Before we start school, we know only our family and follow their guidance. Once we begin school, however, we meet our teachers — figures who often become like second parents and role models. Some teachers leave a lasting impression on students for years; former pupils visit them even long after graduation. Yet many teachers have never been able to breathe easy during their careers due to difficult appointment processes and financial pressures. To help, the Ministry of National Education provides a one-time financial allowance to teachers before the start of each academic year. Commonly called “stationery aid,” this preparation allowance is not limited to stationery purchases. Teachers are not required to spend the money on supplies, nor must they document how it is spent. Below, we provide detailed information about the preparation allowance for teachers appointed for the first time.
What Is the Academic Year Preparation Allowance?
The academic year preparation allowance is a non-repayable benefit paid by the Ministry of National Education to teachers at the start of each academic year. It is granted under Article 32 (additional) of Law No. 657 on Civil Servants. The law specifies eligible recipients as those employed in teaching positions within the class of education and training services and performing active teaching duties (including administrators, teachers working in prison schools, primary school principals and their assistants, education specialists and their assistants). Staff outside this scope, such as service personnel or clerks who work at schools but are not in teaching roles, are not eligible for the allowance.
The allowance amount is set annually by a Cabinet decision and is paid in September, when schools begin instruction. For example, the allowance was 850 TL in the 2014–2015 academic year, increased to 950 TL in 2015–2016, and was 1,000 TL in the most recent September; in 2017 it rose to 1,050 TL. Teachers who are not on duty in September due to documented and valid reasons such as maternity leave or military service can request the payment later in the year, though the Ministry reserves the right to deduct 25% of the allowance in such cases.
Although popularly referred to as “stationery aid,” teachers are under no obligation to spend the allowance on students or school supplies. The core purpose of the preparation allowance is to support teachers who may experience reduced income during the summer months. The allowance is non-repayable, and a 1998 decision by the Court of Accounts confirmed that it cannot be reclaimed from teachers after retirement.
Preparation Allowance for Teachers Appointed for the First Time
Teacher appointments in our country are made twice a year: before the first term and before the second term. This schedule can create confusion for newly appointed teachers about how much of the preparation allowance they will receive. Teachers appointed before the first term will begin work at the start of the academic year in September and therefore qualify for the full allowance. Teachers appointed before the second term are assumed not to need support during the first half of the year and therefore receive only half of the allowance.
For example, many teachers appointed on February 15, 2016 began their duties before March 15, 2016 and received half of the 2015–2016 preparation allowance, amounting to 471 TL. In summary, earlier teaching service in previous years does not affect entitlement to the preparation allowance. What matters is the period during the relevant academic year that the teacher is actively on duty; allowances are calculated and paid based on that active service time rather than on past experience.