Bağ-Kur is a social security system designed for those who cannot work in the public or private sector, enabling them to qualify for retirement in the future. Within this system, premiums are not paid through Emekli Sandığı or SSK; instead, individuals receive health and pension benefits through Bağ-Kur. By paying contributions to Bağ-Kur, you can become eligible for a Bağ-Kur pension and receive retirement payments.
One important purpose of insurance is to protect citizens’ social rights, ensure access to health services, and provide social security. Systems differ between countries and vary according to each country’s level of development. Rights acquired during insured periods can continue into old age or retirement, allowing people to use those benefits after they retire.
Salaries may be increased, but they can also be subject to deductions for various reasons. There are several ways to check Bağ-Kur pension deductions.
From 1999, the Social Security Support Contribution (Sosyal Güvenlik Destek Primi, SGDP) was introduced for Bağ-Kur insured individuals who continued to work after retirement. This contribution was collected as a deduction from the monthly pensions of insured people.
If a person receiving a Bağ-Kur retirement or old-age pension returns to work in public-sector jobs, certain deductions are applied to their pension under the Bağ-Kur deduction rules. From April 1, 1994, pensions were subject to a 1% Bağ-Kur deduction. After April 17, 2012, new regulations changed the deduction rules. For those engaged in agricultural activities, necessary deductions were applied to the purchase prices of products. Recently, announcements from the government indicated that these deductions would no longer apply. The 10% Social Security Support Contribution withheld from the monthly payments of retirees who continued to work was abolished, which brought relief to many retired citizens who had experienced deductions. Processes to refund those deductions began, and because the refunds are handled automatically by the government, affected individuals do not need to submit a separate application.
The decision to stop these deductions came into effect on February 10, 2016, bringing relief to working retirees. According to the decision, deductions for those employed under an employment contract (SSK), self-employed individuals working on their own account, Emekli Sandığı beneficiaries, public servants receiving old-age or retirement pensions, and tradespeople who had deductions because they worked as craftsmen were halted from that date, and refunds for Emekli Sandığı beneficiaries were issued.
How Can I Check My Bağ-Kur Pension Deductions?
You can now check Bağ-Kur pension deductions online. The e-Devlet (e-Government) platform provided by the state is very useful for this purpose. In a short time and without visiting any government office, you can access many services and learn the information you need on this platform.
To check Bağ-Kur deductions, you first need an e-Devlet password. You can obtain this password from any PTT branch for a small fee. Once you have the password, log in to the official e-Devlet website using your Turkish ID number and password. In addition to the e-Devlet password, you can also access the system with mobile signature, electronic signature, the Turkish ID card, or internet banking credentials.
After logging into e-Devlet, it is easy to learn about the Bağ-Kur deductions from your pension. From the E-services section, click on the “Retirement pension deductions” (Emekli aylığı kesintisi) tab to view your Bağ-Kur pension deduction details.