How is the death (widow and orphan) pension divided? This question is one of the most searched topics by people who have lost a loved one. Under Turkey’s SGK (Social Security Institution) regulations, a deceased insured person’s survivors are entitled to receive a death pension at specified rates. How this pension is divided varies depending on whether the deceased left a spouse, children, parents or other eligible beneficiaries.
What Is a Death Pension?
A death pension is a monthly benefit paid when an insured person dies to the surviving spouse, children and, under certain conditions, the parents. Commonly this pension is referred to as the widow’s pension and the orphan’s pension.
- Widow’s pension → Paid to the surviving spouse.
- Orphan’s pension → Paid to the deceased’s children.
- Parents’ pension → Under some conditions, parents of the deceased insured person may also receive a pension.
Eligibility Conditions for Death Pension
- The deceased must have been insured under SGK.
- The deceased must have a sufficient number of premium contribution days.
- Survivors must meet the legal eligibility requirements.
Who Can Receive Widow and Orphan Pensions?
According to SGK rules, death pension can be granted to the following persons:
- The spouse (as widow’s/widower’s pension)
- Children (as orphan’s pension)
- Parents (under specific conditions)
Widow’s/Widower’s Pension for the Spouse
- A surviving spouse receives the widow’s pension as long as they do not remarry.
- If the surviving spouse remarries, the pension is stopped.
- If the surviving spouse later divorces, the pension entitlement can be reinstated.
Orphan’s Pension for Children
- All children under 18 receive a pension.
- Children over 18 who are university students can receive support up to age 25; high school students up to age 20.
- Daughters can receive an orphan’s pension indefinitely as long as they do not marry and are not employed.
- Sons lose pension entitlement once they exceed the applicable age limits.
Pension for Parents
- If there is no spouse or children, the parents may receive a pension in certain proportions.
- Parents’ own income must be low for them to qualify.
How Is the Death (Widow and Orphan) Pension Divided?
The distribution of the pension depends on which survivors the deceased has left behind. SGK sets these shares according to specific percentages.
Widow and Orphan Pension Share Rates
| Beneficiary | Share of Pension (from the retirement pay) |
|---|---|
| Only spouse | 75% |
| Spouse + 1 child | Spouse 50%, Child 25% |
| Spouse + 2 children | Spouse 50%, Children 25% each |
| Spouse + 3 or more children | Spouse 50%, Children share the remaining amount equally |
| Only 1 child | 50% |
| 2 children | 25% + 25% |
| 3 or more children | 25% each |
| Parents (if entitled) | 25% each |
Example Calculations
Example 1: Deceased with a Spouse and One Child
- Total pension: 12,000 TL
- Spouse’s share: 50% → 6,000 TL
- Child’s share: 25% → 3,000 TL
Example 2: Deceased with a Spouse and Three Children
- Total pension: 15,000 TL
- Spouse’s share: 50% → 7,500 TL
- Each child’s share: approximately 16.6% → 2,500 TL each
Example 3: Deceased with Only One Daughter
- Total pension: 10,000 TL
- Daughter (single beneficiary) share: 50% → 5,000 TL
Special Cases in Widow and Orphan Pensions
1- Remarriage
- If a widow/widower receiving a pension remarries, the pension is stopped.
- If the marriage ends in divorce, the widow’s/widower’s pension can be reinstated.
2- Starting Work
- Daughters receiving orphan’s pension who start employed, insured work will have their pension stopped.
- Sons’ pensions end when they pass the relevant age limit.
3- Right to Receive Two Pensions
- It may be possible to receive pensions from both parents.
- A child can choose the larger pension if multiple options are available.
- In some situations, a person may receive a widow’s pension from a spouse and an orphan’s pension from parents simultaneously.
Is It Possible to Receive Two Pensions at the Same Time?
Under SGK rules, there are cases where a person can receive two pensions simultaneously:
- Orphan’s pension via parents + widow’s pension via spouse.
- A working insured spouse’s widow’s pension + a civil servant parent’s orphan’s pension.
- Receiving pensions from both mother and father is possible in some cases, especially for daughters.
How to Apply for Widow and Orphan Pension
- You can apply online through e-Devlet.
- Applications can be submitted with a petition to local SGK provincial or district directorates.
- Required documents: family registry extract, death certificate, petition requesting the pension.
After Applying
- The review process typically takes about 1–2 months.
- Pensions can be paid retroactively from the date of entitlement.
Bank Choice When Receiving Widow and Orphan Pension
Like retirement payments, widow and orphan pension payments are deposited into banks. Beneficiaries can choose the bank they prefer. Banks may also offer promotional payments.
Pension Payment Days
Payment dates are determined by the last digit of the pension allocation number.
| Last Digit of Allocation Number | Payment Day (Each Month) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 17th |
| 1 | 18th |
| 2 | 19th |
| 3 | 20th |
| 4 | 21st |
| 5 | 22nd |
| 6 | 23rd |
| 7 | 24th |
| 8 | 25th |
| 9 | 26th |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are widow and orphan pension rates determined?
SGK determines the rates between 25% and 75% depending on the number of eligible beneficiaries.
2. What happens if a person receiving a widow’s pension gets married?
If they marry, the widow’s pension is stopped; if they later divorce, it can be reconnected.
3. Can daughters receive orphan’s pension indefinitely?
Yes, daughters can receive it indefinitely provided they do not marry and are not employed.
4. Is it possible to receive two pensions at once?
Yes, in certain situations both a widow’s pension from a spouse and an orphan’s pension from parents can be received.
5. Can parents receive a death pension?
Yes. If there is no spouse or children and parents’ incomes are low, each parent may receive a 25% share.