Determination of Disability and Invalidity for insured persons under schemes 4A and 4B is carried out according to the Regulation on Determination of Working Capacity and Loss of Earning Capacity in the Profession. For insured persons under scheme 4C, invalidity determinations are made according to the relevant regulations of the public institution where they are employed.
When assessing disability and invalidity, the disabled individual does not incur a cost; the Social Security Center Directorate issues a medical report from the hospital they refer the person to. The decision based on that report can be learned from the Social Security Center Directorate where the application was submitted.
What Are the Application Requirements for Disability Pension?
The conditions a person must meet to qualify for a disability pension are as follows:
- They must have been insured for at least 10 years.
- They must have paid at least 1,800 premium days in long-term insurance branches.
- If the person is found to be continuously dependent on another person for care, the 10-year insurance requirement is waived; however, the 1,800 premium days must still be met.
- If the applicant had the disability at the time they first entered employment, that condition is not counted by the institution for disability pension eligibility. In such cases the person may be considered only under early retirement rules for old-age insurance.
Who Conducts the Disability and Invalidity Determination?
The determination is made by a medical board authorized by the institution. The degree of invalidity is established by evaluating the loss of working capacity, loss of earning capacity in the profession, premature aging, and similar conditions.
Physicians and dentists who are appointed to the medical board participate in the assessment. The reports and medical documents prepared by these medical boards are evaluated according to the institution’s regulations.
After evaluation, the board may reach one of three decisions: the person is declared disabled, the person is declared not disabled, or an interim decision is issued.
Where to Apply for Disability Pension?
Applications for disability pension can be submitted in writing to the Provincial Directorate of Social Security or the nearest Social Security Center to which the insured person is affiliated. After the written application, the person is referred to a hospital for the disability and invalidity assessment.
After the medical board at the authorized institution completes the necessary examinations, it decides whether the insured person meets the conditions for disability.
What Is an Interim Decision in Disability Determination?
If the medical board report or the application file lacks required documents or information, the missing medical information and documents must be provided.
Because a complete file allows for a correct evaluation, an interim decision is issued in such cases and the board waits for the deficiencies to be completed.
Why Are Follow-up Examinations Performed for Those Determined as Disabled?
Individuals who have been determined disabled by the institution and who receive a disability pension may be called for follow-up examinations. If the institution determines a follow-up is necessary, the person is notified of that decision.
A date is given for the follow-up examination. The individual should apply to the relevant unit of their affiliated institution before that date.
Situations that may trigger a follow-up examination include:
- The institution requests a follow-up as part of an investigation it conducts.
- A follow-up is required due to the institution’s decision regarding the person’s disability.
- If the disability recipient reports an increase in disability, becomes continuously dependent on another person for care, or similar changes occur, the institution may order a follow-up examination.
- If a complaint or allegation is made about the disabled person, a follow-up examination may be requested.
Can You Appeal a Disability Determination?
An appeal against a disability determination can be made by submitting a petition to the Provincial Social Security Directorates. The Social Insurance High Health Board considers such appeals. This board operates independently and its decision on the appeal is final. It reaches a conclusion after reviewing all medical board reports and medical documents.
Those seeking information about the appeal process can request details from their affiliated Social Security Center Directorate.
Where Can I Check the Medical Board Report for Disability Retirement?
You can inquire through the national e-government portal using your e-government credentials and via the Social Security Institution’s systems.
What Are the Conditions for Retirement with 40% Disability?
The conditions include 18 years of insured service and at least 4,100 premium days.
What Is the Minimum Disability Percentage for Disability Retirement?
After disability determination, the disability rate must be at least 40% to qualify for disability retirement.