The Social Insurance Institution, abbreviated as SSK, was a social security agency operating under the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Labor and Social Security. In 2006, with the enactment of the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law, responsibilities previously held by SSK were transferred to the newly formed Social Security Institution (SGK). The Social Insurance Institution was established to prevent low-income individuals from becoming dependent on others by providing social security coverage.
What Are the Duties of the Social Insurance Institution?
The Social Insurance Institution had several duties designed to prevent hardship for individuals. Its primary goal was to establish and maintain a social security system in Turkey that ensured equal, principled, and easy access to social insurance services and that complied with international standards. The institution’s duties were defined by law through the responsible ministry and included the following:
- Implement social security policies in line with national development plans and government priorities, carry out studies to continuously improve those policies, and ensure their sustainability.
- Inform real and legal persons about the rights and obligations established by applicable laws; ensure that beneficiaries and obligated parties can exercise their rights and fulfill their responsibilities.
- Monitor international developments and innovations in social security, cooperate with the European Union and international organizations as needed, and implement provisions of bilateral and multilateral agreements on social security with other countries.
- Support and coordinate interagency cooperation for new social security initiatives determined by the state, ensuring agencies act jointly when required.
- Perform any other tasks assigned to the institution by relevant laws and regulations.
How Long Does SSK Coverage Remain Valid After Leaving a Job?
The social insurance system in Turkey was designed to prevent citizens from suffering health or income-related hardship. While you are employed, your employer pays your insurance premiums and you can access contracted hospitals and other health services. When you leave a job, questions often arise about how long the previously paid premiums continue to provide coverage.
If, during the last year before leaving employment, you have had 90 days or more of insured work with premiums paid, you are entitled to use outpatient care, pharmacies and other health services for up to 100 days after leaving that job. If your employer paid premiums for less than 90 days in the last year, you remain eligible to receive services for 10 days after termination. If you start a new job on or after the 11th day following termination, your new employer must begin paying premiums again for your coverage to continue through the new employment.
These provisions are intended to provide a short-term safety net while workers transition between jobs, but longer or different coverage rules may apply under specific circumstances or subsequent legislation administered by the Social Security Institution (SGK).