BAĞKUR (4/b) is one of Turkey’s social security schemes, covering primarily tradespeople and farmers as well as certain other professions. Members of this scheme are responsible for paying their own contributions. While some pay regularly, others fall behind.
When contributions are not paid on time, debts accumulate and are increased by delay penalties and interest. This can make the debt significantly larger and more difficult to repay. To address this, the government introduced a restructuring arrangement for BAĞKUR debts, allowing eligible debtors to reorganize their obligations.
This restructuring was published in the Official Gazette on May 27 and entered into force. Following the enactment, those wishing to restructure their debts began to download and complete the BAĞKUR restructuring application form.
Download the BAĞKUR Restructuring Application Form and Submitting the Form
Download the BAĞKUR restructuring application form became a common step after applications opened. Once the form is properly completed, it must be delivered to a Social Security Center.
Accepted submission methods include:
- Hand delivery of the completed form to the relevant office.
- Postal submission. If the form is sent by registered mail with return receipt or by registered delivery to the Social Security Center, the sending date is accepted as the application date. This protects applicants from delays caused by postal issues.
- Shipping the completed form by courier.
After downloading and filling out the BAĞKUR restructuring application form, applicants who deliver the form to the designated office complete their application. A frequent question after applying is how the relevant law will operate in practice.
The restructuring under Law No. 7020 provides the following:
- BAĞKUR contribution debts arising before the March 2017 period can be restructured.
- Delay penalties and interest accrued in addition to the principal debt are entirely waived under the restructuring.
- The principal debt is recalculated according to inflation adjustments.
- Periods from the April 2017 term onward are not eligible for this restructuring.
Additional Notes on the BAĞKUR Restructuring Application Form
One common question about downloading the BAĞKUR restructuring application form concerns those who previously arranged installment payments under other provisions. Under Article 48 of Law No. 6183, individuals who previously agreed installment plans may also qualify for the new restructuring, but their existing installment arrangement must first be suspended.
Applicants who are converting an existing installment plan must mark the relevant section on the form. After restructuring is approved, debts must be paid regularly according to the specified schedule and intervals.
To keep the restructuring in effect, it is essential to pay at least the first two installments on time. Failure to meet this requirement will void the restructuring. Another important point is that any new, ongoing BAĞKUR contribution obligations that arise after restructuring must also be paid on time; otherwise, the restructuring may be canceled. Applicants should take care to pay both restructuring installments and current BAĞKUR contributions punctually.
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Another important point for applicants is whether those who benefited from previous restructurings can apply again. If a debt was already restructured under earlier laws, that person is not eligible for the new restructuring. This restriction is clearly stated in the relevant article of Law No. 7020, so individuals in this situation should avoid submitting an application that will be rejected. Reading the specific law provisions before applying is advisable.
Under the law, applicants must choose one of the offered payment options and adhere to the agreed schedule. Timely payments are crucial: failing to pay on time can result in the restructuring being canceled. After restructuring is approved, there are several payment channels available.
The first option is PTT branches, where those who restructured their contribution debts can make payments in person. Payments can also be made through all contracted banks and their ATMs by following the payment menu instructions. Internet and mobile banking services of the contracted banks are also available for these payments; users should follow the on-screen guidance to complete transactions.
Finally, restructuring payments can be made via the national e-government (e-devlet) portal using a credit card. To do this, sign in to e-devlet, navigate to the Social Security Institution services, and follow the appropriate steps to complete the payment. The e-devlet portal also provides details about the restructuring agreement.
Downloading the BAĞKUR restructuring application form and completing the restructuring process follow the steps outlined above. It is important for applicants to monitor payments carefully and meet deadlines to maintain the restructuring. For more information, please consult official resources or the relevant social security offices.