It is possible to be insured under both Bağ-Kur (4B) and SSK (4A) simultaneously. Until 2011, a single-status requirement applied, but changes introduced by Law No. 6111 allow concurrent payments to 4B while continuing 4A coverage, provided the earnings subject to contributions do not exceed the specified upper limit. In other words, the contribution base determined under Article 82 must not be exceeded.
For example, a person employed as a site manager under 4A at a construction firm who also establishes their own company may, if they wish, pay contributions under the 4B Bağ-Kur regime for their company. Contributions paid in this way are accounted for under the 4A framework where applicable.
Who Must Be Covered by Bağ-Kur?
Eligibility for Bağ-Kur is determined by the following conditions:
- Persons who are taxpayers of income tax on commercial or professional earnings, assessed under either actual or simplified procedures, must be covered by Bağ-Kur.
- Those registered in the tradesmen and artisans registry who are exempt from income tax are required to have Bağ-Kur coverage.
- Partners who serve on the board of joint-stock companies and general partners of limited partnerships whose capital is divided into shares are subject to Bağ-Kur.
- Individuals engaged in agricultural activities are included within the scope of Bağ-Kur.
These persons are required to have Bağ-Kur insurance. However, individuals working in SSK-covered jobs may optionally suspend their Bağ-Kur contributions and continue work under SSK. They cannot, as before, be insured at their own workplace under SSK while continuing as Bağ-Kur for that same activity, but they can become SSK-covered if they begin working at a different employer.
Can You Be Both SSK and Bağ-Kur at the Same Time?
Under Law No. 5510, a person already registered with Bağ-Kur who begins work covered by SSK must submit a written request to the institution to be recognized for dual contribution rights. Although Bağ-Kur affiliates who work as SSK employees at other workplaces can pay both contributions, this does not by itself create double pensions. In cases of workplace accidents or occupational diseases, the contributions are combined as short-term branch SSK premiums according to Article 4, paragraph 1 of the law.
SSK Retirement by Age
Early retirement based on age requires meeting specific conditions for contribution days, insured service length, and age. There are pathways to retire with 3600, 4500, or 5400 contribution days depending on the start date of insurance and completed service. For those who completed 15 years and 3600 days from their insurance start date, the age criteria are as follows:
- Those who retired between 2002 and 2005 can retire at age 56.
- Those who retired between 2005 and 2008 can retire at age 57.
- Those who retired between 2008 and 2011 can retire at age 58.
- Those who retired between 2011 and 2014 can retire at age 59.
- Those who retired after 2014 can retire at age 60.
Can Company Owners Be Insured Elsewhere?
Legislation introduced via the omnibus law made it possible for company owners to be insured elsewhere. Accordingly, a person who remains registered for tax or company partnership and who is not actively working as a partner may still begin working at a workplace and become an SSK (4A) insured from that employment start date. Under the new regulation, a person can hold 4A and 4B statuses simultaneously.
The law recognizes such individuals as insured under both 4A and 4B. Bağ-Kur affiliates who cannot access healthcare due to unpaid debts may start working as 4A insured employees at another workplace where they are neither a partner nor an owner. If they complete 30 days of employment and reactivate their 4A status, they can regain access to health services.
Can Insured Employees Start a Company?
Yes, insured employees can found companies. If someone is simultaneously a civil servant and registered with Bağ-Kur, their civil servant status is prioritized. If a person is simultaneously both SSK- and Bağ-Kur-covered through different activities, they are considered an SSK employee for the employment covered by SSK.
When insurances overlap, those whose insurance is calculated primarily under SSK must submit a written request. This allows them to pay contributions to both SSK and Bağ-Kur. If an SSK-covered worker opens their own business, their SSK coverage continues and they are not automatically required to switch to Bağ-Kur until an actual change or cessation occurs.
When Can I Retire?
Retirement age has changed multiple times in this country—eight major adjustments since 1950. Retirement eligibility depends on fulfilling required contribution periods and service years. After reaching the required quota of service years and contributions, retirement becomes possible.
Specifically:
- Individuals who retired between 2002 and 2005 could retire at age 56,
- Those who retired between 2005 and 2008 at age 57,
- Those who retired between 2008 and 2011 at age 58,
- Those who retired between 2011 and 2014 at age 59.
Can Workers and Employers Receive Pensions from Two Sources?
Yes. Owners or partners who simultaneously work as employees elsewhere can contribute both to SSK and Bağ-Kur. In such cases, contributions made to the SSK are counted under 4A. This dual contribution can accelerate eligibility for retirement. If requested, the individual can also be registered under 4B by submitting an application to the social security institution.
Are Business Owners Required to Have Bağ-Kur?
Business owners are generally covered by Bağ-Kur. Article 4/B of Law No. 5510 specifies who must be Bağ-Kur insured. Those required to pay compulsory 4B contributions include:
- Taxpayers under actual or simplified income tax procedures,
- Persons exempt from income tax but registered as tradesmen or artisans,
- Partners in collective companies,
- General and limited partners of komandit companies,
- Partners in shipowner ventures,
- Board members who are partners in joint-stock companies,
- Partners in limited liability companies,
- General partners in companies where capital is divided into shares,
- Village and neighborhood muhtars (local headmen),
- Jockeys and trainers subject to horse racing regulations,
- Persons engaged in agriculture.
Does Paying Two Contributions Affect Pension Amount?
Paying contributions to both SSK and Bağ-Kur can increase the retirement pension. When a person applies at the local social security center, their Bağ-Kur registration may be suspended; however, if they choose to continue paying contributions to both systems, they may do so simultaneously. The primary advantage is a higher eventual pension. Even if Bağ-Kur registration is suspended, there remains the possibility to resume Bağ-Kur contributions where required.