Supported by municipalities as well as Social Solidarity and Assistance Foundations, baby formula and diaper assistance is provided to citizens whose income does not meet minimum subsistence needs. In addition to cash assistance processed through public institutions and agencies, families may receive:
- Newborn support package
- Baby cradle
- Diapers
- Infant formula and other essential supplies delivered quickly
These support packages are provided by the state and state-affiliated institutions to protect citizens’ social rights and to offer equal opportunities for newborns, helping ensure a basic standard of living.
How to Receive Formula and Diaper Assistance
The Ministry of Family and Social Services accepts applications for diaper and formula assistance for families in need. Applicants can complete the process in person at the relevant units located in the district governorate (kaymakamlık) buildings of their province of residence.
- The support package is provided for a period of two years for eligible families.
- While the cash support is deposited to the applicant’s bank account,
- The baby support package tracked by Social Solidarity and Assistance Foundations is delivered to the household address.
Assistance deposited to PTT branches or Ziraat Bank accounts can be withdrawn by the applicant. For 2021 the regularly paid monthly diaper and formula cash assistance was 239 TRY; support amounts are updated annually.
Where to Apply for Formula and Diaper Assistance
Application points are diversified to make it easier for citizens to access free support services.
Applications can be submitted to;
- Social Solidarity and Assistance Foundations
- Charitable associations
- Municipalities
- Social Security Institution branches
- Relevant units at district governorates (kaymakamlık)
Anyone who meets the application criteria may request support by completing the required form. While procedures may vary by province and district, prominent local employers who contribute to community welfare may also be considered application channels in some areas.
What Are the Application Requirements?
To ensure fairness among applicants in need, the authorized institutions set and update the application requirements for formula and diaper assistance as necessary.
Documents typically required in the application file include;
- Identity card and a photocopy
- The baby’s identity card and national ID number
- Income statement verified by SGK (Social Security Institution)
- Proof that the baby is alive and born after 2015
- Poverty certificate issued by the neighborhood office (muhtarlık)
- Documents proving unemployment, verified by SGK
- Rental contract for those living in rented housing
- Proof of residence address
- Full family registration record (vukuatlı nüfus kayıt örneği)
Applications are not accepted if the applicant owns a vehicle or immovable property. This support is available only to Turkish citizens.
Who Can Benefit from the Assistance?
Low-income families, the poor, and those in need can receive formula and diaper support if they meet the application requirements and submit all requested documents accurately.
- Households with a per-person monthly average income equal to one-third of the minimum wage may qualify for this support.
- Assistance is provided to families with at least one child aged 0–3 years.
- The cash assistance deposited to a PTT account can be withdrawn only by the child’s mother.
- Unemployed, non-working, and low-income families may apply for each child who falls within the eligible age range.
Applications submitted through the e-Government portal and in-person applications can both be tracked digitally.
Applying via e-Government (e-Devlet)
To apply online for “Formula and Diaper Assistance,” applicants can use the Social Assistance Application Service offered in cooperation with the Ministry of Family and Social Services on the e-Government portal. Applicants should sign in with verified identity credentials to access the service.
Before applying via e-Government, the applicant’s residence address must be up to date in the system.
- Those with an address abroad
- Anyone who has submitted a different social assistance application within the last 15 days
- Individuals with a confidentiality order for their address
- Non-Turkish citizens
- Persons under 18 cannot initiate an application; such submissions are not processed
Evaluations are made on a household basis and carried out by the Board of Trustees of the Social Solidarity and Assistance Foundation in the relevant province or district. For in-person applications, the form is supplied by the responsible unit.
Checking the Application Status
Those who want to learn the result of their formula and diaper assistance application can check the status of their aid through the e-Government portal.
When Is the Assistance Paid?
The monthly cash assistance for formula and diapers is set at 239 TRY. Payments are made regularly for two years and updated in line with changes to the minimum wage. If the mother’s PTT account is used for payments and the family moves without updating their information, payments may be suspended.
Diaper assistance is administered by the Social Security Institution (SGK). Cash support deposited to a Ziraat Bank account begins within 40 days following application approval. Applicants can withdraw approved cash assistance at bank branches by presenting their identity card.
Other Assistance for New Mothers
Additional state supports for new mothers reflect the social welfare principles of the government and include:
- Birth grant
- Nursing allowance
- Right to work half-time
- Cash benefit for work incapacity related to maternity
What is the birth grant? It is a one-time payment to Turkish citizen mothers who give birth after 2015. The amount is calculated relative to the minimum wage and updated annually.
What is the nursing allowance? Paid under SGK to the mother or, if the mother is not insured, to the father (if covered by SGK). One condition for this allowance is that at least one employed parent has a minimum of 120 days of premium payments.
What is the right to work half-time? Mothers with children under three years old are entitled to work half-time at their existing jobs.
What is the maternity-related incapacity allowance? It covers leave that a mother must take due to pregnancy. The mother must have at least 90 days of premium payment history as a condition for this benefit.
What Is the Concept of a Social State?
The core idea of a social state that values human dignity is equal opportunity. Support programs designed to strengthen social relations aim to improve citizens’ welfare. Institutions that effectively deliver these services form an integral part of a systematic support structure.
In our country, the Ministry of Family and Social Services’ Directorate General of Support Services carries out these efforts and serves as a bridge to citizens through the ALO 144 call center. In addition to receiving requests, suggestions, and complaints, the call center handles programs such as:
- Conditional education assistance
- Conditional health assistance
- Multiple birth grants
- Coal assistance
- Housing assistance
- Food assistance
- Disability pensions
- Support programs for widowed women in cooperation with related foundations
The call center operates on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00 and calls are free of charge. For citizens with hearing or speech impairments, services are provided via video call with sign-language-capable staff at the designated line. The ALO 144 call center is capable of responding to calls in multiple languages.