Poverty pension is a social support payment provided by the state to citizens who live below the poverty line and are unable to work. Also known as the needy allowance, this income support is paid monthly to qualifying individuals.
The poverty pension is administered by the Ministry of Family and Social Services. The needy allowance for 2024 continues to be paid, with eligibility criteria, payment amounts and procedures subject to updates. Below we explain the 2024 poverty pension application process and requirements.
WHAT IS THE POVERTY PENSION (NEEDY ALLOWANCE)?
The poverty pension is intended to help citizens meet basic needs, improve living standards and promote social justice. Eligibility and payment decisions for the needy allowance consider factors such as household income, health status, age, education, family structure and social security coverage. The amount of the poverty pension is adjusted annually according to inflation.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE POVERTY PENSION?
The poverty pension is provided to citizens living below the poverty threshold who are not capable of working. Eligible groups include:
- Those aged 65 and over
- People with disabilities
- Relatives of martyrs and veterans
- Widows and orphans
- Those in need of care
- Orphaned children
- Victims of terrorism
- People without social security
- Those with no income or income less than one third of the minimum wage
NOTE: In addition to the criteria above, applicants must be Turkish citizens residing in Turkey, must not be receiving another social assistance benefit, the household income must be below the determined threshold, and a social investigation must confirm need.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POVERTY PENSION?
The poverty pension requirements are the conditions applicants must meet to receive the allowance. These requirements remain in force in 2024 and may include updates.
Conditions to receive the needy allowance are as follows:
- Being a Turkish citizen.
- Residing in Turkey.
- Not receiving another social assistance payment.
- Household income below the specified threshold.
- A social investigation that determines the person is in need.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE POVERTY PENSION?
The age limit for the poverty pension is a key eligibility criterion. For 2024, the age threshold remains 65 years. Citizens aged 65 and over may qualify for the pension. However, disabled individuals, relatives of martyrs and veterans, widows, orphans, those in need of care, orphaned children and victims of terrorism can receive the poverty pension regardless of age.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE POVERTY PENSION?
The poverty pension application is the process applicants must complete to receive the allowance. The application procedure for 2024 continues as before.
How to apply for the poverty pension:
- Apply to the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations (SYDV) affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services in the applicant’s district.
- Applications can be submitted in person at the local SYDV office or by mail.
- Applicants must complete the application form and provide all required documents.
- The SYDV evaluates applications and conducts a social investigation.
- When the social investigation confirms eligibility, the application is approved and payments begin.
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED TO APPLY?
The documents required for a poverty pension application include the records applicants must present when applying.
Typical documents requested are:
- Completed application form
- Copy of identity card
- Residence certificate
- Proof of income
- Medical report (for disabled applicants)
- Martyrdom or veteran certificate (for relatives of martyrs or veterans)
- Death certificate and documents related to survivor status (for widows or orphans)
- Documentation of need for care (for those requiring care)
- Proof of orphan status (for orphaned applicants)
- Documentation for victims of terrorism (for eligible applicants)
HOW CAN I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY POVERTY PENSION?
You can check your poverty pension status as follows:
- Log in to the e-Government portal.
- In the search box, type “Social assistance” and search.
- Click the “Social Assistance Information Inquiry” page.
- There you can see whether a poverty pension payment has been made in your name.
HOW MUCH IS THE POVERTY PENSION IN 2024?
For 2024, the poverty pension is paid at an amount of 4,763.63 TL.
WHERE IS THE POVERTY PENSION DEPOSITED?
Poverty pension payments are typically deposited to recipients’ PTT accounts. Applicants must provide their PTT account number when applying. Payments can be withdrawn from PTT branches or PTT ATMs.
Payments can also be deposited into recipients’ bank accounts if a bank account number is provided during the application. In that case, funds can be withdrawn at bank branches or ATMs.
WARNING: Payments deposited to bank accounts may be subject to bank commissions and fees.
WHEN IS THE POVERTY PENSION PAID?
The poverty pension is paid during the first week of each month, generally between the 1st and 5th of the month. Once deposited, the payment must be withdrawn within three months; otherwise the payment may be reclaimed.
HOW OFTEN IS THE POVERTY PENSION PAID?
The poverty pension is paid monthly.
WHEN IS THE POVERTY PENSION TERMINATED?
The poverty pension may be terminated in the following situations:
- Death of the recipient: Payments stop when the death certificate is presented to the SYDV. Payments continue through the end of the month in which the recipient died. The allowance is not transferable to heirs.
- Change in income: If the recipient’s income increases, the recipient gains social security, or the recipient begins to receive another social assistance payment, the SYDV will end the needy allowance. Payments continue through the month in which the change is detected.
- Change in need status: If the recipient’s health improves, they surpass the age criterion, marry, or begin working, the SYDV may terminate payments once the change is confirmed.
- Leaving the country: The needy allowance requires residence in Turkey. If the SYDV determines the recipient has gone abroad, payments are stopped and continue only through the month of departure.
This article outlines how to apply for the poverty pension, the 2024 eligibility conditions, the current payment amount, and the documents required. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, you may submit them via the comments section.