Orphan’s pension is one of the benefit types granted to the children of a deceased insured person. This pension is paid under the conditions set by the Social Security Institution and aims to partially compensate for the loss of income after death. However, when it comes to orphan’s pensions, the situation becomes more complex—especially for children who work as insured employees.
Many people assume that the orphan’s pension is automatically cut off the moment the child starts working. That is not always true. Insurance category, form of employment, gender, marital status and the pension entitlement status are among the many factors that directly affect whether the orphan’s pension will continue. Therefore, it is important to know the rules that apply as of 2026.
Below, the question of whether insured working children can receive orphan’s pension is examined separately for daughters and sons and detailed according to insurance types.
What Is Orphan’s Pension and Who Is Eligible?
Orphan’s pension is a regular social security payment granted to the children of a deceased insured person. This pension is payable provided certain conditions are met, regardless of whether the insured person was covered under SSK (4A), Bağ-Kur (4B) or Emekli Sandığı (4C).
Those who may be entitled to orphan’s pension include:
- Daughters of the deceased insured
- Sons of the deceased insured
- In some cases, adopted children
The orphan’s pension is subject to different rules depending on the child’s age, employment status and marital status. The most critical distinction is between daughters and sons.
Can Sons Receive Orphan’s Pension While Working as Insured Employees?
The eligibility rules for sons are more restrictive. The general rule is:
Sons lose their orphan’s pension as soon as they start working as insured employees.
However, for this rule to apply, several conditions must be met simultaneously.
Conditions for Sons to Receive Orphan’s Pension
For a son to be granted orphan’s pension:
- He must be under 18 years of age.
- If he is in high school, he must be under 20 years of age.
- If he is in higher education, he must be under 25 years of age.
- He must not be employed in an insured job.
If any of these conditions cease to exist, the orphan’s pension is stopped.
The Effect of Working as an Insured Employee
If a son:
- Starts working under 4A coverage,
- Pays premiums in his own name under 4B, or
- Takes a position in an insured job other than an internship,
the orphan’s pension ends immediately. Even short-term employment and the entry of insured status are sufficient for the pension to be discontinued.
Can Daughters Receive Orphan’s Pension While Working as Insured Employees?
The orphan’s pension rules for daughters are different and generally more flexible than for sons. As of 2026, the basic rule for daughters is:
Daughters may, in some circumstances, continue to receive orphan’s pension even if they work as insured employees.
However, the decisive factor here is the type of employment and insurance status.
General Conditions for Daughters to Receive Orphan’s Pension
For daughters to be eligible for orphan’s pension:
- They must not be married.
- They must not receive income or a pension due to their own insurance status.
- They must be working under certain insurance types that allow continuation.
Here the distinction between 4A, 4B and 4C is important.
Do Those Working Under 4A (SSK) Receive Orphan’s Pension?
For those employed under 4A—that is, insured employees working for an employer—the orphan’s pension situation is assessed as follows:
Sons
- The orphan’s pension is cut off as soon as they begin working under 4A,
- Even if they are students.
Daughters
- Daughters who start working under 4A,
- Will have their orphan’s pension terminated.
There is a common misconception that daughters continue to receive the pension despite working. In fact, 4A employment leads to termination of the orphan’s pension.
Do Those Working Under 4B (Bağ-Kur) Receive Orphan’s Pension?
4B insurance refers to working on one’s own account and behalf—artisans, partners in companies and self-employed professionals fall into this category.
Sons
- The orphan’s pension is terminated once they start paying premiums under 4B.
Daughters
- If daughters are insured under 4B,
- The orphan’s pension is also ended.
Thus, 4B insurance results in termination of the orphan’s pension regardless of whether the beneficiary is a daughter or a son.
Do Those Working Under 4C (Emekli Sandığı) Receive Orphan’s Pension?
4C coverage concerns public sector employees. There is an important exception affecting daughters.
Sons
- If a son begins work as a civil servant under 4C,
- The orphan’s pension is discontinued.
Daughters
- Even if a daughter starts work as a permanent civil servant under 4C,
- She may be able to continue receiving the orphan’s pension.
This is a special application based on the provisions of Law No. 5434 and applies only to those who meet specific conditions.
The Effect of Marriage on Orphan’s Pension
One of the most critical circumstances for orphan’s pension is marriage.
For Daughters
- If they marry, the orphan’s pension is terminated.
- When the pension is stopped due to marriage, a marriage allowance (dowry payment) may be payable.
- In the event of divorce, it is possible to reapply.
For Sons
- Marriage has no direct effect.
- Age and employment criteria are the determining factors.
What Happens If an Orphan’s Pension Recipient Starts an Insured Job?
If a person receiving an orphan’s pension starts an insured job, the SGK systems detect this automatically. In that case:
- The pension is stopped.
- If an overpayment has occurred, repayment is demanded.
- Interest may be applied.
Therefore, it is essential to check the insurance type before starting work.
Can Orphan’s Pension Be Reinstated After It Is Cut?
In some situations, the orphan’s pension can be reinstated.
Situations in which it may be regranted include:
- Leaving the insured job
- Closure of the Bağ-Kur registration
- Divorce (for daughters)
- Continuation of student status
Payments are not automatically resumed; a written application to SGK is required.
Orphan’s Pension Rates for 2026
Pension rates are determined based on the deceased insured person’s salary and the number of entitled beneficiaries.
General rates:
- Single child: 50%
- Two children: 25% + 25%
- Three or more children: shared equally
Whether the surviving parent is alive can also affect these rates.
How to Apply for Orphan’s Pension
Applications for orphan’s pension can be made through:
- SGK provincial or district directorates
- e-Government (e-Devlet) portal
- Written application by post
Commonly required documents include:
- Identity document
- Official family register (vukuatlı nüfus kayıt örneği)
- Student certificate (if applicable)
- Bank account details
Important Points to Consider While Receiving Orphan’s Pension
The most common mistakes made by orphan’s pension recipients are:
- Starting a job without checking the insurance type
- Failing to report a change in marital status
- Continuing to receive the pension after student status ends
- Neglecting income assessments
These situations can lead to administrative fines and repayment obligations.