One of the social assistance methods provided to meet the financial needs of relatives of inmates is the payments arranged for detainees or convicts in prison. If families meet the eligibility criteria, they can benefit from these assistance payments given through the cooperation of the Ministry of Justice and the Social Security Institution.
Knowing the application process and submitting the required documents completely is very important for this method. When coordination among the prison administration, the local headman’s office, the social services center and SGK units is carried out correctly, families may become eligible to receive a regular monthly support similar to a salary.
What Conditions Are Required to Grant a Salary-Like Payment to Inmate Families?
To benefit from the monthly salary-like payments provided to inmate families, certain criteria must be met together. The following conditions are the main factors considered by both the Ministry of Justice and the Social Security Institution (SGK) during evaluation:
- The applicant must have a relative who is detained or convicted in prison.
- The applicant must be a first-degree relative (spouse, child, mother, father).
- The household’s monthly income per person must be below the minimum wage threshold.
- According to SGK records, the applicant should be without social security coverage or be classified in a low-income group.
- The inmate’s file must not contain decisions, liens, or enforcement records that would prevent a “assistance payment.”
Meeting these requirements completely increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Income level and the closeness of the family relationship play a critical role in accessing this social assistance.
What Documents Are Required to Grant a Salary-Like Payment to Inmate Families?
To apply for the monthly salary-like payment for relatives of inmates, the following documents must be submitted in full at the time of application:
- Copy of identity cards (for both the applicant and the convict).
- Criminal record document (to confirm the applicant has no disqualifying convictions).
- Prison placement document or transfer order for the convict.
- Documents showing family income, such as SGK service statements or pay slips.
- Residence certificate or an official document from the headman’s office confirming place of residence.
- Full population register extract (to prove first-degree kinship).
- If applicable, documentation showing there are no liens or enforcement records that would block the payment.
Obtaining these documents completely and up to date helps ensure the application is processed quickly and favorably.
How to Apply for a Salary-Like Payment for Inmate Families?
The steps to follow for inmate families to gain access to the monthly salary-like payment can be summarized as follows:
1- Obtaining the Application Form
- The “Assistance Application Form for Inmate Families” can be obtained from the prison administration or via the e-Government portal.
- The form requests basic information about both the convict and the applicant family member.
2- Completing the Form and Preparing Documents
- Complete the form in full and compile it with the documents listed above.
- Arrange the documents to attach to the form and have photocopies certified as necessary.
3- Submitting the Application
- The prepared file should be submitted to the local Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation (SYDV) or the provincial directorates of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services.
- In some provinces, it is also possible to submit the application directly to court social service units or the prison’s enforcement and protection officers.
4- Registration and Preliminary Review of the Application
- The competent unit will register the application and check whether any documents are missing.
- If documents are missing or incorrect, the applicant will be notified.
5- Official Review and Evaluation Process
- The Ministry of Justice, SGK and relevant social service units evaluate the family’s income situation, the kinship relationship and the convict’s file status.
- If necessary, additional information may be requested from the headman’s office or the prison administration during this stage.
6- Notification of the Result and Payment Instruction
- If the application is approved, the payment instruction is forwarded to the Ministry of Finance.
- The family will receive an official notice indicating which bank or PTT branch will be used for the payment.
7- Receiving the Payment
- The monthly assistance payment can be collected at the designated bank account or PTT branch.
- Payments are usually made regularly on a specified date each month.
Following these steps carefully prevents missing documents and delays.
When Is the Result of the Salary Application for Inmate Families Notified and How Can It Be Tracked?
After the application is completed, the steps you can follow to learn the result of your salary-like payment request and to track the process are as follows:
1- Preliminary Evaluation Period
- The preliminary review is usually completed within 15–30 working days from the date the application file is delivered in full.
- If documents are missing, SYDV or the provincial directorate of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services will inform you via e-Government or by phone.
2- Official Result Notification
- If the evaluation is positive, the official result letter will be sent to your address by the responsible institution (SYDV/SGK/Ministry of Justice).
- You can also view the result through the “Social Assistance Tracking” section on the e-Government portal.
3- Bank or PTT Notification
- When the payment instruction reaches the Ministry of Finance, you will receive an SMS notification from the bank or PTT branch you selected.
- Go to the designated institution with your identity card to collect the payment.
4- Payment Tracking
- If regular monthly payments are approved, you can check the date of the next payment via the “Social Assistance Tracking” section or at PTT counters.
- You can also obtain up-to-date payment dates by contacting SYDV provincial/district directorates in person.
5- Negative Result and Right to Appeal
- If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal petition to the provincial directorate within 30 days of receiving the rejection letter.
- During the appeal process, you may be asked to correct missing documents or conditions.
6- Communication Channels for the Process
- e-Government: “Social Assistance Tracking” service
- Alo 183: Call center of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services
- SYDV provincial/district offices or the prison social services unit
By following these steps, you can easily track which stage your application is at, learn payment dates and, if necessary, use your right to appeal.