Incontinence pad assistance is a government-supported aid provided to meet the hygiene needs of people requiring care. This support is particularly important for older adults, people with disabilities and patients with severe illnesses and is granted according to conditions set by the Social Security Institution (SGK). Many people are unsure how to apply for this assistance, what eligibility requirements must be met, and how the application process works.
This article explains all details about incontinence pad assistance: how to apply, which medical conditions qualify, and how much support the state provides.
What Is Incontinence Pad Assistance?
Incontinence pad assistance is a social aid provided by the state for individuals who experience urinary or fecal incontinence. It meets a critical need for elderly people, stroke survivors, those with serious chronic illnesses and people with disabilities.
The assistance covers hygiene products such as pads or pull-up diapers; the state may cover part or all of the cost. To receive support, individuals must obtain an official medical report and a prescription for incontinence products.
Primary goals of the assistance include:
- Maintaining hygienic conditions: Disposable pads reduce infection risk by preserving hygiene standards.
- Supporting caregivers: It eases daily care for family members and professional caregivers.
- Providing financial relief: Long-term costs for incontinence products can be substantial; state support helps reduce this burden.
- Improving quality of life: The support contributes to better living conditions and social security for those in need.
How to Apply for Incontinence Pad Assistance
To receive pad assistance, applicants must follow specific steps: document their medical condition, obtain required reports, and complete the application process.
Application steps:
1. Obtain a Health Board Report
First, secure a health board report from a public hospital or an authorized private hospital. The report must indicate that the patient has urinary or fecal incontinence, confirmed by physicians.
2. Get a Prescription
After the health report is issued, a prescription for the incontinence products must be written. This prescription allows the patient to obtain products from pharmacies that work with SGK.
3. Request Reimbursement from SGK
After purchasing pads, submit a reimbursement claim to SGK. The claim typically requires the invoice, prescription and health board report.
Eligibility Requirements
SGK sets eligibility criteria for pad assistance. Applicants must meet these conditions to qualify.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Being insured under SGK (SSK, Bağ-Kur or Pension Fund membership)
- The health report must state the presence of urinary or fecal incontinence
- The report should be approved by at least two specialist physicians
- The prescription must be used within its validity period
Note: In some cases, children may be eligible for assistance if they have congenital or developmental conditions that cause incontinence.
Where to Apply
Applicants can contact the following institutions to start the process:
- Family physicians and hospitals: First point of contact for health reports and prescriptions.
- SGK offices: Submit reimbursement and support requests here.
- Pharmacies and medical suppliers: Dispense incontinence products based on prescription.
Note: After completing report and prescription procedures, apply to SGK with invoices to request reimbursement.
How Much Is One Month’s Pad Allowance?
The state provides a monthly payment based on the type of incontinence product and the patient’s needs. Amounts may vary over time.
| Type of Incontinence Product | State Support (2025) |
| Standard Incontinence Pad | 1,500 TL / month |
| Pull-up Incontinence Pant | 2,000 TL / month |
| Special Medical Pad | 2,500 TL / month |
How Much Does the State Cover?
SGK covers a significant portion of prescribed incontinence products. Depending on the prescription and product, SGK reimburses between 70% and 100% of the cost.
Warning: If you purchase products above SGK’s determined price, you are responsible for paying the difference.
How to Obtain a Pad Report for the Elderly
Elderly individuals seeking a health board report for incontinence should follow these steps:
- Visit the family physician to obtain a referral.
- Receive examination from a specialist at a public or private hospital.
- Obtain the health board report.
- After SGK approval, receive incontinence product support.
Which Conditions Qualify for a Pad Report?
Pad reports are issued for medical conditions that lead to urinary or fecal incontinence. SGK commonly accepts the following categories:
Conditions Eligible for a Pad Report
Neurological Disorders
- Stroke (paralysis)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Spinal cord injuries
Urological and Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence following colorectal surgery
- Chronic kidney failure
- Bladder and bowel control disorders
Muscle and Nerve Disorders
- Muscle wasting disorders (myopathies)
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- Cerebral palsy
Disability Status
- Individuals with a disability report of 40% or higher
- Severe congenital or acquired disabilities affecting continence
Note: Individuals with qualifying conditions should obtain a medical report and apply for assistance.
Can a Family Physician Issue a Pad Report?
Family physicians cannot directly issue an official pad report. They can, however, provide referrals when the condition is clear and direct the patient to the appropriate specialist.
To obtain the pad report:
- Visit the family physician for an initial assessment and referral to a hospital if needed.
- See a specialist such as a urologist, neurologist or physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor.
- Obtain a health board report approved by the hospital’s health board.
Warning: Family physicians do not issue the final pad report but can help initiate the process.
How to Register the Pad Report
After receiving the pad report, it must be registered in SGK’s system so that reimbursement can be processed. Certain documents are required when applying for reimbursement.
Report Registration Steps
- Obtain the health report and prescription
Reports should be issued by hospitals contracted with SGK.
- Have the report entered into e-Government or SGK systems
Hospitals submit the report to the SGK system.
- Collect invoices for purchased products
Keep all invoices after buying incontinence products with the prescription.
- Apply to SGK
The patient or their relative should visit the provincial SGK office to submit a reimbursement request with the required documents.
Once SGK approves the application, regular support for incontinence products can be provided.