Those who do not work in any job—particularly homemakers—can obtain the right to retire by paying voluntary insurance premiums. There is considerable interest in whether people receiving widow’s or orphan’s pensions can also become eligible for retirement through voluntary insurance.
Possibility of Retirement Through Voluntary Insurance
People who are not employed can secure retirement rights by paying voluntary insurance premiums. Those with incomplete insured working periods may fill the missing premium days through voluntary insurance. According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data, there are 61,507,000 people aged 15 and over in Turkey, of whom 31,117,000 are women. Only about 9 million of them are employed, meaning roughly one in three women participates in the labor force.
This situation creates notable retirement-related challenges for women. For this reason, voluntary insurance is especially important. Homemakers, those working fewer than 30 days per month, or people whose premium days are inadequate for retirement for other reasons can benefit significantly by enrolling in voluntary insurance. Before 2008, voluntary insurance was accepted under the status in which the person had previously worked—SSK, Bağ-Kur, or Emekli Sandığı. After the 2008 reform, voluntary insurance is provided only under 4B, meaning Bağ-Kur coverage.
Those who paid voluntary insurance premiums under 4A previously enjoyed higher pension amounts and earlier retirement ages. Because voluntary insurance now falls under 4B, conditions are relatively more demanding: higher premium payments and a later retirement age. Nevertheless, voluntary insurance remains the primary route for non-working individuals to qualify for a pension. Premium days accumulated through voluntary insurance are also counted if the person later enters the workforce.
Who Can Enroll in Voluntary Insurance?
Certain conditions must be met to enroll in voluntary insurance. Applicants must be citizens of the Republic of Turkey and reside in the country. Those who are employed but work fewer than 30 days per month or who do not work full time may also register for voluntary insurance.
The voluntary insurance premium amount can be chosen within limits by the insured. Premiums are paid at a rate of 32 percent on a base between the gross minimum wage and up to 7.5 times that amount. The law sets minimum and maximum premium bases; therefore, the payable premium is presented as a minimum or maximum amount within those limits. Paying higher premiums results in a higher pension upon retirement.
Can Recipients of Widow’s or Orphan’s Pensions Enroll in Voluntary Insurance?
Recipients of widow’s and orphan’s pensions can enroll in voluntary insurance and pursue a pension in that framework. To take out voluntary insurance, one must not be receiving a disability pension or an old-age pension due to their own insurance record. However, individuals who receive a widow’s or orphan’s pension because of a deceased spouse or parent may enroll in voluntary insurance. For example, a woman receiving a widow’s or orphan’s pension can also pay voluntary insurance premiums. This option offers a significant advantage for those in such circumstances.
Another opportunity for women is the option for homemakers engaged in home production—such as making towels, lace, sheets, socks, rugs, or kilims—to register as voluntary insured at lower premium levels and thereby find a more affordable path to retirement. In these cases, tax and premium assessments are set at reduced levels, making retirement more accessible for small-scale home producers.