In our country, there are many workers who do not have any social security. Unfortunately, a large portion of these citizens also have very low incomes. Under the Republic of Turkey’s law enacted pursuant to Article 3816 of the Constitution, a program was launched to provide free healthcare to citizens who have no social security and whose monthly income is roughly less than one-third of the minimum wage. However, the General Health Insurance (GSS) system introduced nationwide has led to plans to discontinue the Green Card program. To reassure Green Card holders, the state has stated that their premiums will continue to be covered by the government and that the benefits previously provided under the Green Card will remain available free of charge. In this article we will address the topic: what to do if a Green Card application is denied and how to appeal.
The Green Card program, which provides state-funded healthcare to low-income citizens, has enabled many people to receive medical services without charge, strengthening social solidarity and public assistance efforts. The Green Card has been a vital resource for many families, allowing not only the cardholder but also dependents—spouse and children—to access free healthcare. All family members covered by the Green Card can receive examinations and treatment at public hospitals and other healthcare institutions without fees, and they can obtain medications from pharmacies at no cost.
Holding a Green Card also means coverage under general health insurance. It provides access to services offered by institutions such as SGK and Bağ-Kur. The question “Green Card not issued, how to appeal” falls within this scope.
The Green Card program aims to ensure that vulnerable people without social security can obtain treatment at state hospitals when they cannot afford private care, reflecting the principles of a social state. Therefore, the primary eligibility requirements for a Green Card are Turkish citizenship and residence in Turkey.
Besides those with limited financial means, certain individuals who normally have social security—such as university students, military personnel, or people temporarily unable to access their social security for other reasons—may also qualify for Green Card benefits under specific conditions. Each case may require different documentation, so individual assessment is necessary. It is useful to be aware of this before proceeding to the section on appealing a denied Green Card application.
Required Documents for Green Card Application
- Certified family registry (vukuatlı nüfus kayıt örneği),
- Three passport photos taken within the last six months,
- Green Card application form,
- Investigation letters from relevant institutions such as Title Deed Registry, Tax Office, Police Department, SSK and Bağ-Kur records, and the Municipality.
How to Appeal If Our Application Is Rejected
From the date your application result is announced, you have fifteen days to submit an appeal. You must submit your appeal in writing to the foundation or institution that performed the income assessment. The appeal will be reviewed by a committee and a decision will be issued within fifteen days from the date the appeal is recorded by the foundation or institution; the decision will be communicated to you or to SGK. If necessary, the committee reviewing your appeal may instruct the foundation’s or institution’s staff to conduct additional investigations before making a final decision.
If you face a rejection, you can initiate the appeals process by submitting a written petition to the social assistance institution where you applied. This will trigger an official review of your income test result. Your petition will be evaluated, and in most cases a second income assessment will be ordered. At this stage, gather and organize all documents and evidence that clarify your financial situation, and identify any factors that might affect the accuracy of the initial income assessment so your appeal can proceed smoothly. It is also advisable to recheck whether your circumstances meet the Green Card eligibility criteria before or during the appeal process.