Determining income level for the Green Card requires an income test to benefit from this service. Renamed in 2012, the Green Card was transferred to the Social Security Institution and is now classified as 60c-1. Today, the Green Card is a service provided within the scope of SGK. It ensures free access to health services for people whose income is less than one third of the minimum wage.
To receive a Green Card (60c-1) and access health services free of charge, an income test is mandatory. If the income test result shows less than one third of the minimum wage, the entire household can use health services free of charge without paying premiums. If the income test result exceeds one third of the minimum wage, no household member can receive free health services under this scheme.
The income test is applied to individuals who do not have any social security coverage; it is not performed for civil servants, BAĞ-KUR members, military personnel, insured workers, or people over 65, because these groups are already covered by General Health Insurance (GSS). For those found eligible for GSS based on the income test, a monthly premium of 81 TL was required starting in 2018 for continued coverage.
How to Check Income Test Results
Green Card inquiry and income test result checks can be done both online and by telephone. After applying for the income test, follow these steps to view the result online:
- To check your Green Card application, first visit the e-government page for income test results.
- On that page, click the button labeled “Verify My Identity Now.”
- The identity verification page will open automatically. To verify your identity, you can use one of the following options:
- E-Government password
- Electronic signature
- Identity card
- Mobile signature
- Internet banking
- After completing identity verification, the inquiry result will display automatically.
- The page will show your income test result and related details.
You can also check your income test result by phone by calling Alo 170, which operates under the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. You may also use Alo 170’s official website to inquire online; via the site you can connect to “Live Support” or, if needed, use the “Video Support” option to communicate with sign language-capable representatives.
Who Can or Cannot Receive a Green Card?
After completing the income test, individuals whose per-person household income is less than one third of the minimum wage can receive a Green Card. The categories of people who cannot receive a Green Card are as follows:
- If the household’s average monthly income per person exceeds one third of the minimum wage, a Green Card is not granted.
- People who have any form of social security or who are working as insured employees are not eligible.
- Individuals covered under BAĞ-KUR (4C) are not eligible.
What Is the Income Test Form and How Is It Filled Out?
The income test application requires completing an income form. Some information on the form must be verified by the relevant institutions. Important points and the information required on the income test form include:
- First, personal information about the applicant must be provided: name, surname, mother’s name, place and date of birth, nationality, marital status, spouse’s identity details if applicable, and address.
- Personal details for the applicant and family members should be listed: who lives in the household, ages, gender, sources of livelihood, disability status, social security status, any chronic illnesses in the family, housing situation, and reason for application.
- The form must specify which types of assistance the applicant seeks, such as family support (housing, food assistance), education aid (dormitory or stationery expenses), disability assistance, or health-related support (treatment, medications).
- The applicant’s name, surname, date and signature must be added to the form.
After completing the form, the application is finalized by submitting it to the appropriate offices and obtaining necessary approvals. A social security check is performed first; the social security statuses of the applicant and spouse (if married) are explored. The individuals the applicant is responsible for are also investigated and relevant details must be provided.
What Is an Income Test?
An income test is carried out by people without social security. Its purpose is to determine who will pay premiums for General Health Insurance for the applicant and their household. The income test establishes whether premium payments are required and the amount to be paid.
By completing the income test, it may be possible to benefit from General Health Insurance without paying any premiums. Individuals with no GSS should apply at the local Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations (Sosyal Yardımlaşma ve Dayanışma Vakıfları) to complete income test procedures.
How to Apply for the Income Test
Applicants should note that income tests are not performed at the Social Security Institution office. Income test applications are handled by the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations within district governorates and provincial governorates. Applicants must visit the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation in their place of residence and submit the required documents for Green Card application.
Required documents for the income test include:
- The fully completed income test form
- Original and photocopy of the applicant’s ID card
- Two passport-size photographs
After providing the requested documents, applicants will have officially submitted their income test application.
How Is Income Assessed and Which Incomes Are Counted?
Income assessment for the test does not consider only the applicant’s income. The total income of household members living together is also taken into account. The incomes considered include those of:
- Spouses,
- Unmarried children,
- Grandparents and other household members.
The total household income is divided by the number of people living in the home to determine per-person income. The primary purpose of the test is to find the per-person income in the household; therefore family expenditures as well as movable and immovable assets are evaluated. Items included when calculating family income are:
- The household’s total monthly identified income.
- For those living in their own home or in another’s home without paying rent, one 240th of the home’s assessed value.
- For each additional owned home, one 240th of its assessed value.
- Total rental income for those who rent properties.
- For each immovable property such as shops, fields or land, one 240th of the assessed value is counted.
- For commercial or passenger vehicles, one 120th of the vehicle’s assessed value is counted.
- The identified monthly income from ownership of livestock.
- Twice the interest rate earned on bank deposit accounts is counted for deposit income.
- Monthly averages of any regular aid, scholarships, or other income payments.
Household expenditures considered in income determination include:
- Clothing and food expenses
- Rent and education expenses
- Health expenses
Expenses such as tobacco, transportation, and other regular costs are treated as part of overall household expenditures, and monthly averages of these expenses are calculated during the assessment.