Military service repayment (askerlik borçlanması) can positively affect the retirement date. Three main factors determine retirement eligibility: total insured days, the start date of insurance, and the age limit. In Turkey, military service repayment has become an important option for aligning personal records with retirement requirements. The core criteria used to determine retirement are:
- Number of insured (premium) days,
- Insurance start date,
- Age threshold.
One key condition for military service repayment is that the person must have been insured before the period of military service. By moving the insurance start date backward, military service repayment can bring the retirement date forward by as much as two years.
How Does Military Service Repayment Enable Retirement?
Military service repayment provides the opportunity to retire earlier. Today, retirement eligibility can be calculated online using the e-Devlet system. When the repayment is paid, the expected retirement date can be recalculated through e-Devlet. Retirement eligibility depends on insurance duration, premium days and age. For example, if only 90 premium days remain, making an askerlik borçlanması for 90 days can enable early retirement.
How to Apply for Military Service Repayment Online?
Applications for military service repayment can be submitted online. The process follows a number of steps through the e-Devlet platform, which requires identity verification. Military service repayment applications can be made under 4A and 4B insurance categories.
Steps to apply for 4A military service repayment:
- On the e-Devlet site, use the search box and enter “Askerlik Borçlanması”.
- From the results, select the 4A military service repayment application.
- When prompted for identity verification, enter your e-Devlet password. If you do not have an e-Devlet password, you can use alternative authentication methods to access the system.
- After verification, the screen for the military service repayment application will open.
- Complete the form accurately and fully, then follow the subsequent steps to submit your application.
If applying under 4B, follow these steps:
- Search “Askerlik Borçlanması” on the e-Devlet site.
- Select the 4B military service repayment application from the results.
- Enter your e-Devlet password on the identity verification page or use an alternative verification method if you do not have a password.
- After verification, the relevant application screen will appear.
- Fill out the repayment form completely and accurately, then follow the remaining steps to complete the application.
By following the steps above, applicants under either 4A or 4B can complete their military service repayment application and potentially move their retirement date earlier.
What Conditions Must Be Met to Make a Military Service Repayment?
Certain conditions set by the Social Security Institution (SGK) must be met to qualify for military service repayment. The main eligibility rules include:
- Individuals covered by the Law No. 5510 under 4A (SSK), 4B (Bağ-Kur) or 4C (Civil Servants’) schemes, all male insured workers under the law, and voluntary insurance payers can apply for military service repayment.
- The insurance branch through which repayment is made depends on the applicant’s current affiliation: 4A-affiliated applicants repay under 4A, 4B under 4B, and 4C under 4C.
- Those who have completed the compulsory insurance period and who continue to pay voluntary insurance premiums may also apply; after repayment, retirement might be possible only through Bağ-Kur depending on individual circumstances.
- If an applicant is granted the right to repay military service, the debt must be paid within one month; otherwise the repayment approval is canceled.
- If the full amount cannot be paid within one month, a partial payment is accepted and the corresponding number of premium days is credited for that portion. To cover the remaining amount later, a new application must be submitted.
- Periods served as a private, non-commissioned officer, or time spent at reserve officer school are eligible for repayment.
- In case of the insured person’s death, entitled heirs can also apply for the repayment on their behalf.
When these conditions are satisfied, military service repayment can be completed and retirement dates may be brought forward.
What Documents Are Required for the Military Service Repayment Application?
Applications can be made online and also in person at Social Security Institution (SGK) provincial directorates. The typical documents required for an application are:
- Photocopy of the national ID card,
- Military service repayment certificate (can be obtained from SGK provincial directorates or online),
- Application form from the relevant military recruitment office.
After preparing these documents, submit them to the appropriate department at the SGK provincial directorate to complete the application.
How Are Military Service Repayment Calculations Performed?
The calculation for military service repayment is based on 32% of the earnings subject to premiums. The calculated amount must be paid within one month of application approval; otherwise the repayment cannot be processed and the days without premium payment remain excluded.
Applicants can choose how many days to repay according to their needs. Because repayment is flexible, individuals who meet the eligibility criteria may repay for the full length of their military service or for a smaller number of days if they prefer.
Can Those Who Already Had Premiums Paid During Military Service Benefit from Repayment?
To be eligible for military service repayment, there must not have been premium payments recorded on behalf of the person during the actual military service period. For SSK-insured workers, employers do not pay premiums during the employee’s military service; if premiums are found to have been paid, SGK will cancel those payments because there is no actual work performed. Therefore, it is incorrect for a worker on military service to be shown as insured by an employer during that time.
However, Bağ-Kur contributors may be able to continue paying premiums during military service in some cases, since self-employed contributors are not always required to be physically present at their workplace. For SSK-insured workers, premium payments during military service are not permitted, and repayment is required to account for that period. Using military service repayment, applicants can move their retirement date earlier.