
How Much Is the Bağ-Kur Death Pension?
As of 2025, death pensions granted by SGK vary according to the minimum wage, the number of premium days, and the deceased’s income level. Net amounts are calculated individually.
Typical Amount Ranges:
- Widowed spouse: approximately 4,000 TL – 7,500 TL
- Orphaned children: approximately 1,500 TL – 3,500 TL per person
- Parents: depending on conditions, approximately 1,000 TL – 2,000 TL
Pensions are adjusted each year in January and July according to the civil servant salary coefficient.
Processing Time and Duration of the Pension
Once an application is submitted, SGK begins processing the pension. Having complete documentation speeds up the procedure.
Steps:
- Application receipt.
- Verification of service records and premium payments.
- Determination of beneficiary status.
- Request for additional documents if necessary.
- Decision recorded in the system and pension granted.
Duration: The process typically concludes within 30–60 days. The first payment is usually made as a consolidated lump sum covering accrued amounts.
When Is the Death Pension Suspended or Terminated?
The granted pension can be suspended or terminated by SGK in specific situations. Beneficiaries should be aware of these conditions to avoid unexpected interruptions.
Reasons for Suspension or Termination:
- The widowed spouse remarries,
- Children begin to work and become insured,
- Student children discontinue their education,
- A daughter marries or starts insured employment,
- A parent’s financial situation changes and they no longer meet the need criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the pension automatically granted when a Bağ-Kur insured person dies?
No. The pension is granted only after beneficiaries apply to SGK. There is no automatic activation.
Who can submit the death pension application?
The spouse, children, mother, or father can apply. The application must include the required documents.
If the widowed spouse remarries, can they receive the pension again later?
Legally, no. However, if that subsequent marriage ends (through divorce or the spouse’s death), the person may reapply for the pension.
Under what conditions can daughters receive the death pension?
Unmarried daughters who are not employed and do not have their own social insurance can receive the pension regardless of age.
Can the application be made via e-Devlet?
Yes. You can apply through the “Monthly Claim (4B Bağ-Kur)” service on e-Devlet.
See our other guides for more information on death pensions and related applications.