Applications for funeral allowance can be made via e-Government through the Social Security Institution (SGK) service page titled “Death Benefit and Widow/Orphan Pension Request”. The funeral allowance, provided by SGK to help cover funeral expenses of a deceased insured person, is granted under specific legal conditions.
There are important details to follow in order to determine eligibility and complete the application correctly. In this article we explain the e-Government funeral allowance application process and the eligibility requirements so that entitled parties can access the benefit by following the proper steps.
What Are the Application Requirements for Funeral Allowance?
Eligibility criteria for the funeral allowance are set by law. To benefit from the funeral allowance, certain conditions must be met and the death must fall within the situations defined in legislation.
The main application requirements are as follows:
- The application must be submitted by persons who are recognized as beneficiaries.
- The deceased insured must have had at least 360 days (one year) of coverage under death insurance, disability premium, or old-age insurance.
- If the deceased was receiving an old-age pension, permanent incapacity income, or disability pension, beneficiaries may still be eligible for the funeral allowance after the insured’s death.
- The death must be due to a work accident or an occupational disease in the cases where that condition is required.
Who Can Receive the Funeral Allowance?
The funeral allowance is paid to the close relatives of the insured, following a priority order. It is a one-time payment intended to assist with funeral expenses. The priority list of those eligible to receive the allowance is detailed below:
- The deceased insured’s spouse is first in the priority order for the funeral allowance.
- If the insured had been divorced at the time of death, the children of the deceased may claim the funeral allowance.
What Documents Are Required for the Funeral Allowance Application?
Required documents vary depending on the application method. For in-person applications at SGK Provincial Directorates, beneficiaries should bring the following documents:
- Turkish ID card (T.C. identity document)
- Death certificate
- Funeral allowance application form
How Is the Funeral Allowance Applied For?
Applications can be made at SGK Provincial Directorates or through e-Government. For in-person applications, beneficiaries can obtain and complete the application form from their local mukhtar’s office and submit it together with their ID to the SGK Provincial Directorate.
If the death has not yet been registered in the civil registry, the death certificate must also be presented. With the death certificate, ID card, and application form, beneficiaries can complete the application in person at the SGK Provincial Directorate.
For e-Government applications, the SGK service page is used. Instructions for the relevant service and application link are described in the following section.
How to Apply for Funeral Allowance via e-Government?
Applications via e-Government are made using the applicant’s T.C. identity number and e-Government password. Beneficiaries must obtain an e-Government password before applying; this password can be obtained from any PTT branch for a small fee. After obtaining the password, applications are completed at the official e-Government portal by logging in and accessing the SGK service page.
The steps to apply for the funeral allowance via e-Government are generally as follows:
- Access the “Death Benefit and Widow/Orphan Pension Request” service to reach the application page.
- On the service page click the “Verify My Identity Now” button.
- On the e-Government login screen enter your T.C. Identity Number and e-Government password and click “Log In”.
- Select “Death Benefit Request” on the SGK page and click “Continue”.
- Enter the deceased insured’s T.C. identity number and click “Apply”.
- After completing these steps, follow the displayed transaction result to confirm that your application has been submitted.
How Much Was the Funeral Allowance in 2022?
The funeral allowance amount was increased for the new year. With the latest adjustment, the allowance was set at 1,250 TL. The amount is updated annually based on inflation data from the national statistics institute. For those insured under SSK and BAĞ-KUR the funeral allowance is paid at the stated rate, while in the case of deceased persons covered by the Civil Servants’ Pension Fund, beneficiaries receive a different funeral payment; for that insurance scheme the amount was 4,473.62 TL.
When the deceased was insured under the Civil Servants’ Pension Fund, applications for the funeral payment are made to the employer institution. The deceased’s relatives should apply to the institution’s human resources or accounting department with the documents requested by that institution.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for the Funeral Allowance?
A statute of limitations applies to the one-time funeral allowance paid by SGK. There is a five-year limitation period. If no application is made within five years, the right to the allowance expires and relatives cannot receive this payment. For this reason, applications should be submitted as soon as possible so funeral expenses can be covered in time.
Who Is Not Eligible for the Funeral Allowance?
Certain exclusions apply based on maintenance obligations. If the deceased person was legally responsible for the care of the applicant, that applicant may not be eligible for the funeral payment. Another exception concerns those receiving widow or orphan pensions from the Civil Servants’ Pension Fund; relatives in that case cannot apply for the SGK funeral allowance.
When Does SGK Pay the Funeral Allowance?
SGK payments for the funeral allowance are usually completed within about 2 to 3 months. Processing times can vary depending on application volume. To confirm whether a payment has been made, beneficiaries can use funeral allowance inquiry services to check the current status.
Payments are typically made through Ziraat Bank. If an applicant provides an IBAN for a different bank account during the in-person application process at an SGK Provincial Directorate, the payment can be transferred to that account instead of Ziraat Bank, and will be completed within three months at the latest.
How to Check the Funeral Allowance Status?
You can check the status of the funeral allowance either at the bank that handles the payment or via e-Government. If the payment has not been transferred to SGK, funds are deposited to Ziraat Bank by default. Beneficiaries can visit any Ziraat Bank branch with their ID to inquire whether a payment has been made in their name.
The e-Government query service that shows SGK payments also applies to funeral allowance follow-up. To track a submitted e-Government funeral allowance application, follow these steps:
- Open the “Individual Payments Inquiry” service page in your browser.
- Click the “Verify My Identity Now” button to reach the e-Government login screen.
- Log in with your T.C. identity number and e-Government password to complete identity verification.
- After verification you will be taken to the query result page where you can view the application reference number, the institution where the payment was made, and the payment amount.
- If the query shows the payment as completed, go to the bank where the payment was made with your ID to collect the funds.