Millions of citizens hoping to retire under the Emeklilikte Yaşa Takılanlar (EYT) regulation have been waiting for news from Parliament. Parliamentary work had been paused after the devastating earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş that affected ten provinces. A session that had been scheduled for the previous week was postponed for this reason.
With Parliament expected to reconvene on February 21, many people awaiting EYT have begun searching for new details about the measure, which is expected to be among the first items on the agenda. AK Party Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Mustafa Elitaş announced that Parliament would open on February 21 following the large-scale destruction caused by the earthquake.
PARTIAL RETIREMENT MAY BECOME AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WITH MISSING CONTRIBUTIONS
Drafting of the EYT legislation has reached its final stages. Millions focused on Parliament want to know the scope of EYT and the new formulas that could be introduced. If the EYT reform fully restores rights to those who started work before September 8, 1999, even with partial retirement rules, it could create opportunities for much earlier retirement based on 3,600 or 5,400 days of contributions.
Many people covered by EYT cannot complete the required contribution days despite their age. For these individuals, partial retirement — effectively retirement based on age with reduced contribution requirements — may be offered as an alternative.
HOW TO RETIRE EARLY WITH FEWER CONTRIBUTIONS?
Important details have emerged regarding retirement with fewer contributions. Partial retirement could apply to people who accumulated contributions for a period of time and later had to leave the workforce. If partial retirement conditions in the EYT law are extended back to before 1999, those who have not completed the full contribution requirement may be eligible for partial retirement after 3,600 contribution days.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR PARTIAL RETIREMENT?
There are three main conditions quoted for EYT beneficiaries to access partial retirement. Under current rules, the retirement age threshold is 58 for women and 60 for men, but these criteria could change under the EYT reform. The three commonly cited requirements for partial retirement are completion of 3,600 contribution days, fulfillment of 15 years of insured service, and reaching age 50 for women and 55 for men.